Is My Heart Healthy? 7 Ways to Tell If You've Got Great Heart Health

According to the CDC, around 659,000 people die of heart disease in the United States each year. This makes heart disease the leading cause of death in the country. 

Because of that, it's important to make sure that your heart is working as it should be.

However, it's not always easy to know if you have good heart health. Many people end up searching, "Is my heart healthy?" but this can yield difficult to understand results.

To clear everything up, we've compiled this list of signs. If most of them apply to you, there's a good chance that your heart is normal and healthy.

So what do you need to pay attention to?

Keep reading to learn about seven different ways to know that you have a healthy heart.

1. You Have a Normal and Steady Heart Rate

Your heart rate is one of the best indicators of your heart health. A heart rate that is too fast can indicate problems.

In most cases, a normal heart beats somewhere between 60 to 100 times a minute. However, some doctors want their patients' hearts to be in a smaller range. They recommend around 50 to 70 beats a minute.

Keep in mind that athletic individuals often have lower heart rates. If you're in excellent physical shape, a heart rate of around 40 isn't uncommon. It means that you're in great condition! 

2. Your Blood Pressure Is Normal 

Blood pressure is another way to tell whether or not you have a healthy heart. If your blood pressure is too high or low, it might be a sign that your heart isn't as healthy as it should be.

When you get your blood pressure checked by a doctor, they'll provide you with two different numbers. The first number shows your arterial pressure, while the second one is that of your heart muscle when it's relaxed. 

Most doctors consider a blood pressure reading of 120/80 or lower to be healthy. If it reaches 130/80, it's too high. Numbers like those put you at a higher rate for heart attack or stroke. 

3. You Have Consistent Energy Levels

Your energy levels provide you with insight into many different aspects of your health, including that of your heart. If you're consistently tired, groggy, or fatigued, the problem could stem from your heart.

If your heart works as it should, your body has no problem transporting nutrients and oxygen around to different parts that need it. Low energy levels can be a sign that your heart is having difficulty doing that.

Consider seeing a medical professional if you experience chronic fatigue or other energy-related issues. Medical experts like the well-known Dr. Kenneth Chien can help you figure out whether the problem is coming from your heart. 

4. Oral Health Isn't a Problem for You

As is the case with your energy levels, your oral health is also a good indicator of your general wellbeing. It can also help you figure out whether your heart is working as it should be.

Most people know that gum disease develops from bacterial infections, which is why brushing, flossing, and gargling with mouth wash is so important. However, gum problems can also exacerbate any heart issues you may have.

When the bacteria from your mouth spread into your bloodstream, they can clog arteries and inflammation. In extreme cases, this can exponentially increase your risk for heart disease and other problems. 

5. Breathing Isn't a Challenge 

It's normal for your heart rate to increase when you work out and for your breathing to be challenging for a moment or two. However, if you struggle to breathe regularly, your heart might not be as healthy as it should be. 

You should have no problem walking, running, or even swimming at a normal pace. You shouldn't have to stop and catch your breath to be able to continue.

This is because when you have a healthy heart, it can pump oxygen to the different parts of your body without a problem. Breathing problems may indicate that your heart isn't doing that as well as it should. 

6. Your Heart Can Recover Without an Issue

Besides being able to catch your breath after a workout (or even a more simple type of movement), you should also monitor how long it takes for your heart to revert to a normal pace. 

A healthy heart should not have a problem getting down to a normal rate after a few moments of rest. As a general rule of thumb, it should be able to drop by around 20 beats after a minute-long break.

Test your heart rate after exercise to see where it falls, as well as how long it takes to get down to normal. 

7. Your Cholesterol Levels Are Low 

Most people hear cholesterol and immediately think of something bad and scary. The truth is that cholesterol plays an important role in your overall health, helping with tasks like cell production. 

However, too much "bad" cholesterol in your body is a bad thing. Too much of it can lead to blockages, which in turn limits blood flow. This makes you more susceptible to heart disease and stroke. 

Is My Heart Healthy? Make Sure You Know the Answer

As one of the most important organs in our bodies, everyone wants to know that they have a healthy heart.

If you're tired of Googling, "Is my heart healthy?" use this guide to help you figure it out for yourself. If you feel that your cardiovascular health isn't as good as you'd like it to be, it might be time to visit a medical professional. 

Are you interested in reading more guides and tips on heart health? If so, make sure to check out some of the other posts on our site!