Authored by Coronado Health Direct Primary Care
Your heart works around the clock, pumping life into every part of your body. Yet heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. The good news is that many heart problems are preventable when you know the risks and take the right steps toward better health.
At Coronado Health Direct Primary Care, we believe education is one of the most powerful tools in medicine. When patients understand how their heart works and what it needs to stay strong, they are better equipped to prevent disease, recognize warning signs early, and live longer, healthier lives. If you have ever wondered how to take better care of your heart or whether you are doing enough right now, this guide will give you the essential information you need.
Why Heart Health Matters for Everyone
Heart disease does not discriminate. It affects both men and women and can strike at any age, though risk increases as we get older. While many think of heart problems as a concern only for men, heart disease is also the leading cause of death for women. Too often, the warning signs go unnoticed or are brushed off as something minor.
Being proactive about heart health is not only about adding years to your life, but about improving the quality of those years. Strong cardiovascular health helps you stay active, avoid fatigue, prevent complications like stroke or kidney disease, and maintain independence as you age.
Understanding Your Risk Factors
Some risk factors for heart disease are out of your control, such as age, gender, and family history. However, many risk factors are directly tied to lifestyle, which means you have the ability to make positive changes. Here are the most common contributors:
- High blood pressure: Often called the “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms until damage is done.
- High cholesterol: Too much LDL (bad cholesterol) can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries.
- Diabetes: Poorly controlled blood sugar damages blood vessels and increases heart disease risk.
- Smoking: One of the most significant risk factors for both heart attack and stroke.
- Obesity: Extra weight makes the heart work harder and contributes to other risk factors.
- Lack of exercise: Physical inactivity weakens the heart and circulation system.
- Poor diet: High sodium, processed foods, and excess sugar all raise risk.
- Stress: Chronic stress can trigger inflammation, high blood pressure, and unhealthy coping habits.
By identifying your personal risks with your doctor, you can focus on prevention strategies that work best for you.
Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
Heart disease often develops silently, but there are symptoms that may serve as red flags. Men and women sometimes experience these differently, which is why awareness matters.
- Chest pain or discomfort: Pressure, squeezing, or pain, especially during activity.
- Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing even with light activity or at rest.
- Pain in the neck, jaw, or back: Women are more likely than men to experience these.
- Lightheadedness, nausea, or cold sweats: Warning signs of restricted blood flow.
- Unusual fatigue: Feeling drained without explanation.
If you ever experience these symptoms, seek medical care immediately. Early intervention can save your life.
The Role of Preventive Care in Heart Health
One of the most effective ways to prevent heart disease is through regular, personalized primary care. Unfortunately, in the traditional healthcare system, many patients do not see their doctor until something feels wrong. Even then, short appointment times often leave little room to discuss prevention.
This is where Direct Primary Care (DPC) stands out. At Coronado Health Direct Primary Care, our model gives you longer visits, same-day or next-day access, and ongoing communication with Dr. Tsui. Instead of rushing through checklists, we take time to understand your family history, lifestyle, stress levels, and overall wellness. That extra time makes it possible to catch early signs of risk before they turn into bigger problems.
If you are searching for the best primary care doctor in Henderson who prioritizes prevention and heart health, DPC offers the patient-centered care you deserve.
Practical Steps to Protect Your Heart
Heart health is not just about avoiding disease; it’s about building habits that support energy, vitality, and resilience. Here are proven ways to strengthen your heart at any age:
Move More, Sit Less
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. Even small bursts of activity—taking the stairs, standing during calls—make a difference.
Choose Heart-Healthy Foods
Focus on fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats such as olive oil or avocado. Limit processed foods, added sugar, and high sodium.
Quit Smoking
If you smoke, quitting is the single most important step you can take for your heart. Support and accountability increase your success rate.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Carrying excess weight increases strain on the heart. Work with your doctor to create sustainable nutrition and exercise plans.
Manage Stress
Chronic stress raises cortisol and blood pressure. Mindfulness, prayer, journaling, and exercise can all help lower stress levels.
Get Quality Sleep
Poor sleep is linked to hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. Aim for 7 to 9 hours each night.
Stay Up to Date with Screenings
Blood pressure checks, cholesterol panels, and diabetes screenings are critical. In DPC, many of these labs are included or offered at discounted rates, making prevention more affordable.
The DPC Difference in Heart Health
Traditional practices often face restrictions from insurance companies, leading to a focus on treating illness rather than preventing it. Direct Primary Care flips this model by giving patients unlimited visits, more time with their doctor, and transparent pricing.
At Coronado Health Direct Primary Care, we believe prevention is medicine. We take time to look at the whole picture, not just one lab result. Whether it’s helping you interpret cholesterol numbers, creating a stress-management plan, or building a strategy for long-term heart health, our approach is centered on you.
Patients frequently tell us they feel more supported and heard under the DPC model compared to their past experiences in traditional care. That level of support can make all the difference in staying motivated to protect your heart.
Taking the First Step
Protecting your heart starts with understanding your risks and making small, consistent changes. You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight—just begin with one healthy step, like walking after dinner or reducing sugary drinks. Over time, these small steps create powerful results.
Most importantly, find a doctor you trust who can partner with you on your journey. If you are looking for the best primary care doctor in Henderson who will listen, guide, and support you in protecting your heart, Coronado Health Direct Primary Care is here for you.
Heart Health 101
Heart disease may be common, but it does not have to be your future. With knowledge, preventive care, and the right lifestyle choices, you can lower your risk, live with more energy, and enjoy peace of mind about your health.
At Coronado Health Direct Primary Care, our mission is to make sure patients have the tools, time, and care they need to thrive. Your heart deserves that level of attention—and so do you.
If you are looking for a direct primary care doctor in Henderson, Las Vegas, we see patients from all over the valley including Summerlin, Boulder City, Enterprise, Paradise, Centennial Hills. Take the first step here!