Closeup of heart and a stethoscope cardiovascular checkup concept
Functional Medicine

Why is Cardiovascular Health so Important?

Cardiovascular Health is essential for optimal heart and circulatory health. Its definition is based on seven risk factors for heart disease and stroke, and lifestyle changes that can help you achieve ideal cardiovascular health. These risk factors include smoking, blood pressure, diet, and weight. In addition to these, other risks are also a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, including diabetes and high blood cholesterol. However, preventing these conditions is possible through lifestyle changes and education.

Many healthy lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Healthy lifestyles include eating fruits and vegetables, engaging in physical activity, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) is a federal agency devoted to conducting research to prevent cardiovascular disease. This organization has funded studies that have resulted in dramatic reductions in heart disease, stroke, and diabetes deaths. In addition, their research has saved the lives of more than one million people per year.

If you are at risk of cardiovascular disease, make sure you take care of your heart. Blood work can measure substances in the blood that can be indicators of cardiovascular health. The EKG, which measures electrical activity in the heart, is one of the most common tests. Other tests include cardiac CT scans, MRIs, and ambulatory monitoring. Ambulatory monitoring is a non-invasive method that uses wearable devices to monitor your heart’s rhythm.