As you get older, you experience a greater risk of getting cardiovascular problems. This is why you require regular cardiology screenings to ensure any issue is detected and treated as early as possible before it leads to severe complications. However, there is no one-size-fits-all technique for managing cardiovascular diseases. Syed Bokhari, MD, FACC is a cardiologist in Riverside, CA at Advanced Cardiovascular Care, providing treatment for heart and vascular conditions and comprehensive adult cardiology care. To find out the best approach for your treatment, call or schedule an appointment online today.
What happens during a cardiology consultation?
When you visit a cardiology specialist for consultation, the doctor scrutinizes your family and personal health history, including your current medical needs. At Advanced Cardiovascular Care, Dr. Bokhari answers any questions you might have and recommends any tests that might help determine your risk factors for various heart-related diseases.
Which is the right cardiovascular screening for you?
Getting regular screenings can help the doctor diagnose cardiovascular conditions or risk factors before they become severe or show any need for treatment, helping you stay on a general heart-healthy path. Some of the necessary cardiovascular screenings you should receive include:
Triglycerides and Cholesterol
You should consider getting your fasting lipoprotein profile every 5 years once you turn 30 years old. It is crucial for you to have more frequent testing if you have risk factors for stroke or heart disease.
Blood Sugar
From forty years and above, you should have your blood sugar examined every two to three years. High blood glucose levels elevate your risk for prediabetes, insulin resistance, and diabetes. If not managed, diabetes can result in serious complications. Higher blood pressure might need more frequent testing and care, including medications and lifestyle changes.
Blood Pressure
Screening for blood pressure can help in the timely detection of high blood pressure, which is usually asymptomatic but significantly augments your risk for stroke and heart disease. If you have a blood pressure of above 120/80 mmHg, it is essential to have a test at least once every two years from the time you turn twenty years old.
Lifestyle
Although it’s not a laboratory test, it is essential to discuss your lifestyle with your cardiovascular specialist and get annual exams. Some of the critical lifestyle tips to avoid cardiovascular disease include eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and being physically active. If you are not sure about the lifestyle changes to make or are struggling to maintain these changes, you should discuss your concerns and habits with a cardiovascular specialist.
Other Cardiology Tests and Treatments Available
Other than your initial consultation, there are various cardiovascular procedures and tests available at Advanced Cardiovascular Care. These include:
· Carotid angiography and stenting
· Aortic aneurysm repair
· Varicose vein removal
· Echocardiography
· Stress tests
· Cardioversion
· Peripheral vascular disease constellation
· Cardiac catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention
· Preoperative cardiac clearance
· Murmur analysis
To sum up, as you get in your forties and above, you have an increased danger for vascular and heart disease. For comprehensive adult cardiology care in and around Riverside, CA, call or book an appointment online with the experienced cardiologist, Syed Bokhari, MD, FACC today.