Prevention

Every year, one million Americans experience a heart attack, many of which are fatal. And diseases and disorders of the heart’s conduction system (rhythm) and vascular system can contribute to strokes, the leading cause of disability and the third leading cause of death in the United States.

For these reasons, the physicians and staff at Loyola’s Center for Heart & Vascular Medicine take great care to help patients reduce their risk for heart attacks, rhythm disorders and strokes. Education is a critical part of this process, as familiarity with risk factors is the first step toward prevention.

These factors may include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity and family history. For more information on risk factors and to determine whether or not you are at high risk for heart and vascular disease, take our cardiac risk assessment test.

Whether or not you are at risk, a healthy lifestyle can greatly reduce your chance of acquiring diseases of the heart and vascular system. According to the American Heart Association, simple lifestyle changes can help prevent diseases and other health concerns:

• Stop smoking
• Engage in physical activity
• Follow a sensible, well balanced low-fat diet
• Maintain/reduce weight as applicable
• Maintain optimal blood pressure or take measures to control it
• Maintain optimal cholesterol levels or take measures to control them
• Keep other illnesses such as diabetes under control
• Take medicines as prescribed
• Limit alcohol intake
• Limit or reduce stress
• See the doctor regularly

If you are at risk for heart attack or stroke, consider making an appointment with Loyola’s Center for Heart & Vascular Medicine by calling (888) LUHS-888.

Related Links
Preventive cardiology

Program Director
Ivan Pacold, MD, FACC