There's a theory that many of the unusual rhythms in Beethoven's music are a reflection of the cardiac arrhythmia that he contended with. Whether that involved irregular patterns going from the key of E to C to G, we don't know.

But we do know that having an ECG (electrocardiogram) regularly can do a lot to protect your heart health from irregular rhythms and other cardiac problems.

A study in JAMA Internal Medicine that looked at the heart health of 3.5 million people found that among adults ages 35-65, getting a baseline ECG helped predict future heart woes — especially when multiple minor irregularities were identified.

We suggest an all-out heart-healthy approach that includes getting a baseline ECG. If even minor irregularities are noted, follow up with a diagnostic workup of your heart health, including blood pressure, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol or apolipoprotein B, lipoprotein A, inflammation (hs-CRP and myeloperoxidase) and blood sugar levels, and perhaps a stress test.

Then you and your doctor can design a lifestyle makeover that will prevent your heart problems from progressing and add joy and good health to your longer life.

That lifestyle should include aiming for 10,000 steps a day or the equivalent, and ditching highly processed foods, red and processed meats, and added sugars and syrups.

You can also embrace the heart-boosting effects of forming a supportive posse and finding a purpose. In addition, get seven to nine hours of quality sleep a night, and practice stress management.