A Healthier Heart Starts with You and Your Doctor

My aunt had a heart attack in her early forties.  She seemed perfectly healthy.  She had no idea that she already had coronary artery disease.  While she didn't have the typical risk factors, several of her relatives also had heart disease.  Before her heart attack, it had been years since she had a complete physical.  She was a busy mom, and didn't really think she needed one. That was a mistake that nearly cost her her life.  My aunt was fortunate.  She had a massive heart attack and survived, but still struggles with related health problems. 

It's estimated that 68% of people who have heart disease, have no idea they are even at risk.  Often there are undetected symptoms, and the condition is left untreated.  Because coronary artery disease often develops over decades, it can go virtually unnoticed until a complete blockage of the artery produces a heart attack.