What is preventive cardiology, exactly? ▶
Preventive cardiology focuses on things that can help in lowering your risk of developing heart disease—or preventing it from getting worse if you already have it. It’s all about proactive care: lifestyle changes, medications when needed, and regular check-ins to keep your heart in top shape.
If I feel fine, why should I worry about preventive cardiology? ▶
Many heart problems develop silently over time without you knowing anything is going wrong. Preventive cardiology is like maintaining your car—you don’t wait until it breaks down to change the oil—it’s about catching issues before they turn into emergencies.
What’s the difference between a cardiologist and a preventive cardiologist? ▶
All cardiologists are trained in general cardiology, but preventive cardiology focuses on trying to stop heart disease before it starts (or progresses). Think of it as a long-term heart health strategy rather than a treatment for a disease.
What are the biggest risk factors for heart disease? ▶
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, stress, and a family history of heart disease. Some of these are modifiable, others are not—but knowing them helps you take action.
How do I know if I’m at risk for heart disease? ▶
Lab tests like cholesterol testing, knowing your family history, lifestyle factors, calcium scoring, and genetic testing can help assess risk. Anyone over 20 should check their risk factors every few years; more often if you have high-risk conditions.