Why Cardiac Health Should Be a Priority at Every Age

Many people only begin to think about their heart when a problem arises or as they get older; however, waiting until symptoms appear or age catches up is often too late. Cardiac health should be looked after at every stage of life, as maintaining a healthy heart can help prevent serious conditions such as heart attacks and strokes, reduce the impact of family history, and ensure you receive the right lifestyle guidance early on. At Precision Health, we have a cardiology clinic available to book an appointment with an expert cardiologist to review your heart. In this post, we’ll explore why cardiac health should be a priority at every age, and the key factors that can influence it which are vital to be aware of. 

The Importance of Looking After Your Heart at Every Age

The heart works continuously, yet many people only think about their cardiac health when a problem occurs. However, prevention of heart issues is always better than needing to cure them if they do occur. A healthy heart supports the entire body, from circulation and energy levels to organ function, and looking after it early on can significantly reduce the risk of serious health problems later in life. Prioritising cardiac care is essential, regardless of your age. Here are three reasons why looking after your heart is important at every age; 

• Prevention of Serious Conditions: Heart disease, strokes, and heart attacks remain among the leading causes of death in the UK. These conditions often develop gradually, without obvious warning signs. Looking after your cardiac health from an early stage can help prevent them before they arise.

• Early Detection of Issues: Regular heart check-ups, at a cardiology clinic such as Precision Health’s, allow for the early identification of problems such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or high cholesterol. These issues can often be present without any noticeable symptoms.

• Impact of Lifestyle and Family History: Your genetics can also play a role in determining the risk of heart problems. However, lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, and stress management also have a major impact. Staying on top of your cardiac health helps reduce inherited risks and take control of your long-term wellbeing.

Common Factors That Influence Cardiac Health

There are many factors that influence heart health, some within your control, and others that are outside. Understanding what contributes to good or poor cardiac health is key to making informed decisions that support your overall wellbeing and seeking the right support when needed. Below, we’ve outlined five common factors that can significantly affect your heart and explained why it’s important to understand and manage each one correctly.

• Hereditary and Genetic Factors

Family history plays a major role in your risk of developing heart conditions. If close relatives have experienced heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, you may be more likely to face similar issues. While you can't change your genetics, being aware of the risk can help you take proactive steps such as regular screenings, making healthier lifestyle choices, and working closely with a cardiologist to monitor heart health over time.

• Diet and Nutrition

Your diet can have a direct impact on the heart. Diets high in saturated fats, processed foods, salt, and sugar can increase the risk of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and ultimately heart disease. In contrast, a heart-healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats, and wholegrains, can help keep the cardiovascular system strong. Staying hydrated and limiting alcohol intake are also important elements of a balanced diet that supports long-term cardiac health.

• Physical Activity

Regular physical activity helps to strengthen the heart muscle, support circulation, and maintain a healthy weight. It also helps regulate blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, all key factors in reducing the risk of heart disease. Even 30 minutes of brisk walking, cycling, or swimming most days can make a meaningful difference. Staying active also benefits mental health, which in turn has a positive effect on the heart.

• Stress Levels

Prolonged or unmanaged stress can be harmful to the heart. It may raise blood pressure, trigger inflammation, and contribute to behaviours such as overeating, smoking, or alcohol misuse. Over time, this can significantly increase the risk of heart disease. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as regular exercise, mindfulness, deep breathing techniques, or speaking with a therapist, can help lower the risk and improve your overall quality of life.

• Smoking and Alcohol Consumption

Smoking is one of the most harmful habits for the heart. It damages blood vessels, raises blood pressure, and reduces oxygen supply, all of which increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Excessive alcohol consumption can also raise blood pressure and cause irregular heart rhythms. Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake are two of the most effective ways to protect your heart.

Visit Precision Health’s Cardiology Clinic 

If you're looking to take better care of your heart, book a consultation at our cardiology clinic. Whether you're concerned that you may have an underlying heart condition, or simply want to ensure your heart is in good order, our cardiology clinic allows you to receive a professional, efficient check-up to make sure there are no issues.

You will receive a thorough assessment, including a complete physical exam, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and urinalysis (urine check), with further testing available if required. Book a consultation online, and if you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with our team for further information.