ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) - February is National Heart Disease Month, but heart health is important all year long.
"Both men and women should understand what their personal risk is. We always say, 'Know your numbers.' Know what your blood pressure is, get your cholesterol checked as an adult and then repeat it intervals throughout adulthood," said Mayo Clinic cardiologist Dr. Rekha Mankad.
High blood pressure over time can cause heart problems.
"Because of that high blood pressure, the heart gets very stiff," said Dr. Mankad. "It may lead to shortness of breath, swelling and be associated with a condition such as heart failure."
Most adults know the traditional risks that can increase your chances of developing a heart disease.
"If you're a smoker, stop. Exercise regular, try to maintain an ideal body weight and eat healthy," advised the cardiologist.
Yet lifestyle changes can be difficult to make.
"Unhealthy food tends to be convenient food," Dr. Mankad said. "It's a little bit more work to eat healthy but it has long term consequences."
However, this is not all encompassing. Pregnancy complications, arthritis and lupus can also increase a woman's risk of heart disease.
"This is more than just heart attacks," said Dr. Mankad. "Heart disease encompasses all parts of the heart. We talk about electrical disturbances and rhythm problems that women should recognize as well."
Menopause is associated with an a higher risk of heart problems, but heart disease can affect someone at any age.
"They don't start at the age of 40 or 50. They start from childhood," Mankad said. "Your lifestyle choices even as a young child can impact you long-term because plaque takes a long time to build up."
She also advises those with a family history of heart disease should be even more proactive in identifying their risk factors.
Mayo recommends talking to your doctor about your personal risk and whether lifestyle changes or medication can help decrease your chance of developing heart problems.
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