Insights from Kristy King, Nurse Practitioner at Primary Health Solutions, during American Heart Month
Heart disease is often thought of as something that happens suddenly or later in life. But according to Kristy King, Nurse Practitioner at Primary Health Solutions who cares for patients with heart conditions and high blood pressure every day, heart health begins much earlier, and often more quietly, than most people realize.
“Knowledge is the key,” Kristy says. “The biggest risk factors for heart disease are things many people live with every day: smoking, family history, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. And simple lifestyle choices like healthy eating, exercise, sleep and limiting alcohol can make a powerful difference.”
What surprises many patients is that heart disease develops gradually over time. Plaque, a buildup of fats and cholesterol in the arteries, can begin forming early in life. Over the years, risk factors and genetics can cause that buildup to grow, narrowing blood flow to the heart and leading to coronary artery disease.
The Silent Nature of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is often called the silent condition for a reason. Many people feel completely fine and don’t realize anything is wrong.
Kristy shares her own experience: diagnosed with hypertension at age 35 while working full time and attending graduate school, sleeping only a few hours each night. “The only symptom I had was a flushed neck that wouldn’t go away. When my preceptor checked my blood pressure, it was 180/90. I felt like a typical patient. I didn’t want to take medication, and I tried to fix it on my own. Hypertension can affect anyone, at any age.”
Warning signs can include chest pain, arm pain, blurred vision, headaches, heart palpitations — or no symptoms at all. That’s why regular check-ups are so important.
The Surprising Link Between Your Mouth and Your Heart
One of the most overlooked connections to heart health happens at the dentist. In fact, our Primary Health Solutions quality team recently found that patients who keep up with routine dental cleanings are more likely to have well-controlled blood pressure. This reinforces what research has shown for years — oral health and heart health are closely connected.
“Tooth troubles can lead to heart troubles,” Kristy explains.
Inflammation from gum disease and untreated dental infections can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart valves, increasing the risk of serious cardiovascular problems. Research shows people with untreated dental infections are significantly more likely to experience heart disease.
“The key is simple: brush, floss daily and visit a dentist every six months.”
Small Steps Make a Big Difference
If Kristy could give patients just a few steps to protect their heart this year, they would be:
- Stop smoking — the leading preventable cause of heart disease
- Eat a heart-healthy diet and exercise regularly
- Manage diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure
- Start small and don’t give up
“Even one cigarette can increase your risk of a heart attack,” she adds. “Smoking immediately raises blood pressure, damages blood vessels and reduces oxygen in the body.”
A Message to Remember
A Message to RememberCardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but many of those deaths are preventable through lifestyle changes and routine care.
“As providers, we plant the seed of knowledge,” Kristy says. “We explain it in a way patients understand and encourage them to start small. If we can help even one person change their future, and the future of their family, that’s a success.”
This Heart Health Month, remember: protecting your heart doesn’t start with big changes. It starts with awareness, prevention and everyday choices that add up over time.