Know Your Heart Health: Risks, Prevention and Treatment

Did you know that more than seven million Americans over the age of 20 are living with some form of heart disease, and each year, 600,000 to 700,000 Americans experience a stroke?

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for those over 65 in the U.S. It encompasses both heart and vascular conditions, including structural problems with the heart (such as issues with valves, muscles, or blood vessels), as well as circulatory and electrical concerns. Vascular diseases affect the arteries and veins and include conditions like peripheral artery disease, venous disease, blood clots and more. In fact, one in 20 Americans over the age of 20 is affected by some form of cardiovascular disease.

Know Your Risk

Cardiovascular diseases impact people of all genders, ethnicities, races and ages. There are non-modifiable risks – the things we can’t change – such as age, race, ethnicity, gender, family history and genetics. For instance, there is a higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases among men (8%) than women (6%). African Americans and South Asian Americans are also at a higher risk than other races.

But there are also modifiable risks like high blood pressure, diabetes, tobacco use, sedentary lifestyles, obesity, high cholesterol and more. We can make the necessary changes in our lives to mitigate these risks.

All Chest Pain is not Equal

“Think about your own body – there’s a lot going on between the neck and the bottom of your ribs,” said Bayhealth Cardiologist Vincent D. Abbrescia, DO, FACC. “Of course, chest pain can be indicative of a heart attack, but it can also signal many other medical issues like ulcers, hiatal hernia, gall bladder issues, GERD, costochondritis, panic attacks, pneumonia, blood clots – the list goes on.” While all chest pains are not necessarily indicative of cardiovascular disease, individuals should bring related symptoms to the attention of a medical professional as they occur or soon after. That may mean calling or visiting your doctor within a day or two. For more severe symptoms, an immediate visit to an emergency room may be in order.

Give Yourself the Best Advantage

Treatments for cardiovascular disease include medication, education and lifestyle changes.

“A lesser doctor will treat the disease after it’s already taken hold,” said Dr. Abbrescia. “A good doctor will diagnose and treat the disease before it gets out of control. A great doctor will take steps to prevent the disease entirely.”

Heart disease can be diagnosed through review of an individual’s history, a medical exam or a risk assessment. Your primary care provider should review these items with you to make sure you’re on track.

There are steps you can take, too, to prevent cardiovascular disease. Be an active participant in your own health:

• Don’t smoke
• Keep your weight at a healthy level
• Be active/don’t live a sedentary lifestyle
• Keep an eye on your cholesterol
• Control diabetes by lowering your A1C

“Once diagnosed, treatment requires a team approach. Certainly the doctor will work with the patient to reduce risks, but there are many others who need to be involved along the way,” said Dr. Abbrescia. “Imaging, dietitians, medical educators, social workers, heath navigators, family members and caregivers are all pieces of the puzzle.”

Visit Bayhealth.org/HVI to learn about the Bayhealth Heart & Vascular Institute's comprehensive approach to the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.