“Heart disease is part of growing older,” according to McLeod Cardiothoracic Surgeon Michael Carmichael, MD. “Many of us ignore the signs, because we don’t want to face growing older.”

The signs of a heart disease indicate a need to seek help immediately.

“In males, the sign is often pain on the left side or in the central portion of the chest that will radiate up into your jaw or down your left arm,” says Dr. Carmichael. “A lot of times females have atypical symptoms. It’s often thought to be gallbladder disease or indigestion or heartburn type of symptoms. Interestingly, diabetics often won’t get chest pain. They’ll get shortness of breath or fatigue easily. If those symptoms are occurring, you probably ought to see your family practitioner or your cardiologist.”

“There are people that say, ‘Look I’ve done everything right. I take my cholesterol medication. My blood pressure is good.’ But they can still develop heart disease,” cautions Dr. Carmichael. “You’re not immune to heart disease just because you don’t have risk factors, such as high blood pressure, cholesterol and a family history of heart problems.”

Everyone, whether or not you have known heart risks, should consider a stress test when you’re age 45 or 50,” recommends Dr. Carmichael. This will help establish a baseline for your heart health. Remember, people, who take a very active role in their health, does not mean they’re immune to developing heart disease.”

PATIENTS MUST DO THEIR PART

While advances have been made in the treatment of heart disease, a new study has what the American College of Cardiology* calls ‘very disheartening news.’ According to the study, despite a better understanding of cardiovascular risk factors and an increasing focus on preventive cardiology, patients suffering heart attacks are getting younger and more obese. The report states that the number of heart attack victims who smoke, suffer high blood pressure and diabetes is all increasing.

Only patients, who take better care of their health and lifestyle, can reverse these trends.

You may also find these articles helpful:

Cardiac Stress Test. You May Need One.

Heart Attack Symptoms: Not the Same for Women

Six Great Tips to Help You Quit Smoking

Find a Cardiologist near you.

* From press briefing reports on study to be presented at the April 2016 meeting of the American College of Cardiology.