Common heart health questions answered by MercyOne cardiologists

Overview: Curious about your heart health? Discover the top questions about heart health, answered by MercyOne Cardiologists.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., but the good news is that many cases are preventable. Your heart is the most important muscle in your body, pumping blood to every cell and organ—and heart health involves more than just diet and exercise.

To help you protect your heart, MercyOne cardiologists are answering some of the most common heart health questions they hear every day—and what you can do to lower your risk.

Is heart disease genetic or hereditary?

 Yes—heart disease can run in families. If you have a family history of heart disease, especially if a parent or sibling was diagnosed before age 50, your risk may be higher. Genetics can play a role in common conditions like coronary artery disease, as well as rarer inherited heart conditions passed down from parent to child.

The good news is that a family history doesn’t mean heart disease is inevitable. Knowing your family’s heart health history, talking with your doctor, and getting regular screenings can help catch problems early. Healthy habits like eating well, staying active, and managing stress can greatly lower your risk—even if heart disease runs in your family. 

How can I improve my heart health?

Taking steps to reduce your risk starts with understanding your current health.

Take our Heart Risk Assessment

Keyways to protect your heart include:

• Eating a balanced, heart healthy diet
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Staying active - aim for 30 minutes of exercises, five days a week
• Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke
• Drinking alcohol in moderation
• Managing cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure
• Reducing stress and getting enough sleep

If you’re improving your diet, focus on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, unsalted nuts and legumes, low fat dairy, and nontropical vegetable oils. If exercise feels challenging, going with a friend or family member can help you stay motivated. Prevention and understanding your risks are key to protecting your heart.

What causes high blood pressure?

High blood pressure occurs when blood pressure readings stay consistently above the normal range. Common contributors include:

• Lifestyle habits
• Family history and genetics
• Age
• Certain medications
• Other medical conditions
• Stress

Your primary care provider may order tests, recommend lifestyle changes, prescribe medication or refer you to a cardiologist to help manage blood pressure. Regular monitoring, along with healthy eating and physical activity, can help bring blood pressure into a safer range and reduce your risk of heart disease.

What's the difference between a heart attack and cardiac

Although they’re often confused, heart attacks and cardiac arrest are not the same.

• Heart attack: Happens when the blood flow to the heart is blocked, damaging the heart muscle. Symptoms of a heart attack build over time.
• Cardiac arrest: Occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating, causing immediate collapse. CPR is needed right away. 

A heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest, but they are different emergencies. If you or someone around you has symptoms of a heart attack, call 911 immediately. If cardiac arrest occurs, call 911 and begin CPR if possible.

How is sleep apnea related to heart disease?

Sleep apnea significantly increases the risk of heart disease. When breathing repeatedly stops during sleep:

• Oxygen levels drop
• Stress hormones raise heart rate and blood pressure
• Blood vessels can become damaged
• Inflammation increases, affecting the heart and arteries

Sleep apnea is more than loud snoring—it’s a serious medical condition. If you suspect sleep apnea, talk with your provider or consider a consultation with one of our sleep medicine experts.

Does heart disease present differently in men and women?

Yes. While many risk factors affect both, symptoms can differ. 

• Women may experience subtler symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, or pain in the jaw, neck, or back—sometimes without classic chest pain. Symptoms may occur during rest or sleep.
• Men more often experience intense chest pressure or squeezing, typically during physical activity.

Both men and women can have chest pain and shortness of breath, but hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause can increase heart disease risk in women. Knowing your personal symptoms is key. 

How can you tell the difference between a heart attack and heartburn or indigestion?

Heart attacks and indigestion can feel similar. Heartburn usually causes a burning chest sensation that may happen after eating and often improves with antacids or changing positions. A heart attack is more likely to feel like pressure or tightness and may include shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back.

If chest discomfort is new, severe, or doesn’t go away, don’t wait—call 911 right away. When it comes to your heart, it’s always better to be safe. 

What if I have more questions?

Talk with your primary care provider about your personal heart health risk and steps you can take to prevent heart disease. Staying informed and understanding heart health facts—rather than myths—can make a meaningful difference. If your risk is elevated or you have concerning symptoms, your provider may recommend a referral to a MercyOne cardiologist for further evaluation.

Stay connected to your health with MyChart and take your heart risk assessment to learn whether seeing a cardiologist may be right for you.