Are you at a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD)? You are on a good streak, including limiting alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and following a heart-healthy diet. But how long have you done so? You may have had a poor run that significantly damaged your cardiovascular system. This means you are likely at a higher risk of developing CVD. The only way to be sure is to go for a comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment. Queens multi-specialty group practice can help you stay healthier by assessing your risk and recommending measures to lower them, keeping cardiovascular concerns at bay.
Most people only go for cardiovascular risk assessment when a doctor recommends it or fall ill and get worried. You don’t have to wait for those worrisome symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain to give your heart some love. Among the top situation that should prompt you to go for the assessment include:
Aging
Older people have a higher risk of CVD. With the assessment, you will learn how likely you are to experience concerns such as aortic disease, coronary heart disease, heart attack, or stroke, to mention a few. Following your risk level, the doctor will help you adopt a lifestyle that lowers the chances of such problems, including dietary, physical activity, and medication.
Genetics
A family history of CVD is among the top risk factors. It mainly applies if a first-degree family member developed it at a relatively young age. For example, if your brother/father developed the disease at or before 55 years or your mother/sister at or before 65, you are at higher risk. Moreover, a family history of high blood glucose, pressure, and cholesterol also puts you at higher CVD risk.
Like aging, genetics are beyond your control. Nonetheless, it does not mean CVD is inevitable. The genetic predisposition to CVD only means it is highly likely you will develop the problem, and with the assessment, you can learn more about the measure to employ to lower the risks.
Health
Are you obese? Have you been diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure, or cholesterol? Your overall health impacts your cardiovascular system. High blood pressure, for example, puts excessive stress on blood vessels and the heart. Cholesterol can cause plaque, narrowing and hardening the blood vessels, affecting blood flow and heart functioning. Diabetes causes high blood sugar, damaging artery walls, making it easier for fat to build up, and causing plaque.
The cardiovascular risk assessment considers your overall health, establishing the likelihood of CVD. This informs you on areas to which you need to pay more attention and lower the risks. You may have to:
- Consider weight loss techniques
- Improve your dietary and physical activity regimen
- Keenly follow prescription medication to keep blood pressure and glucose in check
With your doctor’s guidance, you will easily adopt such a lifestyle.
Habits
Cardiovascular risk assessment can’t be emphasized enough if you are a smoker, lead a sedentary lifestyle, and haven’t been on a heart-healthy diet. It is also recommended if you have dealt with traumatic events that have left you with serious stress levels. With the assessment, you will learn more about the top risks and, with professional guidance, address them to keep CVD at bay.
Cardiovascular risk assessment is an essential addition to your preventative health measures. It can help you spot concerns in time and employ non-invasive options while still viable, helping keep the cardiovascular and overall health in good shape. Visit New York Medical and Vascular Care for the risk assessment, and learn how to better care for your cardiovascular health.
Johnson