What are some strategies for preventing heart disease?
While heart disease can be hereditary, certain lifestyle changes are key to decreasing your risk of heart disease and improving your heart health. These changes include:
• Eating a heart-healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining a healthy BMI
What is a heart screening, and how often should I get one?
Scheduling an annual wellness exam with your primary care provider( PCP) or an appointment with a cardiologist is a proactive step towards heart health. At your appointment, your doctor will perform a physical examination, plus heart screening tests based on your risk factors. These tests include:
• A blood pressure check
• Blood tests to check your cholesterol and glucose levels
• Measuring your weight and BMI
Based on your test results and risk factors, you may need medicine to help manage your cholesterol, blood pressure, or blood sugar. These medications are critical to heart disease prevention.
Your doctor will also ask about your family history to assess your risk for heart disease. If a parent, grandparent, or sibling has a heart condition, you may be at higher risk for heart disease and need more frequent or in-depth testing.
Why choose UPMC for heart care?
• Managing stress
• Quitting smoking
At the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, our team of experts is dedicated to educating patients about heart disease risk and prevention. We work with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan to address their risk factors. Our team of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and vascular surgeons takes a collaborative approach to ensure each patient receives comprehensive cardiovascular care.
Cardiac Care Close to Home
The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute is the largest integrated adult and pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery program in Pennsylvania. With more than 60 locations across three states, the expertise of UPMC is available to you close to home. Whether you need a routine heart screening, access to more advanced services, or a second opinion, we have a team to help.
To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, contact the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at 855-876-2484 or visit UPMC. com / Heart.