A Heart-Healthy Plan: Monitoring Your Cardiovascular Health

How can you improve your cardiovascular health, and how can the Moultrie County Health Department help?

Why should you consider a heart-healthy plan?

Your heart is unquestionably one of the hardest-working organs in your body. It continually pumps blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients to every cell. Therefore, keeping your heart healthy is essential for a long and active life.

Fortunately, regular medical check-ups, routine labs, and other tests can help monitor your cardiovascular health and detect potential problems early. This article raises the importance of heart health and a plan of care you should consider.

Why monitor your cardiovascular health?

Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, are among the leading causes of death worldwide. These conditions can develop silently without noticeable symptoms. Unfortunately, they often remain untreated until their symptoms are undeniable.

Regular monitoring of your heart health through routine check-ups with your primary healthcare provider can help you:

Detect illness before symptoms begin:
Many heart conditions can be asymptomatic (showing no symptoms) in their early stages. However, lab work and other tests can reveal risk factors that signal potential issues, allowing for early intervention and prevention.

Assess overall heart health:
Routinely monitoring your cardiovascular health gives you an overall picture of your heart's condition. Moreover, this information can guide you in making lifestyle, medication, and other adjustments to maintain or improve your cardiovascular health.

Track progress:
Regardless of whether you have a heart condition or are trying to prevent one, regular check-ups and lab tests are beneficial. They can help you and your healthcare provider track your progress and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

What does a heart-healthy plan look like?

Monitoring cardiovascular health is undeniably a proactive step toward preventing heart disease and related conditions.

Most adults should see a healthcare provider regularly (once per year or more if recommended). These regular visits offer an opportunity for a complete health assessment, including cardiovascular health.

When you are with your healthcare provider:

1. Be open and honest about your health and lifestyle choices. This includes your diet and exercise habits, as well as your use of medications. These medications include over-the-counter, prescription, and non-prescription drugs, alcohol, and marijuana.
2. Tell your healthcare provider about your family history, your health history, and any symptoms or concerns you have.
3. Complete the required lab work and other tests in the time recommended.
4. Follow up with your provider for further recommendations and guidance.

Above all, be prepared and willing to make necessary changes to improve your heart health. Fortunately, there are a multitude of print and online resources that can help you achieve your goals.

In addition to the above, other proactive steps you can take to improve your heart health include:

1. Eat a balanced diet.
2. Exercise regularly.
3. Manage your stress.
4. Stop your use of tobacco and nicotine products.

How can the MCHD help with your heart-healthy plan?

Free Health Screening Services and Education
The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) provides free blood pressure, pulse, and weight checks anytime during office hours. Our staff of registered nurses can help you monitor these routine health indicators at a time that is best for you.

We can also provide you with education and resources to assist you with your efforts to improve your heart health.

Individuals can stop by our office on a walk-in basis or call ahead for an appointment.

Low-Cost Laboratory Services
The MCHD laboratory service reduces the need for our residents to travel long distances or pay high costs for lab work.

We accept orders from any area healthcare provider and offer a wide array of laboratory tests, often at a lower cost than other providers.

As a result, Moultrie County residents and visitors can be scheduled for laboratory services more quickly and with greater ease.

The MCHD accepts cash or insurance reimbursement from most major providers. More information about the MCHD's lab service process and insurance coverages are available here.

Are you ready to take proactive steps for a healthy heart?
As stated, your heart is one of the hardest-working organs in your body. It certainly deserves the care and attention necessary to stay strong and healthy.

• Start today, create a heart-healthy plan, and make it a routine part of your life.
• Visit your healthcare provider and get a complete physical.
• Complete the labs* and other tests they recommend for you.
• Follow up with your healthcare provider and take steps to improve your health today.

Start taking proactive steps for a healthy heart today. You and all who love you will be glad you did.

*If you need lab services, please request your healthcare provider to fax your lab order to the Moultrie County Health Department at (217) 728-2650. Then call the MCHD at (217) 728-4114 to make your appointment.