Prevention is the best treatment for heart disease

Heart disease is America’s leading cause for death. Every 35 seconds, it kills. Although medical technology such as advanced testing, surgery, pacemakers, and transplants can save lives, they are not the best. “cure”Prevention is key to heart disease prevention

Cardiologists can spot early signs of heart disease such as high blood cholesterol or high blood pressure. Although cardiologists can help patients make changes in their lives before they develop full-blown heart disease, many people wait to seek treatment until they have suffered permanent damage.

When should patients see a cardiologist? Poor diet, diabetes and inactivity are all risk factors. A cardiologist should be consulted if there are any of the above risk factors. Early treatment can help prevent future complications. Dial 9-1-1 immediately if you experience symptoms such as dizziness, unusual pains in the chest, chest pain, or shortness and breath.

High-risk behaviors like smoking make patients up to four times as likely to develop heart diseases. Your doctor can treat high blood pressure and other contributing factors, such as physical inactivity or obesity.

The American College of Cardiology, a non-profit organization advocating for high quality cardiovascular care, encourages people to practice prevention every single day.

The ACC has created an innovative web site to help heart patients. www.CardioSmart.org. This site offers advice to Americans with heart disease. It also helps patients assess their risk and improve their heart health.

Through an interactive forum, users can connect with heart patients and talk to cardiologists.

Slay the Giant is a new book published by the ACC that explains heart disease prevention in an engaging and easy-to-read way. “CardioSmart and Slay the Giant offer explanations for just about everything needed to understand heart health and heart disease,”Dr. Alfred A. Bove M.D. F.A.C.C, President-Elect of the ACC. “With a strong emphasis on prevention of coronary disease and poignant directives on how to reduce heart disease risk, these are priceless tools for everyone who wants to avoid the ravages of coronary disease.”

For more information on heart disease prevention, or to purchase the book “Slay the Giant,” go to www.CardioSmart.org.