How can I take care of myself?
If you have coronary artery disease (the most common type of heart disease), you can improve your health by making changes to your daily life. This may include reducing your salt and saturated fat intake and increasing your physical activity. Additionally, your health care provider may recommend taking medications to lower your cholesterol and blood pressure.
When should I see a health care professional?
If you have a biological family history of heart disease, you may want to ask your health care provider if you have other risk factors. Then you can make a plan to prevent heart disease.
Contact your health care provider if you have symptoms of heart disease.
When should I go to the ER?
If you suddenly experience the following problems, please contact your local emergency number.
- Chest pain, pressure, heaviness, discomfort.
- syncope.
- shortness of breath.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
You may want to ask your health care provider:
- What kind of heart disease do I have?
- Is my family at risk for this type of disease?
- What is the best treatment for my situation?
Message from Cleveland Clinic
Because your heart plays such an important role, it’s important to pay attention to warning signs of heart problems. Many heart diseases develop over time. Early detection of heart disease increases the chances of proper management. Talk to your health care provider about the best ways to prevent heart disease or prevent it from getting worse. Even if there are risk factors that you cannot change, there are others that you have the power to change.
