Approximately 800,000 Americans experience a heart attack every year. Cardiovascular disease is among the leading causes of death globally. Fortunately, you can reduce your risk of heart attack with preventive cardiology Upper East Side. Discover what preventive cardiology entails and when to see your cardiologist.
Importance of preventive cardiology
Estimates suggest that eight out of ten cases of premature heart disease are preventable. Health practitioners and their patients recognize the modalities required to reduce cardiovascular disease.
However, the implementation of preventive measures can be challenging. The average person tends to overlook the interventions, while health practitioners fail to execute them effectively.
The role of preventive cardiology is to integrate prevention interventions into the medical system. It offers specialized and evidence-based care proven to assess and reduce the risk of heart attacks.
Aspects of preventive cardiology
Preventive cardiology also emphasizes personalized care. The approach acknowledges that the disease has unique manifestations for every individual.
Preventive cardiology typically includes different approaches, such as:
Comprehensive risk assessment
Since an individual’s susceptibility to heart disease varies, risk assessment is one of the crucial first steps. Risk assessment evaluates your health status, genetic predisposition, and pre-existing health conditions.
The results of your risk assessment will inform the treatment plan suitable for the best outcomes. Your cardiologist will also use the data to discuss research reports, the latest medical interventions, and your health concerns.
Functional stress testing
Functional stress testing is a risk assessment process to identify cardiovascular problems. The process involves the patient walking on a specialized treadmill or exercise bike.
It can diagnose coronary heart disease and problems with heart rhythm. The test can also evaluate your heart health before a cardiovascular procedure.
Remote patient monitoring
Remote patient monitoring (RPM) employs the latest tools to track the patient’s heart health. Its primary aim is to reduce the risk of hospitalization by enabling rapid response to cardiovascular events.
Patients use devices that provide healthcare practitioners with cardiovascular health data. The devices can send information through a telehealth system. They can provide data including blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, and oxygen levels.
Complex care management
Cardiovascular diseases tend to co-occur with other related conditions. For example, pulmonary hypertension often causes heart problems. Mental health problems can also raise your risk of cardiovascular complications.
The complex care approach facilitates effective disease management for patients with co-occurring ailments. The treatment plan depends on your risk of heart disease, age, and existing medical conditions. It may involve lifestyle adjustments and assisting patients with nutritional planning.
When to see a preventive cardiologist
Consulting a preventive cardiologist can be beneficial regardless of your age or background. However, it is most suitable for patients with the following who seek to:
- Lower their risk of cardiovascular disease due to genetic predispositions or lifestyle
- Reduce their risk after heart surgery or a heart attack
- Manage high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, or other risk factors
- Have pre-existing conditions that increase the risk of heart problems
A preventive cardiologist will develop a customized treatment plan. It is always wise to seek medical assistance if unsure of your risks.
To schedule a preventive cardiology consultation, call Upper East Side Cardiology or schedule your appointment online.