Preventive Cardiology and Vascular Disease: Stopping Problems Before They Start
Cardiovascular diseases do not develop overnight. In many cases, changes within the blood vessels occur gradually over years, long before events such as stroke or heart attack occur.
Preventive cardiology focuses on identifying these changes early and taking steps to reduce the risk of a serious complication. When concerns are detected sooner, providers have more opportunities to manage them through lifestyle changes, medication, and ongoing monitoring. Even if you feel healthy, an early cardiovascular evaluation can help ensure your heart and blood vessels are functioning as they should, and allow you to work with a provider to create a plan that supports your cardiovascular health over time.
How Cardiovascular Disease Develops
Cardiovascular disease is the umbrella term for conditions that affect both the heart and the vascular system, which is the network of arteries and veins that carry blood throughout the body. Such conditions develop when plaque — made up of cholesterol, fats, calcium, and other substances — accumulates within the walls of the arteries. This process is known as atherosclerosis, which, over time, can limit healthy blood flow and lead to the following complications:
Coronary Artery Disease (Heart Disease)
Coronary artery disease occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. As these arteries narrow, blood flow to the heart muscle is restricted, which can result in a heart attack.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Peripheral artery disease occurs when arteries carrying blood to the arms and legs become blocked or narrowed. This can lead to symptoms such as pain during walking, slower wound healing, or numbness of the affected limb.
Carotid Artery Disease
The carotid arteries supply blood to the brain. When plaque builds up in these arteries, blood flow to the brain becomes restricted, which can lead to a stroke.
Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease
A preventive cardiology evaluation focuses on identifying and assessing risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease.
Some of the most common cardiovascular risk factors include:
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Family history of cardiovascular disease
While these factors may sound concerning, managing risk factors early through personalized lifestyle adjustments or medication when needed can significantly reduce the likelihood that cardiovascular disease will progress.
What Happens During a Preventive Cardiology Evaluation?
A preventive cardiology visit is designed to build a comprehensive picture of your cardiovascular health. Your provider will typically begin by reviewing your personal and family medical history and discussing your daily habits, including nutrition, physical activity, and tobacco use.
Your physician will also perform a physical exam and order blood tests to evaluate cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and other markers that can provide insight into cardiovascular disease risk.
Depending on your risk profile, additional screening may be recommended. These diagnostic tools may include:
- An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG), which records the electrical activity of the heart and can help identify irregular heart rhythms or signs of heart strain
- An echocardiogram, which uses ultrasound technology to create images of the heart, allowing providers to evaluate how the heart chambers and valves are functioning
- Stress Testing, which helps determine whether the heart muscle is receiving enough blood and oxygen during physical activity
- Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring, which involves a CT scan to measure the amount of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries.
Taking a Proactive Approach to Cardiovascular Health
Preventive care plays an important role in supporting long-term cardiovascular health. At Carient Heart & Vascular, our providers work with patients to evaluate risk factors, monitor cardiovascular health, and develop personalized prevention strategies. To learn more about preventive cardiology or schedule an evaluation, reach out to our team today.