Ask a Cardiologist: Answers to Your Most Common Heart Health Questions

A primary care provider can also refer you to a cardiologist when routine checkups show concerns.

What Is a Stress Test and Why Would You Need One?

A stress test measures how your heart responds to exercise and how well your heart pumps under pressure. During a stress test, you walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike while your care team monitors your heart rate, rhythm and blood pressure.

Your physician may order a stress test if you have chest discomfort, trouble breathing during activities, an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) or concerns about blocked arteries. They are also commonly used for those who have a personal or family history of heart disease. Stress tests can be helpful for patients with other risk factors — including diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol — because these conditions can increase heart attack risk.

What Is a Coronary Calcium Score Test and Why Does it Matter?

A coronary calcium score uses a quick, noninvasive CT (computed tomography) scan to measure calcium buildup in your coronary arteries. Calcium in these arteries can signal early plaque formation. Plaque can narrow or block the arteries and raise your risk for heart disease and heart attack.

The test supports heart disease prevention by identifying symptoms before they appear. It can guide decisions about medications, lifestyle changes and long-term prevention. Your provider may recommend it if you have a family history of heart disease or risk factors like high cholesterol, diabetes or if you smoke.

What Causes an Irregular Heartbeat?

An irregular heartbeat — or arrhythmia — happens when the electrical signals in your heart misfire. Causes of an irregular heartbeat include stress, caffeine, alcohol, dehydration, thyroid problems, heart disease or certain medications.

Some arrhythmias are harmless, while others require treatment from an electrophysiologist. If you feel fluttering, a racing pulse, skipped beats or dizziness, make sure to talk with your provider.

Is Stress Related to Heart Attack or Heart Conditions?

Yes. The stress and heart health connection is real. Long-term stress can raise inflammation, increase blood pressure, disrupt your sleep and strain your heart. Stress also affects emotional well-being and can trigger chest pain or arrhythmias in people who already have heart disease.

“Stress affects far more than your mood,” said Dr. D'Agate. “It affects heart health and can place real pressure on the heart muscle. Learning how to manage it is an important part of prevention.”

Stress reduction techniques — such as walking, deep breathing, counseling, mindfulness or regular exercise — can support heart health and improve your overall well-being.

Who Is Most at Risk for a Heart Attack?

Heart attack risk increases with age, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking and obesity.

Chronic stress and family history also play a role. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women. Men face a higher heart attack risk earlier in life, while women often face more risk after menopause.

Other factors include long periods of sitting, very little physical activity and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or psoriasis. Knowing your personal risk can help you take necessary steps early on to reduce it.

What Is Blood Pressure, and What Counts as Healthy?

Blood pressure measures the force of blood against the walls of your arteries. It includes two numbers:

• Systolic (top number) — pressure when your heart beats
• Diastolic (bottom number) — pressure when your heart relaxes

A healthy blood pressure reading for most adults stays below 120/80 mmHg. Higher numbers can put increased strain on your heart and arteries, which raises your risk for heart disease or stroke.

How Can I Lower My Cholesterol?

You can lower cholesterol through diet, exercise, weight management and sometimes medication. Helpful steps include:

• Eating more fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains and lean proteins
• Choosing healthy fats like olive oil, nuts and avocados
• Limiting saturated fat, fried foods and processed snacks
• Increasing your physical activity
• Reducing alcohol and eliminating tobacco use

Your provider may also recommend medication if lifestyle changes are not enough.

What Types of Exercise Support Heart Health?

The best exercise programs for heart health combine aerobic activity, strength training and stretching. Aim for:

• Aerobic activity — brisk walking, swimming, cycling or dancing
• Strength training — bodyweight exercises, light weights or resistance bands
• Flexibility and balance exercises — stretching, yoga or gentle mobility routines

Even small increases in your daily exercise routine can support stronger heart function and better blood pressure control.

What Is the #1 Lifestyle Change that Supports Heart Health?

Although diet, exercise and sleep all matter, consistent physical activity often delivers the biggest impact. Moving your body every day improves circulation, strengthens the heart muscle, lowers cholesterol and reduces stress. These are all major contributors that will positively impact your long-term heart health.

If daily movement feels hard to accomplish, start small. Short walks, gentle strength sessions or household activities still count and create momentum over time.

Learn more about the Cardiology services at Catholic Health.