Do you have a good reason to fear having a heart attack? For example, is there a history of heart disease in your family? Perhaps you know that your sedentary lifestyle and your diet are both threats to your heart. Maybe last time you went for an annual checkup you found that things weren't so great. Maybe you are waking up to the fact that you need to start taking better care of your body.
Whatever the scenario, here are some ideas that might help you.
Visit Your Family Doctor - How long has it been since you've gone for a checkup? Have you noticed that, as you get older, time seems to fly more rapidly? If you call your doctor's office, you might be totally surprised to find that the last time you went for a checkup was two or more years ago.
When you do get to see your doctor, be very frank with him or her. Explain that you are worried about having a heart attack. Your doctor should already have questionnaires that you filled out previously. However, up-to-date ones will need to be filled out. Those will ask you things like, "Do you smoke?" "Do you drink?" "Do you exercise?" and many more questions. Lab work also likely be ordered.
After looking over your current medical status, your doctor might just suggest some pretty major life changes. For example, if you are a smoker, the doctor will probably strongly suggest that you give that up. You might be given suggestions for a better way to eat. Your family doctor might suggest that you go to a cardiovascular doctor.
Your Cardiovascular Doctor - If your doctor referred you to a cardiovascular doctor, your family doctor is obviously concerned about the fact that you are in danger of having a heart attack. Your cardiovascular doctor will have received extra training in heart disease, and he or she will have a team that is also well-trained to help you.
Lifestyle changes will more than likely be suggested. For example, you might be told that eating a plant-based diet and more fish will be helpful. It will probably be recommended that you begin a consistent exercise regimen. In addition, your heart doctor will have the knowledge and the experience to prescribe appropriate heart prevention medications.
If you follow your cardiovascular doctor's advise religiously, you will more than likely see and feel differences in your body very soon.
For more information, contact a cardiovascular doctor.
