Preventive cardiology is a branch of cardiology that focuses on minimizing patients’ risk of suffering from heart disease and developing a stroke or heart attack, as well as preventing complications in those who already have it. Cardiac and radiologic diagnostic interpretation services can help detect cardiovascular diseases that have several risk factors.
We are certain you’ve heard of the phrase, “Prevention is better than cure.” In this case, prevention can save your life. Studies show that for most men and women in the United States today, heart disease is the leading cause of mortality. That’s why it’s imperative you use cardiac and radiologic diagnostic interpretation services. Statistics also suggest that this is likely to be the trend for the next several decades. Scheduling a routine check-up with your cardiologist can be of great importance to your health, especially if you have a family history of heart disease.
Let’s look at some of the risk factors involved and some reasons why you may want to book your preventive cardiology appointment today.
1. You may have a family history of heart disease.
Heart disease can be hereditary in some people. Therefore, if you have members of your family that have suffered a stroke or a heart attack in the past, you may want to use cardiac and radiologic diagnostic interpretation services to determine the possibility of you developing heart disease. You can acquire information on your family by asking your closest family members of any known history of heart complications within the family. If you notice a pattern, then it is wise to get checked early. Knowing whether you are at risk can help you prevent heart illness before its onset.
2. You may be at risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
You can never be certain of your health condition at any given time, which makes it all the more important to see a cardiologist. It is important that you are evaluated using cardiac and radiologic diagnostic interpretation services by a heart specialist to determine your chances of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as a heart attack or stroke. Such events are very unpredictable and can occur anywhere and at any time, however, having prior knowledge of the likelihood of their occurrence can enable you to take quick action and save your life.
3. If your doctor recommends it, do it.
Your physician may require you to see a heart specialist or to use a cardiac and radiologic diagnostic interpretation service for several reasons. He or she may have noticed something during your recent check-up and suggests that you see a cardiologist for a more professional examination of your heart. You must heed their advice and go see a heart specialist as soon as you can.
4. Knowledge
Being able to identify the signs and symptoms of cardiovascular heart disease is important. A cardiologist will guide you and teach you about the different cardiovascular diseases, certain cardiac and radiologic diagnostic interpretation services that you can use, the major risk factors of diseases, how to prevent them, and how to assist someone who is affected. Knowing what to do when you suffer a stroke, or when someone close to you suffers a heart attack can help save a life.
5. To reduce chances of Cardiovascular diseases.
Most types of heart disease are preventable by reducing some of the risk factors of heart complications, and this can be done by changing your diet and regular exercise, but you need the guidance of an expert to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Getting an early assessment in life through cardiac and radiologic diagnostic interpretation services can help you know your risk factors and motivate you to live a healthier life.
6. Secondary prevention.
This is specifically for those who have already undergone surgery for heart disease or have experienced any kind of cardiovascular disease in the past. Going for scheduled preventive cardiology checkups can help improve your health and prevent the development of other heart complications. Following prescriptions and the doctor’s recommendation is also important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
7. If you’re a cancer patient or survivor
Certain treatment methods for cancer can cause harm to the heart or damage the heart muscles and blood vessels. Therefore, cardio-oncologists suggest that all cancer patients should have their hearts checked in time. It is important to note that while heart disease won’t affect every cancer patient, it is worthwhile to go for a check-up just to be safe and prevent the onset of the disease.
8. If you are diabetic.
Adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely than those without diabetes to develop cardiovascular diseases. Diabetes is one of seven major preventable risk factors for cardiovascular complications, the American Heart Association claims. You can start your journey towards controlling it by booking an appointment with your cardiologist.
9. Smoking
Smoking increases your risk of coming down with cardiovascular heart disease, therefore, if you have a history of smoking or you currently smoke, you may want to check in with your heart doctor for an assessment. Tobacco is a major risk factor for cardiovascular heart disease, therefore you may want to consider quitting as well, to reduce your risk of developing heart complications.
10. Ethnicity matters
Studies have shown that African Americans are at a much higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease than Caucasians. However, heart illness has no preferences and will affect anyone and everyone alike, therefore it is a good call to know your risk status early.
11. Significantly high cholesterol levels
It is hard to detect high levels of cholesterol as it does not display any symptoms. Cholesterol is one of the major risk factors of heart disease, therefore you must get it under control as soon as possible. Consulting a cardiologist may help in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
12. Hypertension.
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, should be checked regularly from the age of 20. Having high blood pressure can put you at risk of developing complications, as the blood vessels in your heart may rupture. Therefore, it is crucial to get your blood pressure under control. Hypertension could easily lead to a stroke, so ensure you know your numbers to reduce your risk of experiencing a cardiac event.
Conclusion
Discussed above are some of the factors that may lead to a heart complication, showing you just how important preventive cardiology is. Prevention is better than cure, and the majority of heart diseases can be prevented just by regular checkups with your cardiologist and through the use of cardiac and radiologic diagnostic interpretation services.
