UCI Health launches Preventive Cardiology Program
October 08, 2010
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and one of the most complex diseases. However, life-threatening cardiac events often can be prevented through early diagnosis, risk assessment, treatment and lifestyle changes.
The UCI Health Preventive Cardiology Program focuses on strategies aimed at both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
The Preventive Cardiology Program’s multidisciplinary team includes cardiologists, an exercise physiologist, registered dietitian and prevention researchers/specialists.
Potential patients for the Preventive Cardiology Program have been diagnosed with at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, hypercholesterolemia/dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and/or cigarette smoking. Patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease who need more guidance with risk factor modification to prevent disease progression or recurrence are also ideal candidates.
“Each year, almost 800,000 Americans have a first heart attack—a majority of which are completely preventable,” says cardiologist and program director Dr. Shaista Malik. “About 29 percent of women and 37 percent of men who die from coronary artery disease—the condition that causes heart attacks—are younger than 55. But if problems are detected and addressed in a timely manner with proper medications, procedures and lifestyle changes, the progression of heart disease can be slowed and sometimes even reversed.”
Our comprehensive risk reduction program uses the latest evidence-based guidelines for cardiovascular disease prevention. Services include:
- Initial evaluation by cardiologist, plus follow-up to track progress
- Comprehensive laboratory measures for cardiac risk factors and biomarkers, plus further evaluation with imaging tests
- Computerized cardiovascular risk profiles and risk scoring
- Comprehensive dietitian consultation with a specific focus on cardiovascular risk factors management incorporating computerized nutritional evaluations
- Physical activity prescriptions and consultations with an exercise specialist
More research and evidence-based prevention guidelines can be found on our Heart Disease Prevention Program website at www.heart.uci.edu.
For more information or to make an appointment please call the Cardiovascular Center at 714-456-6699.
