Taking regular EKGs is important for many people, not just those diagnosed with a heart condition. If you’re over 65 or have risk factors like hypertension or diabetes, this is especially true. Learn why.

Your heart is one of your most important organs, responsible for pumping blood to the rest of your body 24/7. It has a big job, and checking in on your heart regularly with an electrocardiogram (EKG) can help ensure that it’s functioning properly and catch potential heart problems early on. Whether or not you have a diagnosed heart condition or an arrhythmia, like atrial fibrillation (AFib) , here are three reasons why tracking your heart health is important for everyone.

  1. Heart conditions may be “silent.”
    One in 10 people have AFib and don’t know it yet.* While some people with heart conditions experience symptoms like dizziness or a racing heart, others notice zero symptoms. Because of that heart conditions may be hard to detect, and they’re not something to take lightly. Regularly recording your EKG can help identify arrhythmias early where it may otherwise go unnoticed until a bigger, more serious heart event.

  2. Symptoms are difficult to recreate.
    Have you ever heard an unusual noise while driving, taken your car into the shop and then suddenly the noise stops before a mechanic can look at it? The same scenario often happens with your heart. You may feel flutters or lightheadedness one day, but by the time you have an appointment with your doctor your symptoms have stopped.

    That’s why tracking your heart health regularly—and from home—can be incredibly beneficial to your health. Personal EKGs, like KardiaMobile , allow you to record a medical-grade EKG from home the moment you feel a symptom. Taking regular EKGs ensures you have reliable data to share with your doctor either remotely or during your next appointment.

  3. Knowledge is power.
    The more you know about your heart health, the more you know about your overall health. Remember, your heart pumps blood to all of your major organs. It’s crucial that you take care of it and manage any complications as soon as they arise. Take an EKG once a day, or even once a week to make sure your heart is doing exactly what it’s supposed to—if nothing else for the peace of mind.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with a heart condition, or you’re just looking for ways to stay on top of your health, make recording an EKG part of your routine. There’s no downside to being more prepared and having a better understanding of your heart health.

* https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5896911/