Heart health is something many people think about only when there’s a problem — but for most of us, it’s shaped by everyday habits and regular preventive care. Understanding a few key basics can help you stay informed and proactive, no matter your age or current health.
Below are three important areas that play a central role in heart health: blood pressure, cholesterol, and preventive screenings.
Blood Pressure: What It Tells You
Blood pressure measures how hard your heart is working to move blood through your body. It’s recorded as two numbers — systolic (pressure when the heart beats) over diastolic (pressure when the heart rests between beats).
When blood pressure stays too high over time, it can place extra strain on the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Many people don’t feel symptoms when their blood pressure is elevated, which is why regular monitoring is so important.
Routine check-ins help identify patterns early and allow your healthcare provider to recommend lifestyle changes, monitoring, or treatment if needed.
Cholesterol: Understanding the Basics
Cholesterol is a fatty substance in the blood that helps your body function — but balance matters.
You may hear cholesterol discussed as:
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LDL (“bad” cholesterol), which can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries
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HDL (“good” cholesterol), which helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream
When cholesterol levels are out of balance, it can increase the risk of heart disease over time. Diet, physical activity, genetics, and overall health all play a role, which is why cholesterol isn’t one-size-fits-all.
A blood test and conversation with your provider can help you understand what your numbers mean for you personally.
Preventive Screenings: Staying Ahead
Preventive heart screenings help detect changes early — often before symptoms appear. These may include:
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Blood pressure checks
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Cholesterol testing
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Risk assessments based on age, family history, and health factors
Preventive care isn’t about looking for problems — it’s about staying informed and addressing small changes before they become larger concerns. For many people, an annual physical is a helpful starting point to determine which screenings are recommended and how often.
Heart Health at Every Stage of Life
Heart health looks different for everyone and can change over time. Younger adults may focus on building healthy habits and understanding baseline numbers, while older adults may prioritize ongoing monitoring and managing existing conditions.
At every stage, the goal is the same: supporting your heart through informed, consistent care.
When to Check In with Your Doctor
If you haven’t had your blood pressure or cholesterol checked recently — or if you’re unsure what screenings are right for you — a conversation with your healthcare provider is a good place to start. Preventive care works best when it’s personalized and paced in a way that fits your life.
Take the Next Step
At Thorek Memorial Hospital, our care teams are here to support your heart health through preventive care, routine screenings, and ongoing guidance.
👉 Schedule an appointment or talk with your provider to learn more about heart health screenings that make sense for you.