Heart Health Portsmouth
Heart Health Portsmouth

Heart Health Matters: What Your GP Wants You to Know This Heart Month

At Prema Health, we believe that heart health is one of the most important pillars of long-term wellbeing. February’s Heart Health Month provides a vital reminder that cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness—and that early detection and lifestyle support can dramatically change outcomes.

Many people underestimate subtle symptoms such as breathlessness, chest tightness, unusual fatigue, dizziness, or palpitations. Others assume heart issues only affect older adults, when in reality, risk factors can accumulate quietly from an early age. Stress, sleep deprivation, sedentary habits, smoking, excessive alcohol use, poor diet, hormonal changes, and family history all contribute to risk.

Our GPs at Prema Health approach heart health holistically. We begin with a detailed medical history, evaluating lifestyle patterns, sleep quality, stress levels, physical fitness, and existing conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Where appropriate, we offer blood tests to assess cholesterol, inflammation, and metabolic health, as well as ECGs or referrals for specialist imaging.

Preventative care is where the most powerful improvements occur. Small changes—regular walking, balanced nutrition, weight management, improving sleep routines, and reducing stress—have profound long-term effects. We help patients develop personalised lifestyle strategies that are realistic and sustainable.

Many patients are surprised to learn that hormonal changes, especially in midlife for women, can influence cardiovascular risk. Others discover that symptoms they attributed to anxiety or fatigue were early signs of cardiovascular strain. Education is a crucial part of our care model—patients make more confident decisions when they understand their bodies.

If concerns arise, our GPs guide patients through next steps, ensuring timely and appropriate specialist care when necessary. Whether you need a routine review or support with risk-reduction strategies, Prema Health is here to help you protect and strengthen your heart—today and for the future.

Looking after your heart is an act of self-care. With professional guidance and preventative action, you can meaningfully reduce your risk and support your long-term health.