Cardiovascular Disease: Are you at risk

Most of us know heart disease is the leading cause of death among both men and women, but many don't understand why the disease is so deadly. The answer? Very few people even know they are at risk for heart disease.

"If we can get patients who don't know they are at risk to understand those factors and make changes, we can prevent heart disease," says James Kong, MD, a board-certified cardiologist with The Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular Center.

Coronary artery disease -- the most common type of heart disease -- occurs when the heart's arteries become damaged from plaque, which is a buildup of cholesterol and other substances that cause arteries to harden and narrow. When plaque breaks free, it leads to clotting and can cause heart attacks.

How do I know my risk?
Although some risk factors for heart disease cannot be changed, healthy lifestyle choices and screenings can offer some protection. Ask yourself a few simple questions to determine your risk. The more questions you answer "yes" to, the higher the risk.

"The only way we can make a dent in reducing these risk factors is for people to embrace a heart-healthy lifestyle and meet regularly with their physician to undergo screenings," Dr. Kong says.

Take a free HeartAware Risk Assessment test to determine your potential risk for heart disease and other potentially harmful cardiovascular conditions. If any issues are uncovered in the assessment, patients can receive a free follow-up appointment with a cardiac wellness clinician with The Christ Hospital's Heart and Vascular Center.

Find a physician who can manage your cardiac care needs by calling 877-904-4YOU. Or to learn more about cardiovascular disease and the risk factors you can change and those you can't visit GetHealthyCincinnati.com.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• heart disease
• cardiovascular disease
• risk assessment
• heart screenings
• cardio
• risk factors
• Dr. Kong
• The Christ Hospital
• Get Healthy Cincinnati
• cardiac care