Risk Factor Evaluation
Risk assessment and risk reduction are major components of any heart disease prevention strategy.
Although the risk factors for heart disease between men and women are similar, there are some differences:
- Some risk factors affect women more strongly than men
- Some risk factors are specific to women, particularly those related to childbirth and menopause
Our experts are skilled in understanding these differences and risks in women.
Risk factor evaluation
To evaluate your risk for heart disease, we use the Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) Risk Calculator, which was developed by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association.
The ASCVD risk calculator evaluations your 10-year and lifetime risk for heart disease by looking at the following factors:
- Gender
- Race
- Age
- Total cholesterol
- "Good" cholesterol
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- Systolic blood pressure
- Prior history of heart attacks
- Whether you have diabetes
- Whether you are a smoker
- Whether you are being treated for hypertension
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Risk management
After our experts have fully assessed your risk for heart disease, the cardiologists from our Preventive Cardiology Program work with you to establish an action plan.
When you are a part of the risk management program, a health professional helps you assess your lifestyle. If risk factors are identified, we make recommendations for improvement.
Risk management includes:
- Blood sugar management
- Cholesterol management
- Exercise guidance
- Heart healthy diet guidance
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- High blood pressure management
- Smoking cessation guidance
- Stress management
- Weight loss guidance
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Questions? Call us for information or a consultation at 714-456-6699.