Heart disease preventive care is important for everyone, but it’s of increased importance for people who are already at a greater risk of heart disease. People in the following risk groups should consider making an appointment with a cardiologist doctor in Phoenix, AZ, to determine their heart health baseline and identify any potential issues.
Genetic History of Heart Disease
People who have parents or siblings with heart disease are at an increased risk of having heart problems too. Not only can parents and siblings hold genetic indicators, but the lifestyle and environmental factors also go in to determining the risks that can be carried through generations. Cardiologists want to see people in this group to screen for cholesterol disorders and order other tests such as blood vessel imaging tests and coronary artery calcium scans.
Early-age Heart Disease
People in their 30s, 40s, and 50s generally don’t have heart attacks. For this reason, when a younger person has a heart attack – cardiologists want to know why. They will closely monitor their patient’s heart health and often provide more aggressive care to protect the heart from further damage.
Cholesterol Disorders
People who fall into this category are those who have very high cholesterol that isn’t manageable by lifestyle changes such as changing one’s diet or getting more exercise. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an example of a genetic cholesterol disorder that can lead to soaring cholesterol numbers and early-age heart attacks.
Multiple Risk Factors
The fourth group that cardiologists work with is the group with people who have multiple uncontrollable risk factors for heart disease. These risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, and generally unhealthy lifestyle and diet choices. When a person has many of these risk factors, the risk of heart disease increases and the chances of treating it successfully becomes more challenging.
Anyone who falls into one of these four categories should schedule an appointment with a cardiologist doctor in Phoenix, AZ, right away.
