Heart Disease Prevention: Lifestyle Changes and Early Detection Key to Reducing Risk
Heart disease kills more Americans than any other condition — yet most cases could be avoided through lifestyle changes and early detection.
As the leading cause of death in the U.S., heart disease often develops silently, driven by risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or insulin resistance, smoking, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and a family history of premature heart disease.
Coronary calcium scoring is a non‑invasive CT scan that quantifies calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. By measuring calcium burden, clinicians can spot atherosclerosis before symptoms appear, offering a window for preventive action.
Dr. Christopher Maroules said:
"Many heart attacks occur in people who did not consider themselves “high risk”"
The disease often progresses without pain or warning, leaving individuals unaware that plaque is building up in their vessels. Detecting this silent progression early changes the trajectory.
Dr. Christopher Maroules said:
"Early intervention is critical because heart disease is largely preventable, but only if we detect it in time"
Prevention follows a three‑tiered strategy. First, optimize lifestyle habits—regular exercise, weight management, tobacco avoidance, and a Mediterranean diet. Second, monitor and control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Third, incorporate screening tools like coronary calcium scoring to uncover hidden plaque.
Dr. Christopher Maroules said:
"Advanced cardiac imaging plays a powerful role here. Calcium scoring identifies early calcified plaque. The future of heart care is not just treating heart attacks, it’s preventing them"
Public health guidance encourages patients to have informed discussions with their physician about individualized risk and appropriate screening.
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Yunus Yagis
Yunus Yagis
