Every February we observe American Heart Month – a reminder to pay attention to the organ that works nonstop to keep you alive. But heart health isn’t just a once-a-year topic. Many people ignore early warning signs of heart disease because symptoms can be subtle or easy to dismiss.
At Saint Michael’s Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey, our cardiology team treats patients every day who wish they had evaluated symptoms sooner. Understanding what your body is telling you can help prevent heart attacks, strokes, and long-term complications.
Common Heart Symptoms That Require Medical Attention
Heart conditions do not always present as sudden severe chest pain. Many patients experience mild or gradual symptoms weeks or months before a serious cardiac event.
You should consider a cardiovascular evaluation if you experience:
Shortness of Breath
Feeling winded during routine activities, such as walking upstairs or carrying groceries – may signal reduced heart function or circulation problems.
Chest Discomfort or Pressure
Not all cardiac pain feels sharp. It may feel like squeezing, fullness, burning, or heaviness in the chest, shoulders, neck, jaw, or back.
Persistent Fatigue
Unusual tiredness despite adequate rest can occur when the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently.
Heart Palpitations
Fluttering, racing, or irregular heartbeat may indicate arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, which increases stroke risk.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness
This can occur when blood flow to the brain is reduced due to rhythm or blood pressure abnormalities.
If symptoms are sudden or severe, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, scheduling a cardiology evaluation early can prevent emergencies.
What Causes Heart Disease?
Your cardiovascular system is influenced by more than cholesterol alone. Heart disease develops from a combination of medical, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
Common contributors include:
-
High blood pressure
-
Diabetes
-
Poor sleep quality
-
Chronic stress
-
Inflammation
-
Obesity
-
Smoking
-
Sedentary lifestyle
-
Family history
Because multiple factors interact together, early screening is essential, especially if you have risk factors but feel “mostly fine.”
Cardiac Testing and Heart Screening in Newark, NJ
At Saint Michael’s Medical Center, patients have access to comprehensive diagnostic heart testing designed to detect disease before major complications occur.
Your cardiologist may recommend:
-
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
-
Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
-
Stress testing
-
Holter or event monitoring
-
Blood pressure and vascular evaluation
-
Cardiac catheterization for blocked arteries
-
Structural heart evaluations for valve conditions
Early detection allows physicians to treat problems before they progress to heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.
Preventing Heart Disease Through Lifestyle
While medical care is essential, daily habits play a major role in protecting your heart.
Prioritize Healthy Fats
Omega-3 sources like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseed help reduce arterial inflammation.
Increase Fiber Intake
Oats, beans, and berries help lower cholesterol levels.
Eat Colorful Vegetables
Leafy greens and brightly colored vegetables contain antioxidants that protect blood vessels.
Move Daily
Just 30 minutes of walking per day significantly lowers cardiovascular risk.
Manage Stress and Sleep
Poor sleep and chronic stress can raise blood pressure and strain the heart.
When to Schedule a Heart Evaluation
You don’t need severe symptoms to benefit from seeing a cardiologist. Many patients come in simply because they want reassurance, screening, or prevention planning.
You should schedule an evaluation if you:
-
Are over age 40
-
Have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol
-
Have a family history of heart disease
-
Experience occasional symptoms
-
Want a preventive heart health baseline
Advanced Heart Care Close to Home
At Saint Michael’s Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey, our cardiovascular specialists provide care ranging from preventive cardiology to advanced cardiac catheterization and structural heart procedures.
Our goal is simple: identify problems early, treat them effectively, and keep you living an active life.
Schedule Your Heart Screening
Take care of your heart’s future at Saint Michael’s Medical Center. Schedule your cardiovascular screening today by calling 973-877-5080 or visit smmcnj.com/cardiology
Early evaluation can prevent serious heart complications, and peace of mind starts with knowing your heart is healthy.
