It’s impossible to count all the ways your heart supports you in a single day. Whether it’s checking out a new trail, gardening or simply playing with your kids, every beat of your heart helps you do all the activities you enjoy most.

That’s why it’s so vital to take care of your cardiac health — and doing so is easier than you might think. According to Wellstar medical experts, consistency is the key.

“To keep your heart in top shape, make gradual changes sustained over a lifetime,” said Dr. Vivek Nautiyal, Wellstar medical director of preventative cardiology. “Investing in your heart health can be as simple as going for a walk after work, trying a healthy recipe or scheduling that wellness exam you may have been delaying.”

Remember to start small — by just taking a few simple steps, you can keep your heart going strong.

Detect heart disease at the start

Getting a heart screening is a great way to care for your cardiac health. Wellstar's Know Your Heart screening program helps catch potential heart problems early, so you can live life to the fullest. Through this testing, you can learn your risk of heart disease and other serious conditions, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

After the screening, you will receive an individualized health report with all the latest stats about your heart. Our team will go over the results with you one-on-one and recommend lifestyle modifications to help you be the healthiest you.

Schedule your heart screening today.

Call (770) 956-STAR (7827) or visit the Know Your Heart page for more information.

Protecting your heart takes a team

Along with monitoring your overall well-being, your primary care physician can help catch potential heart problems early.

“At your annual wellness exam, your provider can assess your risk of certain heart conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure,” Dr. Nautiyal explained.

Your physician will check the Foundational 4 numbers that are the cornerstone of general wellness and heart health, including:

• Body mass index (BMI)
• Blood pressure
• Blood glucose (sugar)
• Blood cholesterol

“Your provider can help create a personalized plan to keep your heart healthy, which may include diet, exercise or other lifestyle modifications,” Dr. Nautiyal shared. “If you need expert cardiovascular care, they can also refer you to a heart specialist right away.”

When it comes to staying ahead of potential health issues, Dr. Nautiyal also shared the importance of being aware of your family history and cardiovascular stats.

“Be sure to know your cholesterol numbers and seek a preventative cardiology consultation if you have a family history of premature heart attacks, coronary disease or stroke — especially at an age below 55 years old,” Dr. Nautiyal said.

Learn more about the advanced heart care services offered at Wellstar.