Heart Health: What You Don't Know Could Hurt You
Author: Dr. David Young
We all want to live longer, healthier lives. But here's what concerns me as a cardiologist: many of my patients are confident about their heart health without fully understanding their actual risk.
A recent Cleveland Clinic survey highlights this disconnect. Nearly one in four Americans aren’t sure whether they’re at increased risk for heart disease, even though most have at least one known risk factor, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a family history of heart disease, or a sedentary lifestyle.
Heart disease develops over decades. Many patients feel healthy while plaque gradually accumulates in their arteries. By the time symptoms appear, substantial damage may have already occurred. This is why prevention and early intervention are critical to supporting cardiovascular health throughout your lifetime.
The survey findings also highlighted positive trends. Most Americans recognize longevity isn't about expensive treatments or exclusive wellness programs. Instead, respondents prioritized staying physically active, maintaining mental sharpness, and preserving independence — all evidence-based approaches to healthy aging.
Protecting your heart health doesn't require complicated interventions. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, keeping a healthy weight, managing stress, and getting enough sleep are foundational strategies which deliver measurable cardiovascular benefits.
Even if you've gained weight recently, aren't sleeping well, or feel more stressed than you did a decade ago, it's never too late to make changes. In fact, 84% of survey respondents reported making at least one positive health improvement, from eating better to exercising more consistently.
However, significant knowledge gaps remain. Many people are unaware diabetes substantially increases heart disease risk, or that physical inactivity is a major contributing factor. Additionally, most women don't know their cardiovascular risk increases after menopause.
This American Heart Month, remember, it’s never too early — or too late — to start caring for your heart. Schedule your annual wellness exam. Know your key health metrics like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Review your family history. Then work with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized prevention plan.
Your cardiovascular health is one of the most important investments you can make in your future, and understanding your risk is the first step.
David Young, MD, is a board-certified cardiologist at Barton Health. The team at Barton Cardiology offers cardiac care at offices in South Lake Tahoe, Stateline, and Incline Village. Learn more at BartonHealth.org or by calling 530.543.5497. Barton Health is working with Cleveland Clinic Connected advisors to assess current and needed heart care for our community.
