I have had some scares recently not with my own heart but with family members. My father in law struggled with heart issues for about 5 years than passed away unexpectedly of an attack in his sleep recently in his late 50's. Now I've found out my uncle who is similarly aged was just checked up and is clogged in 5 arteries and will likely have a quintuple bypass. I turn 30 shortly, so not super concerned about the immediate, but I would like to make it past (way past, please) my late 50's without any major heart issues. I actually stopped eating meat about 14 months ago - not primarily because of health concerns, but certainly partly - I still eat seafood. Now I've never been a regular check-up kind of guy. Frankly, I haven't been to the doctor (other than for a specific injury - ankle) in years. At my age, should I start getting regularly physicals, and any other specific checks on my heart, etc.? What is standard course of action in regards to men's health and check-ups?
Definitely get checked up regularly. I also have a family history of heart problems. One thing I do is regularly check cholesterol. High cholesterol is definitely a sign that you may have future problems, and there are specific things you can do to lower it.
With a family history of heart problems, I see no reason NOT to have a check up with a GP. Simple tests such as cholesterol and blood pressure can check to see if you need follow up. At 30, with a history of heart disease in family, you could certainly see elevated cholesterol or BP levels at that age, and it never hurts to know early and take preventative measures. Of course, eating healthy and regularly exercising is the best prescription for your heart, whether you have a family history or not. Even simple walking as an exercise has a tremendous heart benefit. I wouldn't worry about more invasive and expensive tests like stress tests or EKGs. Those you would only need with additional symptoms or if you were older.
Heart disease isn't just for middle-aged or elderly, especially if have a history of it in your family. Heck, you pay for health insurance, you may as well get bloodwork done at least once a year to test your cholesterol (HDL/LDL), blood glucose levels, triglycerides, etc. Your blood pressure/pulse rate is usually tested when you visit the doctor each time - if not, ask them to.** ** If he asks you to bend over as he grabs a tube of KY, you agree to not hold any of us responsible for recommending this visit.
Darryl Kile died in his early 30's from heart failure so might as well start getting checkups now. I'm 32 and have been getting checkups for the last 4 years due to high blood pressure.
I am 34 and had a few health issues back in October. My regular Dr. suggested I see a heart specialist just as a precaution. They set up a stress test for me. Everything turned out normal, and the health issues were from some stomach issues and slightly high blood pressure. However, even though the stress test was good, the Doctor suggested getting one every 2-3 years even though I am young, because there is some history of heart problems in my family. My advice get it done even if it is just for the peace of mind. I was worried going in but came out very happy and my attitude towards my health is much improved. It even gave me some motivation to change some things so my next one is even better. I also had high cholesterol but the doctor seemed to think it was more from heredity than from my eating habits. They have me on meds for it, and I go back in a month or so to have it rechecked. Get the tests!
