Every February, Heart Care Awareness Month serves as a reminder to check in on one of the most vital parts of our health: our hearts. But knowing when to worry, what to look for and who needs to see a cardiologist isn’t always clear.

Most people associate heart trouble with crushing chest pain or dramatic shortness of breath. While those are critical red flags, heart disease often presents more subtly.

Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting or near-fainting spells should never be brushed aside. Swelling in the feet or ankles, rapid or unexplained weight gain and increasing fatigue with routine activities are also concerning. If climbing stairs, walking or completing everyday tasks suddenly feels unusually difficult, that may be your heart signaling distress.

Individuals should consider the severity and pattern of their symptoms. If symptoms are sudden and severe, that is the time to call 911. If they are milder but persistent, the first step is usually a visit to a primary care doctor, who can then refer the patient to a cardiologist if needed. That path allows us to investigate issues before they turn into emergencies.

Alongside symptoms, risk factors play a crucial role in heart health. Many serious cardiac conditions develop silently over years, influenced by a combination of lifestyle and genetics. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes are three of the most important risk factors I look for. Smoking, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle add significantly to that risk. Age is another factor, particularly beyond the mid-50s and 60s. For women, the post-menopausal period is especially important to pay attention to, because hormonal changes can increase cardiovascular risk. Family history is also key: if parents, siblings or close relatives have had heart disease, stroke, sudden cardiac events or unexplained fainting, the likelihood of heart problems increases.

For their initial visit to a cardiologist, patients should expect to provide a thorough medical history, details on existing conditions like blood pressure and diabetes, and a description of their symptoms. From there, the doctor will often order tests such as an echocardiogram, which uses ultrasound to show the structure and function of the heart, and some form of stress test. If a patient is able to walk on a treadmill, a test is performed to evaluate how their heart responds to exercise. If mobility is limited, doctors can use medication to mimic the effect of exertion while taking images. These tests help identify issues such as blockages in the coronary arteries or problems with how the heart pumps.

Some of the most common heart conditions are coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation. Coronary artery disease involves blockages in the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. High blood pressure silently damages the arteries and the heart over time. Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm that often feels like palpitations and may cause dizziness or fainting. None of these conditions are inevitable outcomes of aging; with early recognition and appropriate treatment, their impact can be greatly reduced.

While genetics and aging cannot be changed, many aspects of heart health are within our control. Aggressively managing blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk. Quitting smoking, exercising regularly enough to break a sweat several times a week and making careful food choices all contribute to a healthier heart. Patients should limit their consumption of processed foods and reduce their consumption of fast food, items high in sodium and red meat. Lean proteins such as chicken, turkey and fish, along with fresh, minimally processed foods, form the foundation of a heart-healthy diet.

Ultimately, heart care is about awareness and action. Paying attention to symptoms, understanding personal risk factors and seeking medical guidance early can mean the difference between preventing disease and reacting to a crisis.