Catching heart disease early: What you need to know
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Alarmingly, for many people, the first sign of heart disease is a heart attack or stroke.
That's why early detection is so important.
In a Well Ahead Philly segment on 6abc, Michael A. Valentino, MD, PhD, a cardiologist at Main Line Health who specializes in cholesterol (lipid) disorders and heart disease prevention, explains that we now have powerful tools to find heart disease before symptoms start. When problems are found early, doctors can use today's many treatments to greatly lower a person's risk.
Watch the video to hear Dr. Valentino explain how these tools are changing the future of heart care.
Why early detection matters
Many people don't know they have heart disease until something serious happens. But if doctors can spot plaque (fatty buildup) in the heart's arteries early, they can treat it with medications and lifestyle changes.
The good news? There are simple, non-invasive tests that can help.
Simple scan that can save lives: CT scan for coronary heart disease
One of the best screening tools available today is a coronary calcium CT scan.
This quick scan looks for calcium buildup in the heart's arteries. Calcium is a sign of plaque. The test can show:
- Whether plaque is present
- How much plaque there is
- How your results compare to others your age and gender
With this information, you and your doctor can better understand your heart risk and decide if you need medication or other preventive steps.
Taking it a step further: HeartFlow technology
Main Line Health also uses advanced imaging tools, including HeartFlow FFRct. Sometimes a heart scan (known as coronary CT scan) shows a blockage that is in a "gray zone" — not clearly mild, but not severe either. HeartFlow uses advanced software to analyze blood flow and determine whether that blockage is actually limiting circulation to the heart.
This helps answer an important question: Is the blockage slowing down blood flow?
- If blood flow is affected, a patient may need a procedure, such as placing a stent.
- If blood flow is not affected, the patient can often be treated safely with medication — avoiding an invasive procedure.
Personalized treatment with plaque analysis
New updates to this technology allow doctors to look even closer at plaque inside the arteries. This is called plaque analysis. It helps doctors see how well medications are working and adjust treatment to fit each patient. In other words, care becomes more personalized and precise.
What you can do right now
Testing is important, but daily habits matter just as much. Dr. Valentino recommends four key steps to protect your heart:
1. Quit smoking
If you smoke, quitting is the single best thing you can do for your heart.
2. Get regular exercise
Because physical activity is so important in preventing heart disease, aim for 150 minutes per week of aerobic exercise that increases your heart rate. This equals to around 30 minutes, five days a week.
3. Eat a heart-healthy diet
Limit foods high in saturated fat, which can raise cholesterol. Be careful not to replace fats with too many processed carbs. New recipes can help, but since everyone is different, talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian about what's best for you.
4. Know your numbers
Familiarize yourself with your:
- Blood pressure (BP)
- Cholesterol levels
- Triglycerides
- Blood sugar
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
Ask your doctor if additional blood tests and other screenings are right for you.
Early detection leading to early prevention
Heart disease often develops quietly. But with today’s advanced testing and imaging tools, doctors can find problems earlier than ever before. When caught early, heart disease can often be managed — lowering your risk of heart attack or stroke and helping you live a longer, healthier life.
Next steps
Schedule an assessment of your risk factors for heart disease
Learn more about heart and vascular care at Main Line Health
Learn more about cardiovascular genetics and risk assessment
Related posts
Control lipids to manage heart disease and other health risks
Content you want, delivered to your inbox
Want to get the latest health and wellness articles delivered right to your inbox?
Subscribe to the Well Ahead Newsletter.
