If you feel fine, it’s easy to assume you are fine. And if you eat fairly well and stay active, it’s easy to think you don’t need to give much thought to your heart health. But heart and blood vessel disease can develop quietly over time — often without symptoms — regardless of lifestyle. Being proactive can make the difference between catching a concern early and facing a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure later.

February is American Heart Month, making it a great time to take a step toward better heart health.

Start With Primary Care

If you’re uncertain about your overall heart health, begin with a visit to your primary care provider. They can check your blood pressure, order lab work, review your lifestyle, and help determine the next best steps for you.

If you know there’s room to improve and have been struggling to get started, keep it simple. Try focusing on just one healthy habit at a time. And if you want guidance tailored to your medical history, your doctor can help you put a realistic plan in place.

Heart Disease Risk Can Affect You at Any Age

Some risk factors — like age and family history — are beyond your control. Others are where meaningful progress can happen through lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of both.

Common risk factors for heart disease include:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Physical inactivity
• Excess weight
• Family history of early heart disease

A Few Steps You Can Take This Week

You don’t have to change everything at once. Choose one or two changes you feel confident you can maintain, and start there.

• Know your numbers. Ask your primary care provider about your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar — and what ranges are right for you.
• Add more movement most days. Even a 10‑minute walk counts. Consistency matters more than intensity.
• Get support to quit tobacco or vaping. Your provider can discuss medications, nicotine replacement, and counseling resources.
• Pay attention to sleep. If loud snoring or daytime fatigue is common for you, ask whether you should be evaluated for sleep apnea, which is linked to high blood pressure.

Know When To See a Specialist

You don’t have to wait for a major event to see a specialist. Your primary care provider is a great place to start and can help coordinate care with Kelsey‑Seybold Cardiology specialists when needed.

Talk with your doctor promptly if you:

• Have a family history of heart disease, especially at younger ages
• Smoke or have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes
• Experience chest discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, or new leg swelling
• Notice a racing, fluttering, or irregular heartbeat