Take the First Step: Schedule a Heart Screening

When it comes to heart health, I know many people feel overwhelmed. 

There is so much information available about cholesterol, blood pressure, family history, nutrition, exercise and heart disease risk factors that it can be difficult to know where to start. For some, the thought of seeing a heart specialist can even feel intimidating.

My advice is simple: start by making the appointment (no referral is necessary).

One of the most important things I tell patients is that you do not have to have a heart problem to be seen in our clinic. In fact, some of the most valuable conversations happen before symptoms ever appear. Prevention is one of the best tools we have for protecting your heart and your long-term health.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

When you come in for your first appointment, our goal is to get a complete picture of your cardiovascular health. We will talk about any symptoms you may be experiencing, review your medical history, discuss your family history and perform a thorough physical assessment. We may also check lab work that can help identify risk factors associated with heart disease.

From there, we work together to determine what steps may help improve your cardiovascular health and reduce your risk of problems in the future.

Don’t Let Fear Delay Care

Many patients tell me they hesitated to schedule an appointment because they were worried about what we might find. Others say they were concerned they were wasting our time or that their symptoms were not serious enough. The truth is that taking action is always better than doing nothing. Even if your results show that everything looks great, you'll gain valuable information about your health and peace of mind moving forward.

After all, you only get one heart.

Know Your Risk

For those who want to better understand their risk, a heart screening can be a great option. North Mississippi Health Services offers a preventive heart screening that includes a coronary calcium score, electrocardiogram (EKG) and lipid marker assessment. 

The coronary calcium score is a quick, noninvasive CT scan that takes just a few minutes to complete. The test looks for calcified plaque in the coronary arteries and can help identify signs of heart disease before symptoms develop. Think of it as a baseline assessment that provides insight into your cardiovascular risk.

Heart screenings can be especially helpful for individuals who have risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking history or a strong family history of heart disease. While these screenings are not intended for people who are currently experiencing concerning symptoms or those with known heart disease, they can provide useful information for people looking to be proactive about their health.

The good news is that these screenings are available at multiple NMHS locations, making it convenient to find a location near you.

The most important thing to remember is this: your heart health matters, and it's never too early to learn more about it. Whether you schedule an appointment with a cardiology provider or take advantage of a heart screening, every step toward prevention is a step toward a healthier future.

Don't let uncertainty or fear keep you from taking care of yourself. Start with one simple step. Your heart is worth it.