Heart disease is the number-one cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A person passes away from a heart-related complication every 30 seconds in this country.
Although the prevalence of heart disease is higher as people age, it can happen to anyone. Let’s talk about how getting your regular annual checkup from your doctor can help you to avoid developing heart disease, and where you can go here in northern New Jersey to find expert medical care for a lifetime of good health.
What Causes Heart Disease?
A person’s genes, diet, activity levels, stress levels, and lifestyle (such as whether they smoke or drink alcohol) can all contribute to their susceptibility to developing heart disease. Other underlying chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, and any medications for a current health condition can also be a risk factor for heart disease.
One of the best ways for you to lessen your chances of ever developing heart disease – or to completely prevent it altogether – is to have an annual checkup at your primary care doctor’s office.
What Happens During an Annual Checkup?
Your doctor will first review your medical history and your family’s general health history to identify all risk factors for heart disease or other health conditions. The doctor and/or a medical assistant will take measurements of your height, weight, and blood pressure level. The medical staff will also conduct a blood test to determine your cholesterol levels (lipid panel screening) and fasting blood glucose, as well as a urine test to evaluate your kidney health and to detect whether you have a urinary tract infection (UTI).
The doctor will also listen to your heartbeat, and check whether the rhythm is healthy. The physician will then also listen to your breathing, ensuring that you can inhale and exhale deeply without coughing.
From the information gleaned during your checkup, your physician will be able to detect any heartbeat irregularities or any signs of heart problems or cardiovascular disease. If the doctor discovers anything abnormal, then the physician may recommend that you have a stress test or other coronary test. You may even be referred to a cardiologist in order to ensure that you maintain optimum heart health.
Schedule an Annual Checkup in Northern New Jersey
If you would like to take charge of your heart health and overall health, then schedule a checkup with a skilled physician at Hudson MD Group. Ours is a collective team of specialists and generalists who practice medicine across North Jersey, and we would love for you to join us – either as a physician or as a patient.
We have primary care doctors and cardiologists on our team, and this allows us to provide comprehensive and seamless healthcare to our patients with heart disease. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (973) 705-4914 or by filling out our easy-to-use online contact form now. We look forward to being your partner in heart health.
