Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States — yet many of its biggest risk factors are preventable.

In this episode of Beyond the Script, host Dr. Jake Goodman sits down with CVS pharmacist and district leader Nicole Henry to explain what heart health really means, how conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol often develop silently, and what you can do to help protect your heart before symptoms appear.

They discuss common heart medications, medication adherence, over-the-counter supplements, lifestyle changes that support cardiovascular health, and how pharmacists help with prevention. The episode also covers heart attack and stroke warning signs, differences in symptoms between men and women, and common heart health myths — including daily aspirin use.

Whether you’re managing a heart condition or focused on prevention, this episode offers clear, practical guidance to help you take charge of your heart health.

Please note:

For a suspected heart attack, the best rapid response approach is to call 9-1-1 immediately. Key signs often involve chest pain, pressure, or discomfort, along with radiating pain to the jaw, neck, or shoulders

A good acronym to remember the most common signs of a potential stroke is B.E. F.A.S.T. which stands for:
Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination.
Eyes: Sudden vision changes, blurring, or loss of vision.
Face: One side of the face droops or is numb; check if their smile is uneven.
Arm: Weakness in one arm or leg; one arm drifts downward when raised.
Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking/being understood.
Time: Time to call 911 immediately if any of these signs are present.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.