AUSTIN, July 1, 2026 - Regular visits to a doctor can help identify and manage major risk factors for heart disease and stroke, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol. But over 1 in 10 U.S. adults do not have a usual place to go for medical care and checkups. To help address this gap, the American Heart Association and Ascension Seton are encouraging Austin-area residents to prioritize routine medical care through the Association's Doctor, It's Been Too Long campaign. "Regular medical appointments are essential for monitoring your well-being and enhancing your quality of life," said Dr. Priyanka Satish, director of preventativ e cardiology at Ascension Texas Cardiovascular. "Prioritizing wellness involves annual physical exams and a thorough review of your health history. By addressing manageable lifestyle factors like nutrition, exercise, cholesterol and blood p ressure, individuals can work toward improved health and greater longevity." Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among American adults, but many risk factors are preventable or manageable with early detection and treatment.
AUSTIN, July 1, 2026 - Regular visits to a doctor can help identify and manage major risk factors for heart disease and stroke, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol. But over 1 in 10 U.S. adults do not have a usual place to go for medical care and checkups.
To help address this gap, the American Heart Association and Ascension Seton are encouraging Austin-area residents to prioritize routine medical care through the Association's Doctor, It's Been Too Long campaign.
"Regular medical appointments are essential for monitoring your well-being and enhancing your quality of life," said Dr. Priyanka Satish, director of preventativ e cardiology at Ascension Texas Cardiovascular. "Prioritizing wellness involves annual physical exams and a thorough review of your health history. By addressing manageable lifestyle factors like nutrition, exercise, cholesterol and blood p ressure, individuals can work toward improved health and greater longevity."
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among American adults, but many risk factors are preventable or manageable with early detection and treatment. Routine screenings can help identify conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, obesity and diabetes before they lead to more serious health problems. Doctors can also provide guidance on healthy habits, including nutrition, physical activity and smoking cessation. Regular care is especially important for the nearly 60% of U.S. adults living with at least one chronic condition.
For some people though, going to the doctor does not come easy. High cost , lack of insurance, limited appointment availability and transportation challenges are among the most common reasons people delay or avoid medical care. A report by the Federal Reserve on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2022, indicates 28% of adults in the U.S. went without some form of medical care in 2022 due to cost, with 16% reporting they had not seen a doctor in the past 12 months.
"Across Central Texas, we know that access to care can look different depending on where someone lives and the resources available to them," said Kelsey Williams, sr. community impact director, American Heart Association-Central Texas . "For people in areas with few choices for health services, or those who are worried about costs, we encourage them to see if their area offers a community health center or similar options. Publicly supported transportation programs or mobile health clinics may also be available in some locations."
The American Heart Association and Live Fierce, Be Relentless sponsor Ascension Seton encourage everyone to schedule routine wellness visits, establish a relationship with a primary care provider and stay proactive about their health.
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org , Facebook , X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Risk factors including high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, high blood glucose (sugar), excess weight and reduced kidney function make up cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome.