Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When should you go see a doctor?

A: One should go get an annual check-up every year. Sometimes, depending on one’s situation and condition, they should go more often than once a year. If one feels like something is wrong or is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, they should go to a doctor immediately or as soon as possible.

Q: How many people have a heart related disease?

A: According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 614,000 people who die of a heart related disease in the United States. That is 1 in every 4 Americans. It is also the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women (CDC, 2017).

Q: What should you do to prevent getting one of these diseases?

A: Staying active and eating healthy are vital in reducing one’s risk of getting a heart-related disease. Watching what goes into one’s diet is important, as many unwanted fats and sodium can sneak into products. Buying fresh is always best. Also, exercising daily either by strength training or by just walking the dog, can help reduce the risk.

Q: Does genetics play a role?

A: According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, one’s risk of heart disease can go up if it runs in your family and is also based on your race, age, and ethnicity. It is said that genetics does play a role in factors that influence heart disease, such as high blood pressure, however, it could also be that the family is in the same environment (CDC, 2015).

Q: Do you have a higher risk of getting heart disease if you are obese?

A: Being overweight will increase your risk of getting heart disease, because high blood pressure and diabetes are associated with being overweight. Also, being overweight decreases HDL, “good” cholesterol. Changing one’s diet and exercise is necessary to reduce that risk of obtaining a heart-related disease.

Q: What is a stress test?

A: A stress test is taken when the patient is typically running on a treadmill and the electrical activity of the heart is monitored on an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). However, not everyone should get this test done because it does produce false positives. Only patients with a high risk of heart disease or have the symptoms should have this test performed.