Show Some Love to Your Heart
Right now, your heart is beating steadily in your chest, about once every second. It beats around 100,000 times every day, pumping blood to every part of your body so you can think, move, laugh, and live.
September reminds us to pay attention to our heart health, and for good reason. Heart disease affects millions of people, but taking care of your heart doesn't have to be complicated or scary. Understanding what your heart does and knowing what to watch for can help you stay healthy and catch any problems early.
Sometimes your heart can run into problems, just like any hardworking part of your body. The most common issue is when the blood vessels that feed your heart muscle become clogged.
Your body is pretty good at telling you when something isn't quite right. Chest discomfort doesn't always feel like the dramatic heart attack you see in movies; it might feel like pressure, tightness, or just an uncomfortable feeling that some people describe as an elephant sitting on their chest. Getting out of breath when doing things that used to be easy is another sign worth paying attention to. If you find yourself huffing and puffing when climbing stairs you used to take two at a time, your heart might be asking for help.
Feeling unusually tired all the time, especially if it's getting worse, can mean your heart isn't delivering enough oxygen-rich blood to your body. This isn't normal tiredness after a long day; it's exhaustion that doesn't get better with rest. Swelling in your legs or ankles that gets worse during the day might mean your heart isn't pumping blood as effectively as it should. Heart palpitations, where you can actually feel your heart racing, fluttering, or skipping beats, are also worth checking out if they happen frequently.
The wonderful thing about modern medicine is that doctors can see how your heart is working without doing anything invasive or uncomfortable. A transthoracic echocardiogram, or TTE for short, is similar to getting an ultrasound of your heart.
Your heart loves it when you move your body regularly, even a 30-minute walk most days makes your heart stronger and happier. Healthy foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish, are like premium fuel for your heart, while limiting processed foods, too much salt, and excessive sugar helps your heart work more efficiently.
Managing stress, getting enough sleep, and having regular checkups with your doctor are all gifts you can give your heart. Your doctor can check important numbers like blood pressure and cholesterol and catch any problems before they become serious. Remember, you know your body better than anyone else. If something doesn't feel right, trust that instinct. Many heart problems are most treatable when caught early, and there's no such thing as being "too careful" when it comes to your heart.