Why choose Prevea for heart care?
We offer a dedicated team of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, advanced practice providers, nurses and other healthcare professionals who are highly specialized and committed to providing lifesaving care for those with heart conditions.
Know your risk for heart disease
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 659,000 people—or 1 in 4—die from heart disease each year in the United States. It remains the leading cause of death for both men and women. At Prevea, we’re committed to helping you understand your risk and take steps to prevent heart disease.
Several factors can increase your risk, including lifestyle, age and family history. These are known as risk factors. The CDC reports that nearly half of all Americans (47%) have at least one of three key risk factors:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking or tobacco use
Genetics also play a role. A family history of heart disease can increase your likelihood of developing similar conditions, though shared environments and lifestyle habits often contribute as well.
While heart disease can occur at any age, the risk increases over time. Certain racial and ethnic groups are also more likely to experience conditions that raise their risk. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for most groups, including African Americans, American Indians and Alaska Natives, and white individuals. For Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and Hispanics, it is the second leading cause of death, following cancer.
When to see a cardiologist
- Chest pain is the hallmark sign of a heart problem. It can also be a sign of a heart attack, which is a life-threatening emergency. Call 911 if you think you are having a heart attack. Remember that signs can be different for men and women.
- High blood pressure, especially chronically elevated blood pressure, causes the heart to work harder to circulate blood and increases your risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Shortness of breath, palpitations (a noticeably rapid, strong or irregular heartbeat) or dizziness.
- Diabetes. There is a strong correlation between cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
- Smoking is one of the major preventable risk factors for heart disease.
- High cholesterol can contribute to plaque in your arteries. Plaque buildup leads to clogged arteries which can cause heart attack, stroke and even death.
- Chronic kidney disease. If your kidneys don’t function your risk for heart disease increases.
- A family history of heart disease.
- You have peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
- You’re currently inactive and planning to start an exercise routine. The CDC recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, along with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days. If you haven’t been physically active in a while, consider talking with your healthcare physician or provider before getting started.
Preventing heart disease
Did you know that you can prevent heart disease? Keeping your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels normal reduces your risk for heart disease and heart attack. Do this by living a healthy lifestyle, committing to choosing healthy habits, and taking charge of existing medical conditions that put you at higher risk.
Heart rhythm management
The heart’s pumping action, or “heartbeat,” is directed by a complicated electrical system within the heart. When something is off, it disrupts normal rhythm. The most common type of arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation (AFib). Heart rhythm disorders, like AFib, can be complex and cause conditions as severe as heart failure, stroke and sudden death. They can also cause discomfort and symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, fatigue, difficulty breathing, chest discomfort, dizziness or fainting. Often, there are no symptoms at all. The best way to get ahead of it is to talk to your primary care provider. Rest assured, if you need treatment, Prevea's electrophysiology (EP) specialists will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is customized for you.
