Preventative Cardiology in San Luis Obispo County, CA
Preventive cardiology is a medical discipline that revolves around maintaining cardiovascular health and averting the onset or recurrence of the disease. This type of care is recommended for patients with a personal or family history of heart disease, very high cholesterol levels, severe hypertension or metabolic syndrome. The goal of preventive cardiology is to lower the patient's risk of developing or worsening a cardiac condition through a combination of education about lifestyle changes and medical management and monitoring. After an examination, testing, and assessment, each patient is provided with a personalized treatment plan designed to prevent or rehabilitate cardiac problems.
Interventional cardiology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of certain heart problems through the use of catheters. Cardiac catheterization is a procedure used to place the catheter, which is a long, thin tube, in the heart or a nearby artery. During this procedure, a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the arm, groin or neck area and guided to the heart. When the catheter reaches the heart, it can be used to:
- Detect any blockages or abnormalities
- Take a blood or muscle sample
- Measure blood pressure and oxygen levels
- Detect and repair congenital heart defects
- Repair or replace heart valves
- Perform an angioplasty
- Perform a balloon valvuloplasty
- Correct arrhythmia
Cardiac catheterization is usually performed in a hospital but does not require the use of anesthesia. It is a safe procedure with little to no pain and a low risk of complications.
Our Procedures
Carotid Ultrasound - Ultrasound is an essential diagnostic tool because of its safety, convenience and effectiveness. Learn More»
Echocardiogram - Echocardiography uses an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) to assess the functioning and health of the the heart by creating images out of sound waves. Learn More»
Electrocardiography - An electrocardiogram is a diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. Also known as an EKG or ECG, the electrocardiogram translates the information it receives into a pattern of waves for analysis. Learn More»
Zio Monitoring - A Zio monitor is a small, portable device that continuously records the heart's rhythms and records the electrical activity of the heart. Learn More»
Outside Referral & Consultation - As a single physician practice, obviously all services cannot be provided. In addition, San Luis Obispo is a relatively small community with limited cardiac, vascular and cardiac surgical services. Learn More»
Sports Cardiology - Are you an athlete? At Premier Heart and Vein Care, we evaluate and treat cardiac symptoms with the goal of keeping athletes active. Learn More»
Anticoagulation Clinic - The anticoagulation clinic helps to monitor patients who are prescribed medications such as warfarin, low-molecular weight heparin. Learn More»
What Are Cardiac Risk Factors?
The term "cardiac risk factor" is used to describe the various aspects of your health or life that contribute to your risk of heart attack or heart disease. Doctor Stevens has a comprehensive list of cardiac risk factors that are considered when determining the level of care most suitable for you. Some of the common risks that cardiologists see include diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, family history of heart disease, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle.
Is Diabetes a Significant Risk Factor for Heart Disease?
Diabetes is one of the most significant risk factors for heart disease. According to studies, diabetics have about the same risk for heart disease as someone whose had a heart attack. This can be true even if blood sugar levels are under control. The first sign that a person with diabetes may be developing heart disease is the onset of peripheral artery disease, PAD. Studies have shown that people with diabetes also have higher levels of "bad" cholesterol as well as high blood pressure. Each of these conditions may relate to the detrimental ways in which high blood sugar affects blood vessels. Primarily, that it causes them to become stiff, making it more difficult for blood to circulate through them. The more difficult circulation is, the harder the heart has to work to sustain it.
What is the Benefit of Advanced Lipid Testing?
Lipid testing measures the different types of cholesterol in the blood. Some organizations recommend that adults receive basic lipid testing every five years. For the average person without an elevated risk of heart disease, this may be a fine approach. If you're at a higher risk for cardiac problems, you may benefit more from advanced lipid testing. There are several ways in which advanced tests may be done, or, should we say, various aspects of the blood that may be examined. For example, some advanced lipid tests look for genetic disorders that can increase heart disease risk. Others get more intricate in the evaluation of LDL cholesterol, looking more closely at lipoproteins that can raise the risk of heart disease and stroke independently of LDL. Advanced testing is offered at Premier Heart and Vein Care, along with a variety of other advanced genetic testing.
Patient Education - Heart Care
Looking for information about the diagnosis, management, and treatment of cardiovascular disease? There is an abundance of health-related websites containing information about cardiovascular disease and its treatment, but few offer information that’s accurate and up-to-date. To ensure that the information you encounter online is reliable and to steer you away from questionable sources of information, we’ve compiled a list of trusted resources below: Learn More»
Heart Care Testimonials
Our staff at Premier Heart and Vein Care show our patients that we are putting there needs first. So it’s especially meaningful to us when they share their experiences. Here is what some of our patients had to say about us:
"Thank you to Dr. Stevens and all the team members who took great care with me – including office and book keeping staff – I am a grateful client. Best wishes."
"Dr. S & Staff Just a note to thank you ALL for the wonderful care and kindness you have given me…. Every single person there is both friendly and professional – a real joy!"
Schedule a Client Consultation in San Luis Obispo County, CA
If you are interested in learning more about heart care and preventative Cardiology, please contact our office by calling 805-540-3333 for more information or to schedule a consultation.
