A new national survey from MedStar Health highlights a growing disconnect between concern and action when it comes to heart health, according to Estelle Jean, a cardiologist with MedStar Montgomery Medical Center in Olney. While most adults say they are worried about their heart, many are not taking steps to address those concerns with a medical professional.
The survey found that 71 percent of adults are at least somewhat concerned about their heart health. Despite that concern, nearly four in ten respondents said they have not discussed those worries with a healthcare provider. Medical experts say this gap is especially important to address during American Heart Month, when awareness and prevention efforts are emphasized nationwide.
The data also revealed notable differences by gender. Men reported higher levels of concern about heart health and were more likely than women to raise those concerns during medical appointments. While men are more likely to experience heart attacks each year, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women, underscoring the importance of early conversations and routine screening for everyone.
Generational differences were also apparent. About 73 percent of Baby Boomers said they bring heart health concerns up with their doctors, compared with just 57 percent of Gen X respondents. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among people age 65 and older, making prevention and monitoring increasingly important as people age.
Dr. Jean emphasized that patients do not need to wait for a heart attack or severe symptoms before seeing a cardiologist. Prevention plays a critical role in long-term heart health. She noted that if someone is already wondering whether they should see a cardiologist, that question alone is often a sign that it is time to have the conversation.
Common reasons to see a cardiologist include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, dizziness, or unexplained fatigue. Other factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking, or a family history of heart disease. Entering midlife with multiple risk factors or having experienced pregnancy-related complications such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes can also increase risk.
The survey also highlighted the growing role of wearable health technology. Forty-five percent of adults reported using smart watches or health-tracking jewelry, with heart rate monitoring being the most common feature. Just over half of users said they share that data with their medical providers.
Dr. Jean said wearable devices can be helpful when used appropriately and discussed with clinicians. While more testing is not always better, she noted that targeted and timely testing can support earlier conversations, improve prevention, and potentially save lives.
