What Are the Key Components of a Preventive Cardiology Program?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for over 680,000 deaths annually. There are a wide range of risk factors and lifestyle choices that contribute to the high incidence of heart disease in this country, and the specific underlying causes are slightly different for everyone.
The good news is cardiovascular disease can be effectively managed and, in some instances, prevented if proper preventive treatments are implemented for individuals who are identified as high risk. This is one of the reasons why preventive cardiology is one of the most critical services offered by cardiology clinics.
What Is Preventive Cardiology?
Preventive cardiology is a specialized field of cardiology focused on reducing the risk factors associated with heart disease and implementing heart healthy lifestyle habits. The goal of this specialization is to help high-risk individuals avoid developing heart disease and to help individuals with cardiovascular health issues to more effectively manage their condition to prevent it from getting worse.
A preventive cardiology program takes a holistic approach to maintaining optimal heart health since your heart and blood vessels work in conjunction with a variety of other organs and systems in your body to carry out their functions. When any of these other organs and systems break down, it can place additional strain on your heart that may increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. By creating a program that supports the help of all the organs and systems that work with your heart, you can more effectively prevent heart conditions from developing.
When Should I See a Preventive Cardiologist?
Individuals who are at higher risk of heart disease can generally benefit from seeing a preventive cardiologist. This will help to manage these risk factors and reduce the likelihood of developing a serious heart condition. You should consider visiting a preventive cardiologist if you have:
- A family history of heart disease
- A personal history of cardiovascular disease or other heart conditions
- Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, obesity, or any other condition that can potentially damage your heart
- Inflammatory bowel disease, HIV, lupus or any other inflammatory disorders
- High levels of lipoprotein (a), which increase your risk of developing plaque in your arteries
- Elevated levels on a calcium heart score test or any other diagnostic exam indicating you’ve developed coronary artery calcification
- Certain women’s health issues that may increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure during pregnancy or premature menopause
In these situations, working with a preventive cardiologist can ensure your personal risk factors are properly assessed, and a proactive plan is implemented to optimize your heart health.
4 Key Components of an Effective Preventive Cardiology Program
An effective preventive cardiology program involves a patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach that supports all aspects of your heart health. Your care team may involve physicians from a variety of different specializations, including cardiology, internal medicine, endocrinology and obstetrics. In addition, nurses, dietitians and exercise physiologists may also contribute to the development and implementation of your care plan. A collaborative decision-making process that involves your input in goal setting and treatment planning will generally increase the likelihood that you’ll follow through with the care plan and result in the most effective results.
Your preventive cardiology program should include the following components:
- Comprehensive risk assessment
- Risk factor management
- Lifestyle modifications
- Ongoing monitoring and support
Comprehensive Risk Assessment
The first step to preventing the development of cardiovascular disease is to understand your specific risk factors. This is accomplished by conducting a thorough risk assessment that includes:
- A review of your medical history, including your cardiovascular history
- A discussion of your lifestyle habits, with a specific focus on actions that may potentially contribute to cardiovascular disease
- An evaluation of your family history of heart disease and cardiovascular risk factors
- A physical exam with a focus on heart health indicators such as blood pressure, body weight, waist circumference and other relevant measurements
- Blood tests to determine your blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, and advanced biomarkers such as specific proteins and lipoproteins
- Imaging and other and other diagnostic testing that may include an EKG, echocardiogram and calcium heart score test
Risk Factor Management
The results of your risk assessment will be used to guide your treatment plan. Depending on your specific risk factors, your preventive cardiology team may recommend a variety of medications or medical treatments to help manage these risks. Your plan may include:
- Monitoring and treatment of high blood pressure
- Management of high cholesterol or lipid levels
- Diagnosis and management of diabetes and prediabetes
- Customized weight loss plans for individuals who are obese
- Management of kidney disease
Lifestyle Modifications
In many instances, lifestyle modifications can play an important role in managing your risk factors for heart disease. Your lifestyle modifications should also involve patient education and counselling that will help you to better understand how these changes can make a positive impact on lowering your heart disease risks.
Depending on your specific risk factors and daily habits, your recommended lifestyle adjustments may include one or more of the following:
- Eating a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains, but is low in saturated fats, refined sugars and sodium
- Getting more exercise
- Quitting smoking
- Maintaining a healthier weight
- Managing stress more effectively
- Reducing alcohol consumption
It’s understandable if you find some of these lifestyle adjustments to be overwhelming. Keep in mind that you don’t have to make drastic changes overnight – you can take things slowly and gradually implement these lifestyle adjustments in a way that will help you be successful. It’s also important to lean on your preventive cardiology team for support as you implement these changes in your daily life.
Ongoing Monitoring and Support
As part of your preventive cardiology program, your team will conduct regular monitoring of cardiovascular disease risk factors, including blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels and any other conditions you may have that can impact your heart health. This monitoring will help your preventive cardiology team detect any changes or abnormalities in their earliest stages, ensuring that the proper adjustments to your treatment program are made in a timely manner.
Depending on your specific situation, your preventive cardiology team may recommend re-evaluations every three months, six months or annually. In addition, continual patient education and support services will be provided to ensure you are able to stay on top of any lifestyle changes and medication regimens recommended as part of your treatment plan.
Services Offered at South Denver Cardiology’s Prevention Cardiology Clinic
South Denver Cardiology’s Prevention Cardiology Clinic provides comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, risk assessment and risk factor management for individuals who are either at elevated risk of cardiovascular disease or are currently managing a cardiovascular condition. Our program combines the latest science with a personalized touch to help you maximize your quality of life, alleviate symptoms, prevent hospitalizations and reduce your risk of major cardiovascular disease events.
When you first visit our Prevention Cardiology Clinic, you’ll meet with one of our preventive cardiologists who will review your personal risk factors and develop an individualized plan that includes all necessary assessments and potential treatments that will help you protect your heart health. Our services include:
- Assessment of family medical history
- Blood tests and biomarker laboratory test
- Personal risk assessment
- Help quitting smoking
- Weight loss and weight maintenance assistance
- Ankle brachial index (ABI) testing
- Calcium heart score test
- Medication management for existing cardiovascular conditions or other health issues that are impacting your heart health
Our approach prioritizes patient education so that you fully understand the risk factors impacting your heart health, and the ways in which our recommended treatment plan can make a positive impact in reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease. We always work to develop a customized program that you are likely to follow through with to ensure you get the best possible results.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. South Denver Cardiology serves patients in South Denver, Littleton and the surrounding areas.
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As with any health concerns, your specific treatment program should be discussed thoroughly with your primary care physician as well as any specialists who may need to be consulted – like a cardiologist.
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