A Healthy Heart—Where to Start? – Centro de Ayuda

Whether your heart is pounding, warming, or broken, it continues to work hard, 24/7. Even while you sleep, this vital, muscular organ beats in your chest—over 100,000 times a day—pumping nutrients and oxygen-rich blood throughout the entire body.

But if damage occurs due to illness, lifestyle choices, or other factors, the heart’s function can diminish, which can lead to life-threatening complications. The good news is that some forms of heart disease are preventable and some can also be reversed. How? By giving your heart (and your whole body) the TLC it deserves.

Dr. Amanda Carmel is a Medical Director, an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine, and an Internist at Mount Sinai. With a focus on disease prevention and the promotion of health and wellbeing, she has plenty of heart health wisdom to share.

Keep reading to learn helpful facts about physical and emotional impacts on heart health, and steps you can take to try and reverse—or prevent—heart disease.

What are the symptoms of heart disease?

Some of the more typical physical symptoms of heart disease include chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, dizziness, or an irregular (or very fast) heartbeat. However, symptoms can also be more subtle and include sensations like heartburn, indigestion, or neck pain. If symptoms arise with exertion or high stress, that can also be an indicator that heart disease is present.

Are there steps people can take to prevent heart disease?

Yes! Because there are both physical and emotional impacts on heart health, there are a variety of things you can do to help keep yours beating strong.

Maintain a healthy weight and take part in moderate aerobic activity on a regular basis.
Stay away from smoking, vaping, or using other tobacco products, and refrain from excessive alcohol intake. (Curious about why you can’t say no to things you know aren’t good for you? Read about the psychology behind your health decisions here.)
Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels within a normal range. This is where stress and/or genetics can both come into play. Your physician, health coach, or mental health therapist are great resources—connect with them to discuss your unique factors and how they might impact your heart health.

How much does a family history of heart disease affect my chance of having it, too? And if I have it, will my children have it?

People with a family history—especially those who have multiple family members with heart disease, or relatives who developed heart disease at a young age—may be more at risk themselves. There are varying ideas of how to define family history, but many studies consider it to be a first-degree relative (i.e., a biological parent or sibling) prior to age 55 (males) or 65 (females). Use these guidelines to help you decide whether you or your children may be at risk.