Cardiovascular health is influenced by much more than exercise and diet. Blood pressure, cholesterol, stress, sleep, family history and other risk factors can all play a role in your heart health, sometimes without causing noticeable symptoms. To better understand cardiovascular health and the warning signs we should not ignore, we have gathered expert insights from Dr A.R. Ziyad Sondagar, Cardiologist at Premium Care Hospital.
Yes. High blood pressure and high cholesterol often have no obvious warning signs, yet both can contribute to cardiovascular disease over time. Feeling healthy or exercising regularly does not necessarily mean your blood pressure and cholesterol are within a healthy range. Regular health checks are important, even when you feel well.
Yes. Exercise is important, but it does not eliminate every risk factor. Genetics, family history, diet, stress, sleep, tobacco use and other health conditions can affect blood pressure and cholesterol. Knowing your numbers can help identify potential risks early. Knowing your numbers, including your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, can help you and your healthcare professional identify potential risks early.
Yes. A healthy diet can help manage cholesterol, but it is not the only factor that determines your cholesterol levels. Your body naturally produces cholesterol, and genetics can influence how much cholesterol your body produces and how efficiently it removes LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. Some people inherit a condition called familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), which can cause very high LDL cholesterol levels from a young age and increase the risk of premature heart disease (CDC). Other factors, including body weight, medical conditions and tobacco use, can also affect cholesterol. In some cases, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough, and treatment may be recommended (www.heart.org).
Yes. A person can appear fit while having undiagnosed risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or plaque buildup in the arteries. This is why understanding your risk factors and having regular health checks are important (www.heart.org).
There is no specific age at which you should suddenly start caring about your heart. Cardiovascular health should be a lifelong priority. Your 20s are a good time to establish healthy habits that can support your heart throughout life. As you get older, cardiovascular risk generally increases, making regular monitoring and preventive care increasingly important. It is also important to know your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, understand your family history and discuss any personal risk factors with your healthcare professional.
It is not always possible to tell the difference based on symptoms alone. Heart-related chest discomfort may feel like pressure, squeezing, tightness or pain. It can spread to the arm, back, neck, jaw or stomach and may occur with shortness of breath, nausea, sweating or dizziness (www.heart.org). Indigestion may cause burning, a sour taste, bloating or belching. However, chest pain should not be self-diagnosed as indigestion, especially if it is new, severe or persistent. Seek emergency medical assistance if you suspect a heart attack (www.heart.org).
Yes. Stress can temporarily increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Chronic stress may also affect sleep, physical activity and eating habits, contributing to cardiovascular risk (www.heart.org). In some cases, severe emotional or physical stress can trigger Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, sometimes called “broken heart syndrome”. Managing stress is therefore part of caring for your heart.
Sleep is an important part of cardiovascular health. The American Heart Association recommends that adults aim for around 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Both insufficient and poor-quality sleep have been associated with cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood pressure and metabolic problems (www.heart.org). Sleep gives the body an important period of recovery, during which heart rate and blood pressure normally decrease. Consistently neglecting sleep can therefore place additional strain on the cardiovascular system. Good heart health is not only about what you eat or how much you exercise, getting enough quality sleep matters too.
Yes. Family history can be an important cardiovascular risk factor. Having close relatives with heart disease, particularly heart disease occurring at a younger age, can indicate an increased risk. This may reflect inherited genetic factors, as well as health conditions and lifestyle habits shared within families (www.heart.org). If you have a family history of premature heart disease or high cholesterol, tell your healthcare professional. This information can help determine whether you may benefit from earlier or more frequent monitoring.
Persistent, unexplained fatigue is a symptom that should not simply be dismissed, particularly when it is new or accompanied by other symptoms. Feeling unusually tired can have many possible causes and does not necessarily mean there is a problem with your heart. However, unexplained fatigue can occur alongside cardiovascular conditions and may be accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, chest discomfort or reduced ability to carry out normal activities.
Taking care of your heart starts today. Your heart works continuously to keep you going, and taking care of it is a lifelong commitment. While some risk factors cannot be changed, understanding your family history, knowing your numbers and adopting healthy daily habits can make a meaningful difference to your cardiovascular health. Listen to your body, stay informed and don’t wait for symptoms to take action. Regular check-ups and conversations with your healthcare professional can help you understand your individual risk and take the right steps towards a healthier heart. If you notice a persistent or unexplained change in your energy levels, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms, speak to a healthcare professional rather than simply attributing it to a busy lifestyle or lack of sleep.
