How can I reduce my risk of heart disease?
January 25, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Isabel Schlosser
Dear Doctor,
My name is Gerald Schottmann and I am 45 years old. There is a history of heart diseases in my family, my father had a heart attack and my grandparents also had heart problems. This naturally makes me worried that I may also have an increased risk of heart diseases.
Recently, I have noticed that I am often short of breath, especially when climbing stairs or exerting myself physically. I also feel tired and sluggish more often. My diet is not particularly good, I eat a lot of fast food and regularly drink alcohol. Additionally, I have been smoking for many years.
I am concerned about my health and would like to know what I can do to reduce my risk of heart diseases. Are there specific tests that I should have to check my heart? Should I change my diet and quit smoking? Are there any specific medications or supplements that could help me?
I would like to take active steps to improve my health and minimize my risk of heart diseases. I would be very grateful if you could provide me with some specific tips and advice on how I can improve my heart health.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Gerald Schottmann
Dear Mr. Schottmann,
Thank you for your message and for trusting in my expertise. It is understandable that you are concerned about your heart health, especially considering the family history of heart disease. It is important that you take action to reduce your risk and improve your health.
Firstly, it is advisable that you schedule an appointment with a cardiologist to have your heart thoroughly examined. The doctor will likely perform a physical examination, measure your blood pressure, conduct blood tests, and may recommend a stress test or an echocardiogram. These tests can help to detect any potential problems early and take appropriate measures.
In terms of your lifestyle habits, there are some important points you should consider. A healthy diet is crucial for heart health. Try to incorporate more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your diet, and reduce the consumption of fast food, saturated fats, and sugary drinks. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are also risky for heart health. It would be very important for you to quit smoking and reduce or ideally stop alcohol consumption.
Regular physical activity is also an important factor for heart health. Try to incorporate at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, such as walking, cycling, swimming, or jogging. This can help to strengthen your cardiovascular system and reduce the risk of heart disease.
In terms of medications or supplements, it is important that you speak to a doctor before taking anything. Depending on your individual risk factors and health status, your doctor may prescribe medications such as blood pressure or cholesterol-lowering drugs.
It is important that you take action and take responsibility for your health. By adjusting your lifestyle habits, undergoing regular medical check-ups, and being aware of potential warning signs, you can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease.
I hope that my advice is helpful to you and wish you all the best for your health.
Best regards,
Isabel Schlosser
