Preventive cardiology
Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death for men and women the United States. However, many types of heart disease can be prevented by reducing and controlling risk factors. Spectrum Health’s preventive cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation teams offer a variety of services and programs to those with known cardiovascular disease or those at high risk of developing it.
The preventive cardiology team works with you to utilize a combination of lifestyle and medical strategies focused on reducing your risk factors for cardiovascular disease while improving your health and well-being. Our cardiac rehabilitation team works with those who have had a recent cardiovascular event or procedure. Specialized services are offered to target your specific diagnoses and develop a program that assists in lifestyle modifications, rehabilitation, and improved quality of life.
Spectrum Health preventive cardiology clinic
Our preventive cardiology clinic assesses behaviors, medical conditions and risk factors that may contribute to the development or progression of cardiovascular disease. A combination of strategies is used to assist in decreasing cardiovascular risk and improving overall health. The goals of our preventive cardiology clinic are:
- Minimize the risk of cardiovascular events
- Ease the burden of chronic disease
- Improve overall well-being
We provide counseling, education and tools that promote a healthy lifestyle and empower you to take control of your health. Our preventive cardiology clinic is a bridge between the care your family doctor provides and the advanced services of a cardiologist.
Is preventive cardiology a treatment option for me?
Our evaluation and treatment therapies are designed to slow or stop the progression of heart disease. We provide the tools you need to live a heart-healthy life. The preventive cardiology clinic may be beneficial if you are at a high risk of developing heart disease or suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes, elevated LDL (bad cholesterol) or high blood pressure. You may also benefit if any of the following pertain to you:
- Known heart disease
- Multiple risk factors for heart disease
- Depression and/or anxiety
- Stress management
- Eating disorders
- Nutrition therapy
- Metabolic wellness
- Women’s cardiovascular health
- Difficulty controlling high blood pressure or cholesterol levels
Services that may be recommended during your visit
Noninvasive test that helps to identify the cause of a family’s inherited heart disease. Can also help determine which specific relatives are at risk for developing it.
Noninvasive test using a CT scan to measure the amount of calcified plaque in your coronary arteries. This helps to calculate your risk of developing coronary artery disease or risk of an event like heart attack or stroke.
Recording of the electrical signals in the heart. Used to determine heart rate, heart rhythm and other information regarding the condition of your heart.
Noninvasive treatment used for individuals with stable angina to decrease frequency and duration of symptoms.
Assists those with metabolic syndrome, a group of specific health conditions, to decrease risk and improve health. This program can be six or 12 weeks long and includes three exercise and two education classes per week.
Laboratory testing may include a lipid panel, lipoprotein(a), vitamin D level, and BMP.
A test that shows how your heart works during physical activity. This test will help guide treatment decisions, measure the effectiveness of treatment or determine the severity of your already diagnosed heart disease.
A class of medications that help to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol in those who have difficult-to-control cholesterol levels.
How often will I have follow-up appointments?
Your health care team will let you know how often you need to come back for follow-up visits. Many patients are seen every three months, but you may need appointments more or less often. Regular follow-up visits are important to help you reach your goals. If you have questions between visits, please call your preventive cardiology team.
To a great degree, your health is a product of the choices you make every day about what to eat, how much to exercise and how much you know about your risks of disease. The right nutrition can help improve your energy level, ability to concentrate, and ability to manage your weight, blood sugar and cholesterol and provide other benefits to your overall health.
Is preventive cardiology covered by my insurance?
Although most insurance companies cover preventive cardiology visits, it is recommended to contact your insurance carrier to confirm coverage and verify any out-of-pocket responsibility. If you would like an estimate for a future service, or to speak with a financial counselor, please contact the Spectrum Health corporate billing office at 866.315.7047.
Meet our team
Our team includes a preventive cardiologist, clinical psychologist, registered dietician, registered nurse, exercise physiologist, health coach and support staff. Our team balances services to fit your health and wellness goals and minimize risk factors.
Preventive cardiologist
- Assists with lifestyle modification recommendations to reach health goals
- Assists with difficult-to-control high blood pressure or cholesterol levels
- Addresses women’s health issues
- Responsible for medication management and education
- Conducts in-person or virtual visits
Clinical psychologist
- Addresses the emotional components of battling cardiovascular conditions and chronic disease, including disordered eating, depression and anxiety
- Conducts in-person or virtual visits
Contact Us
Contact us to learn how to take the next step and get an appointment with one of our specialists.