Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of illness and death in the United States—but the good news is that much of it is preventable. With early detection, healthy habits, and consistent care, you can lower your risk and protect your heart for the long term.
Taking steps toward better heart health begins with understanding your risks, staying active, eating well, and monitoring key factors like blood pressure and cholesterol. Whether you have a family history of heart disease or simply want to stay proactive about your health, small daily changes can make a lasting difference. Your heart works hard for you every day—taking care of it is one of the most powerful investments you can make in your overall well-being.
Understanding Heart Disease and Its Risk Factors
Heart disease refers to a range of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias. These conditions can develop gradually over time and often go unnoticed until symptoms become serious.
Several key factors increase your risk:
- High blood pressure (hypertension) – puts extra strain on the heart and arteries.
- High cholesterol – contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries, limiting blood flow.
- Diabetes – increases the risk of heart complications due to its effects on blood vessels.
- Smoking – damages arteries and reduces oxygen in the blood.
- Poor diet and lack of exercise – contribute to obesity, high cholesterol, and hypertension.
- Stress – can trigger inflammation and unhealthy habits that impact cardiovascular health.
Dr. McElya, at Neighborhood Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, combines preventive screenings, patient education, and ongoing support to help individuals understand their risk factors and make sustainable changes. With a focus on lifestyle improvement and consistent monitoring, the goal is to reduce the risk of heart disease and support long-term cardiovascular wellness.
The Power of Early Detection
Many people don’t realize they have heart-related issues until symptoms—such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or fatigue—become severe. That’s why regular cardiovascular screenings are so important.
At Neighborhood Medical Center, we offer full evaluations that may include:
- Blood pressure and cholesterol checks
- Blood sugar testing for diabetes
- Body mass index (BMI) and weight assessments
- Lifestyle and family history reviews
For patients with elevated risk, Dr. McElya may recommend additional tests or ongoing monitoring to ensure that potential issues are addressed promptly. Early detection allows for simple, effective interventions that can prevent major complications later in life.
Personalized Heart Health Plans
No two patients are alike, and your heart care plan shouldn’t be either. At Neighborhood Medical Center, Dr. McElya takes a personalized approach, creating prevention and treatment strategies that align with your lifestyle, health goals, and medical history. Your customized plan may include medication management for blood pressure or cholesterol, nutrition and exercise guidance, stress management techniques, and regular monitoring to track progress. This individualized care helps patients strengthen their heart health while feeling more confident and empowered in managing their overall well-being.
Lifestyle Changes That Make a Big Difference
Simple, everyday habits have a major impact on heart health. Even small adjustments can lead to long-term improvements. Here are a few tips from The Neighborhood Medical Center team:
- Eat a balanced diet – Choose lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats while limiting processed foods, sugar, and sodium.
- Stay active – Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling.
- Manage stress – Take time to rest, meditate, or do activities that bring you joy. Chronic stress can raise blood pressure and affect heart rhythm.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol – These habits can significantly strain the heart and blood vessels.
- Get regular checkups – Routine visits with Dr. McElya ensure that your heart health stays on track and potential concerns are addressed early.
Heart health isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency. Small, steady changes in your routine can add up to big improvements over time.
Take Charge of Your Heart Health Today
Your heart deserves consistent care—don’t wait for symptoms to take action. At Neighborhood Medical Center, we provide cardiovascular screenings, personalized treatment plans, and lifestyle guidance to help you manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and overall heart function. Our goal is to help patients understand their health, make informed choices, and take proactive steps toward lasting wellness.
Whether you need preventive screening, follow-up care, or support in creating a heart-healthy lifestyle, Dr. McElya and our compassionate team are here to help. Prioritizing your heart health today can lead to a stronger, more energetic, and healthier tomorrow.