Frequently Asked Questions

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• Q How often should I have a Physical Exam?

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• Q How do I know if I am having a heart attack?

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• Q How do I know if my chest pain is coming from my heart, or is only heartburn?

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• Q If my parents have heart problems, will I?

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• Q What is the importance of my cholesterol level?

 

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Q How often should I have a Physical Exam?

 

Even if you do everything right, you can still develop cardiovascular disease. Thats why its especially important to have your heart health evaluated by a physician Most experts agree that if you are healthy, you should get a regular checkup at least

 

• Twice in your 20s (every 5 years)

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• Three times in your 30s (every 3 to 4 years)

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• Four times in your 40s (every 2 to 3 years)

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• Five times in your 50s (every 2 years)

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• Every year if you are 60 or older

 

• Q How do I know if I am having a heart attack?

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​Heart attacks often present with a pressure like heavy feeling in the center of the chest. This sensation can radiate of spread to the neck, shoulders or arms. You may also be short of breath, have nausea and vomiting and sweating. Pain that lasts only a few seconds is rarely ever from the heart and the pain of a heart attack will last for minutes. If these symptoms occur it is important to seek immediate attention.

 

• Q How do I know if my chest pain is coming from my heart, or is only heartburn?

 

The chest pain of angina pectoris is often a heavy tightness occurring in the center of chest. It often occurs with exertion and resolves with rest. Angina will typically last from five to twenty minutes. Angina may not always occur at the same level of exertion. It is sometimes very difficult to tell heartburn from a heart attack. If your doctor is concerned about the possibility of a heart attack you may undergo a stress test or observed in the emergency room or chest pain center.

 

• Q If my parents have heart problems, will I?

 

The familial nature of coronary artery disease is clear. There are many factors that may account for this. Cholesterol levels, tendency for diabetes, blood pressure may all be related to familial risks. Dietary habits may also be learned from parents and affect cardiac risks.

 

• Q What is the importance of my cholesterol level?

 

The blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides are also important risk factors for coronary artery disease.

The level of cholesterol is directly related to the risk of coronary artery disease. Cholesterol is measured as LDL or bad cholesterol and as HDL or good cholesterol.

 

The level of cholesterol that your doctor will consider "good" for you will depend on many factors. Levels of total cholesterol are often best kept below 200. We can lower the level of our cholesterol by eating a diet low in fats and cholesterol.

 

Avoiding fried and fatty foods can be an important part of controlling blood cholesterol.