Cardiology is a medical speciality that deals with studying and treating heart diseases. It is a field that has been snowballing in recent years, and this growth is expected to continue. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for approximately one out of every four deaths. Cardiovascular disease encompasses many different conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, pericarditis, myocardial infarction (heart attack), congestive heart failure (CHF), hypertension (high blood pressure), and valvular heart disease. This creates the need for preventive cardiology Upper East Side care.
There are many different methods used to prevent cardiovascular disease, namely;
1. Lifestyle changes
These include diet and exercise. Physical activity can reduce inflammation in the body and help control blood pressure, cholesterol levels and glucose levels, all associated with increased risk for CVD. Weight loss can also reduce the overall risk for specific cancer types, including colon and endometrial cancer. The latter is cancer of the lining of the uterus. Diet is another critical factor affecting overall health. It can help lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and glucose levels, decrease inflammation in the body, lower blood sugar levels, and increase bone mineral density.
2. Medications and surgical interventions
Medications such as statins and aspirin are effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. So if you have high cholesterol or a family history of heart disease, it is best to get the necessary medical treatment to reduce your risk of developing one.
Surgical intervention is another option for treating patients who have suffered a heart attack, especially those who have not responded well to medication or lifestyle changes. This procedure involves removing part of your damaged heart so it can function properly again. It is most effective when done within a few hours of the attack but does not always work in every case.
3. Cholesterol management
Cholesterol management is a life-long process that involves monitoring your cholesterol levels and taking steps to prevent their rise. You should also be regularly tested for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
4. Check-up for cardiovascular risk factors
If you have a family history of heart disease or high blood pressure, you should have a routine check-up by a doctor at least once every year to find out if any of your risk factors have increased or changed since the last time you were checked. The doctor will ask questions about your health and lifestyle habits and if you smoke or drink alcohol to see if any changes in your medical history may affect your cardiovascular health today.
5. Screening tests for diseases such as coronary artery disease and stroke
Many screening tests are available to detect diseases such as coronary artery disease and stroke before they become serious problems for you or other people around you.
Cardiovascular disease will become an even greater health concern as our life expectancies increase. Prevention is always better than a cure, so if you have any family history of cardiovascular disease but are otherwise healthy, you may want to start getting preventive Cardiology care at Upper East Side Cardiology.
