The habits that help your heart most are simple: move a little every day, eat more plants and fewer processed foods, do not smoke, sleep well and know your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar numbers. You do not have to change everything at once. Small, steady steps count.
This is general wellness information, not a personal plan. Your doctor can tailor advice to you.
Move more, a little at a time
Walking is one of the best things you can do. Start where you are. A short walk after dinner around the neighborhood, or a few laps at a park, is a fine start. Add a few minutes each week. If walking causes leg pain that stops when you rest, tell your doctor; it can be a sign of PAD.
Eat for your heart
- Fill half your plate with vegetables and fruit
- Choose whole grains like oats and brown rice
- Pick fish, beans, nuts and lean meats
- Go easy on salt, fried foods and sugary drinks
Fried fish dinners are part of life around here. Enjoy them as a treat, not a weekly habit.
Know your numbers
Ask your doctor about your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. If you have a home blood pressure cuff, check now and then and write it down. Some machines can also flag an irregular heartbeat, which can be a sign of AFib. Bring your readings to your visits.
Sleep and stress
Poor sleep and loud snoring can be signs of sleep apnea, which is linked to heart rhythm problems like AFib. FCCI has a sleep medicine team. Stress matters too. Time with friends, faith communities, fishing on the river or time outdoors all count as self-care.
Quit smoking
Smoking damages the arteries in your heart and legs. It is a major risk for heart attack, stroke and PAD. Ask your doctor about help quitting. It is never too late to benefit.
If you have risk factors or symptoms, a checkup with a cardiologist can help you see where you stand. The Palatka office makes that easy to do close to home.
Questions to ask at your visit
To get the most from a checkup, ask:
- What are my blood pressure and cholesterol goals?
- How much activity is safe for me?
- Should I be checked for sleep apnea?
- Do I need any heart tests?
- What one change would help me most?
Care close to home in Palatka
Prevention works best when checkups are easy. A cardiologist in town means you are more likely to keep yearly visits and catch a problem early.
Preventive heart visits are covered by plans FCCI accepts, including Medicare, Medicaid of Florida, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, United Healthcare and Tricare. No insurance? Ask about the self-pay fee schedule.
Why patients choose FCCI
When healthy habits need a professional check, the Palatka office at 205 Zeagler Drive, Suite 101 is close by for every corner of Putnam County, with heart testing right on site.
FCCI has helped Northeast Florida patients protect their hearts since 2002, with over 30 providers. Should you ever need a hospital stay at HCA Florida Putnam Hospital, FCCI physicians cover there around the clock.
Want a heart checkup to go with your new habits? Call 386.325.2836, weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or request a visit online without including health details.
