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Cardiac Prevention Specialist

Long Island Heart & Vascular Our Services Cardiac Prevention

Long Island Heart & Vascular

Cardiovascular Disease Specialists & Endovascular Specialists located in Westbury, South Richmond Hill, and Ridgewood, NY

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. The good news? Many forms of heart disease are preventable. Heart disease prevention is the mission at world-renowned Long Island Heart & Vascular in Westbury and Ridgewood, New York. Board-certified cardiac specialist and endovascular surgeon Karthik Gujja, MD, MPH, and internal medicine specialist Hima Yalamanchili, MD, provide state-of-the-art, office-based care designed to successfully treat and prevent diseases that affect your heart health. Schedule a visit today. Call the office or book your appointment online.

Cardiac Prevention Q & A

What is heart disease?

Heart disease is a broad term that includes numerous conditions that can affect your heart’s ability to function normally, including:

Coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when the arteries that supply blood to your heart are damaged, typically due to cholesterol buildup (atherosclerosis) and inflammation. CAD can lead to a heart attack.

Heart failure

Often related to narrowed arteries (CAD) and/or high blood pressure, heart failure occurs when your heart is too weak or stiff to pump blood as well as it should.

Arrhythmias

A heart arrhythmia is an abnormal heartbeat that may be too slow, too fast, or irregular.

Arrhythmias are caused by faulty electrical impulses that control heartbeats. Left untreated, arrhythmias can lead to sudden cardiac arrest or the abrupt loss of heart function.

Other conditions that fall under the umbrella of “heart disease” include:

  • Heart valve disease
  • Heart infection (endocarditis)
  • Congenital heart defects

How do you diagnose heart disease?

The specialists at Long Island Heart & Vascular rely on their extensive training and experience as well as a variety of diagnostic studies to provide information regarding your heart health.

These studies may include:

  • Electrocardiogram (EKG) to identify irregularities in your heart’s rhythm and structure
  • Echocardiogram (ultrasound) to capture images of your heart’s structure and condition
  • Stress test to determine how your heart responds to exercise (stress)
  • Holter monitoring to study heart rhythm and identify irregularities over 24-72 hours
  • Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan to capture precise, detailed images of your heart function
  • Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine your heart’s condition

Depending on the symptoms you’re experiencing and what’s noted on your physical exam, your doctor may recommend one or more of these diagnostic studies to help evaluate your heart health.    

How can you prevent heart disease?

Many types of heart disease are preventable through simple lifestyle changes, including:

  • Exercising regularly
  • Maintaining a healthy body weight
  • Following a heart-healthy diet
  • Quitting smoking
  • Regular health screenings

Maintaining good blood pressure control and managing other conditions that can affect your heart health, such as elevated cholesterol or diabetes, also help prevent heart disease. If you do have heart disease, many effective treatments can prevent further damage to your heart.

Take care of your heart. Schedule a visit at Long Island Heart & Vascular today. Call or book your appointment online. Weekend and same-day appointments are available.