MANAGING YOUR RISKS FOR HEART DISEASE

Managing Your Risks for Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. In addition, while many people are predisposed to it by virtue of genetics, others develop it from poor lifestyle choices.  Either way your risks can be modified. As a physician who practices preventive medicine, I, like my colleagues, counsel patients about what they can do to help minimize their chances for developing cardiovascular disease.

CHOLESTEROL – GOOD and the BAD

Cholesterol, one of the risk factors, is adjustable. When you get it checked, through a fasting blood test, the results will be broken down into LDL (‘bad cholesterol’), triglycerides (also bad) and HDL (‘good cholesterol’).  The bad cholesterol leads to plaque buildup in your blood vessels, the good cholesterol helps prevent this.  When it comes to cholesterol, one size does not fit all. Different people are at different levels of risk, and therefore may have different target cholesterol numbers.  Work with your doctor to determine your targets.

LOWERING LDL – INCREASE HDL

To reduce your LDL, diet is the key. Eat a low-fat, low cholesterol diet that includes fish, other lean meats, fruits, and vegetables. Stay away from fried and processed foods.

To increase your HDL, exercise is the key!

Statins are often effective

When a patient seems to do everything right but the cholesterol numbers are not at target, it is probably the result of genetics. In these instances, we can include a type of prescription medicine called statins. They have been proven to be not only the most effective agents in lowering LDL but are also excellent in preventing cardiovascular disease and its complications.  In fact, they are so effective in preventing the complications of cardiovascular disease, they are routinely prescribed to patients with established disease, regardless of their cholesterol levels.

BLOOD PRESSURE- RISK FACTOR

Blood pressure is another risk factor that is modifiable by lifestyle changes.  Exercise, weight loss, and a low salt diet can all bring your pressure down. Sometimes, though, these patients also need a prescription medication to bring the pressure back to a normal range. Checking your blood pressure is easy in a doctor’s office or even in your local supermarket or pharmacy where there are often free blood pressure cuffs. If there is any question, keep a log so your doctor can track it over time. A normal blood pressure reading is 120/80; high is over 140/90. While they might not need medications, physicians like to still keep an eye on those patients who have blood pressure readings in between those ranges.

SMOKING – QUIT!

At this point, everyone knows that they should not smoke. Stopping smoking is actually the best way to reduce your risk for heart disease.

DIABETES

Diabetes is another significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It is very important if you have diabetes to address your other risk factors for heart disease. Consulting a nutritionist can be your key to preventing or controlling diabetes.

I will be writing periodically about other various cardiovascular disease issues.  Please submit questions below and let me know what you would like to discuss.

ABOUT DR. McCURDY:

Richard R McCurdy, Jr., MD, received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College and served an internship and residency at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. His cardiovascular fellowship training was performed at Lankenau Hospital.  He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease. He has been on the Riddle Hospital staff since 2006.