Heart Health & Preventive Cardiology
Overview
Maintaining heart health requires regular check-ups, ongoing monitoring, and preventive, heart-focused health decisions. Heart-healthy living involves understanding cardiovascular disease risk and making informed choices to reduce it and support overall well-being.
Heart Conscious Health Services on Offer:
Angina treatment
Angina refers to severe chest discomfort resulting from reduced blood flow to the heart. It is often a primary symptom of coronary artery disease, which affects the main blood vessels supplying the heart, known as the coronary arteries.
The primary goal of angina treatment is to reduce the frequency and severity of chest pain episodes and lower the risk of heart attack. Treatment options include lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, interventional cardiology procedures such as angioplasty and stenting, or, in severe cases, open heart surgery.
Cardiovascular risk assessments
Cardiovascular disease risk assessment is designed to improve the management of risk factors and promote healthy behaviours. These evaluations estimate an individual's risk, enabling early intervention and allowing cardiologists to consider intensive treatment options and follow-up strategies.
Cholesterol and blood pressure management
High cholesterol and elevated blood pressure are often referred to as 'silent killers' because they typically present no noticeable symptoms until advanced stages. Routine screenings for hypertension and cholesterol are essential for early detection and serve as an effective defence against heart attacks and strokes.Lifestyle & dietary counselling
Healthy eating, regular exercise, and stress reduction are fundamental to maintaining heart health. Lifestyle choices significantly influence the risk of heart disease and stroke, accounting for approximately 70 to 80 percent of overall risk. A nutritious diet is a critical defence against cardiovascular disease and supports general well-being.Preventive screenings
Preventive heart health screenings are essential for identifying risk factors, including abnormal heart rhythms, elevated cholesterol, plaque accumulation, and high blood pressure, all of which can compromise cardiovascular health.
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a non-invasive test that evaluates the electrical activity of the heart. It measures electrical signals and serves as a diagnostic tool for detecting irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) and heart attacks.
Blood analysis offers valuable information regarding overall heart health and the risk of cardiovascular disease. Measurements of cholesterol and other blood components are critical tools for preventive screening.
Family history evaluations
A family history of heart disease increases the risk of developing cardiovascular conditions. Awareness of familial risk enables individuals to prioritise heart health through routine check-ups and regular consultation with a cardiologist, thereby reducing overall risk.There should never be a 3-minute consult.
1. What information do I need to check my family history of heart disease?
You should first identify when the member of your family was diagnosed with heart disease and the age at which they found out.
- Give up smoking
- Exercise regularly on a daily basis.
- Consume heart-healthy foods
- Reduce your intake of alcohol.
- Screen regularly for high cholesterol and hypertension
- Manage chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity.