Heart Disease Risk Assessment & Prevention Plans
What is Heart Disease?
Heart and vessel disease stems from a process called atherosclerosis, or plaque build-up in the arteries. As the arteries narrow, blood flow diminishes, which can sometimes cause pain. Ultimately, if the process continues, the plaques can rupture, forming clots which can fully obstruct blood flow causing a heart attack.
What is Heart Disease Risk Assessment?
Heart disease risk assessment at our clinic includes a thorough intake of your medical history, family history, social history and symptoms, as well as physical exam and laboratory tests to determine your level of risk for developing heart disease. There are certain known risk factors, some modifiable and some non-modifiable that potentiate a patient’s risk for heart disease.
There are also certain signs and symptoms a person can develop if they are developing heart disease, such as chest pain. However, heart disease can be silent, which is why it is so important to have a heart disease risk assessment.
Who is at risk for Heart Disease?
You are at greater risk for heart disease if you:
-have high cholesterol
-are male
-are of African American descent
-have high blood pressure
-have a family history of heart disease
-have diabetes
-smoke
-are older than 45 as a male
-a post-menopausal female
-are overweight or obese
-do not exercise
-have a high carbohydrate or
-have a high animal fat diet
What comes after I have a high heart disease risk assessment?
The initial heart disease assessment may indicate a person that needs further testing. This may include a blood test for cholesterol, blood sugar, blood tests for inflammation, genetic testing for heart disease risk or other testing based on your unique needs. Another test that might be recommended is called a Coronary Calcium Scan-- a painless test that measures the amount of build up in your heart arteries. Once we pull all the information together, we are able to confidently assess your level of heart disease, heart disease risk, and start on a good prevention and treatment plan.
How can heart disease be slowed, or a heart attack be prevented?
We can help you prevent heart disease and heart attack risks by helping you change your diet, by recommending nutritional supplements and herbal medicines. These treatments reduce oxidative damage, reduce inflammation, and improve cholesterol.
How can I start reducing my risk of a heart attack?
Simple. Call our office and schedule an appointment with one of our doctors for heart health. The number is: 360-651-9355
