Being in love promotes good health

You feel it when that special someone walks into the room. Your heart begins racing, butterflies start swirling around in your stomach. It's that little thing called love.

There are scientific studies to back up these feelings - being in love really is good for your health. When you're around your loved one, your blood pressure drops, your stress levels decline and your mood is elevated. Touching and being intimate with your partner may even improve your immune system and keep you from getting sick.

Because heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in America, it’s important to identify and treat symptoms early. Oddly enough, many people first notice heart-related issues in the bedroom. If you or your partner notice any of these signs of heart disease, talk with your doctor.

• For some people, the first time they feel chest pain is during intercourse. This is considered “exertional” chest pain and results from severe plaque buildup.
• Women are at an increased risk for heart disease if they experience hot flashes at an earlier age or go through menopause faster than normal. 
• Men who are diagnosed with erectile dysfunction are likely to have symptoms of heart disease within the next five years. If a young, healthy man is having erectile dysfunction, he should also be screened for heart disease.
• Snoring can be a warning sign for both men and women. If snoring causes lapses in breathing, it could be a sign of sleep apnea, a condition that’s linked to high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke and abnormal heart rhythms. So don’t be embarrassed to ask your partner if you snore!
• If you have heart palpitations or notice your heart beating faster than normal or skipping beats while lying in bed, you may be at risk for heart disease. 

So take heart. These symptoms are nothing to be embarrassed about, and they’re good reasons to see a cardiologist. Maybe even make your next date a trip to see the doctor together.