Taking care of your health is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. Baylor College of Medicine experts have plenty of tips to help you stay healthy. This month’s Health Hint offers an important heart health tip, since February is Heart Month.

Kick off Heart Month by taking control of your health, and the first step is by knowing your numbers that relate to heart health and how they contribute to heart attacks and stroke. A yearly doctor visit is recommended and should include a blood pressure check, a cholesterol test including triglycerides, and a discussion with your doctor about other risk factors and family health history. Based on the results, you and your doctor can decide how often to follow up and what else you can do to improve your overall health.”

Dr. Christie Ballantyne, professor of medicine and chief of the section of cardiology