09/10/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/10/2021 14:25
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. While the term 'heart disease' collectively refers to several types of coronary and vascular disorders, these cardiac conditions are often linked by common health and lifestyle risk factors.
With expert care and a focus on prevention, some varieties of heart disease can be avoided. Preventing cardiac conditions starts with understanding your personal risk factors, such as family history, cholesterol, diet and other lifestyle behaviors, and making a commitment to heart-healthy living.
Impact of lipids on your heart health
Lipids are fats that are found in the blood. If these fat particles build up in the blood, it is called high cholesterol, which is one of the major risk factors for heart disease. Nearly 40 percent of American adults struggle with high cholesterol, but learning to manage it properly can be the key to protecting your heart health.
Understanding your lipid profile can help you better manage your heart health, but it's not the only factor you should consider. Taking control of your heart health also includes familiarizing yourself with the important numbers that are used to measure it. Regularly checking your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels - which can all be taken at home - will show you the direct impacts of the lifestyle changes you're making. Checking these numbers on a regular basis also increases your chances of detecting a problem early, allowing for immediate and more effective intervention.
Limit your risk of heart disease
Making lasting adjustments to the key lifestyle factors that contribute to your personal risk levels can help to drastically reduce the likelihood for heart attack, heart failure, and other cardiac diseases in the future. Healthier living doesn't have to involve complex changes. In fact, making smaller, healthier choices consistently can make a big difference:
Prevention and proactive intervention
By working closely with patients to help them identify, understand, and manage their unique risks for cardiovascular disease, we are empowering them to recognize and respond to symptoms or warning signs long before serious complications arise. Even if a patient is unaware or uncertain about their risk, there are still screening options and vascular health scoring assessments that we consider during our initial discussions. This emphasis on preventive care prompts patients to be proactive with their healthy living goals and essential routine screenings. It also encourages them to seek interventional care sooner rather than later.
It is crucial for patients to have open conversations with their physician about any health concerns. Transparent relationships between patient and physician lead to a better understanding of cardiac diagnosis, treatments, and rehabilitation options, resulting in more positive outcomes for both patient and physician.
Our expert cardiac care teams are committed to restoring each patient to their highest level of heart heath through holistic care, ardent risk management, and ongoing support for healthier living. Visit Lankenau Heart Institute to learn more about preserving your heart health.