Based on the most recent CDC recommendations, face masks are currently encouraged but not required in our office. Our staff and physicians will continue to wear masks when around individual patients during their registration or examination if the individual patient prefers them to do so. Please respect those who choose to wear a mask.
When it comes to your heart health, knowing your family history can be every bit as important as a diagnosis from a cardiovascular specialist or your primary care physician. Having your family history on hand can help you know the risk factors and help you prevent coronary artery disease and heart disease.
Being proactive is key to reducing those risks. Early detection and risk modification, especially at a younger age, can help prevent coronary heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke. But realize it is never too late to make important changes for your cardiovascular health.
Ideally, once you have your family health history in hand, you should come in for a consultation with VCS. We can perform a series of screenings including lab work and cardiovascular testing to determine if you may have peripheral arterial disease and coronary calcification. Some patients may take a stress test to evaluate functional capacity, check irregular heartbeats, and abnormalities with EKG imaging.
Many patients can get started on proper medical therapy once screening is complete.
Heart health goes beyond family history. Lifestyle factors can be challenging so the patient’s medical social history is just as important as family history. Fortunately, there are a number of steps you can take to improve your heart health and reduce your risks:
If you have questions about the impact family history can have on your heart health, or want to make an appointment with a specialist, contact Virginia Cardiovascular Specialists today.
Published June 14, 2019