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Know Your Risk with Heart Screenings

From the Desk of Dr. Antonucci

July 19, 2023

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States – for both men and women and people of most racial and ethnic groups. A bucket term that refers to several types of heart conditions, the most common type of heart disease in the United States is coronary artery disease. The team at the Lee Health Heart Institute reminds you that you can take control and reduce your risk for heart disease – starting with regular heart screenings, such as checking your body mass index, blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol.

“It is important to discuss your particular risk of heart disease with your primary care physician, usually starting at about age 20,” explains Richard Chazal, M.D., MACC, a senior cardiologist and the medical director of Lee Health Heart and Vascular Institute. “If you have a family history or other risk factors for heart disease, your doctor may recommend additional tests or that you come in sooner. The risk for heart disease starts to increase around age 55 and is more common in older adults, but younger adults can get the disease as well.”

The risk factors for heart disease include:

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Eating an unhealthy diet
  • Physical inactivity
  • Smoking
  • Excessive alcohol use
  • Family history of heart disease

Dr. Chazal reminds you to keep a keen eye on your health and schedule an appointment with your doctor if you experience shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting, high blood pressure, swelling in the legs or leg pain, or chest pain or discomfort.

Regular checkups can be done by your primary care doctor or provider, but if you have been diagnosed with heart disease or have a strong family history of the disease, your doctor may recommend a visit to a cardiologist. “If you are referred to a cardiologist, don’t put off going,” Dr. Chazal says. “The visit will give you peace of mind and may prevent long-term complications. Advanced imaging done at Lee Health Heart Institute is extremely useful in early detection of disease when indicated!”

Lee Health’s team of cardiovascular experts wants to help you understand your unique and specific risk factors so you can be proactive in taking care of your heart health. Whether you need to control your blood pressure or cholesterol or need more complex care, Lee Health is home to the largest and most experienced team of cardiologists and heart surgeons in Southwest Florida.