Written By Dr. Bojana Jankovic Weatherly, MD for Sweat for Smiles
Cardiovascular disease is preventable and reversible. For fifteen years, I have been counseling my patients on cardiovascular risk prevention. Family history, blood pressure, lipid panel (including more in depth components such as ApoB and Lp(a)), inflammatory marker hs-CRP, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, insulin, and other metrics of metabolic health, such as visceral fat, waist circumference and body mass index, are key factors in risk assessment.
Imaging is a powerful modality for risk stratification that can be added to this assessment. It allows us to visualize plaque in the arteries of the heart, but also the carotid arteries (arteries of the neck). I typically recommend this screening modality when my patients are in their 40s to early 50s, but if they have certain risk factors, such as family history of premature heart disease, elevated Lp(a), or others, the screening may be recommended earlier. Imaging of the heart can provide information about calcified plaque alone (CAC) or about calcified and soft plaque (CCTA).
Knowing your risk helps you make informed decisions about managing your personal risk of developing cardiovascular disease, whether it’s lifestyle and nutrition alone, or adding medications to more aggressively control lipid levels.
Knowing your risk helps you make informed decisions about managing your personal risk of developing cardiovascular disease, whether it’s lifestyle and nutrition alone, or adding medications to more aggressively control lipid levels.
February is American Heart Month, a time to bring awareness to the health of our hearts and the everyday choices that influence cardiovascular risk. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among adults in the United States, but many risk factors for cardiovascular disease are modifiable through lifestyle and medications.
For more information, here are our prior articles on this topic:
- Cholesterol: Why Is It Important and How to Interpret Your Lipid Panel?
- What Is Lp(a) and Why Is It Important?
- How to Determine Your Cardiovascular Risk
- How to Maintain a Healthy Heart
- How to Create a Plan for Reducing Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Risk
For more information, visit drbojana.com or to fill out a new patient inquiry form, follow this link.
To Your Heart Health,
Dr. Bojana Jankovic Weatherly