We use a team approach to address the comprehensive cardiovascular needs of the patient. You can feel assured knowing that many experts work closely together to care for your cardiovascular health. Our team includes highly trained medical professionals from the following fields:

• Cardiac Surgery
• Clinical Cardiology
• Dietary and Nutrition
• Electrophysiology
• Emergency Medicine
• Nuclear Medicine
• Nursing
• Pastoral Care
• Pathology
• Pharmacology
• Preventive Cardiology
• Radiology
• Respiratory Therapy
• Social Services
• Vascular Surgery

What you should know about your cardiovascular health
Cardiovascular disease affects more than 59 million Americans. It’s the number one cause of death in America, claiming more lives each year than cancer, car accidents and AIDS combined. To help you know more, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about cardiovascular disease.

What is the cardiovascular system?
The cardiovascular system is actually two separate systems that work together to deliver blood with nutrients and oxygen to the body’s organs, muscles and other vital tissues. The first system, cardio – meaning the heart - involves the heart muscle and its valves. The heart and its valves work together as the pump that pushes the blood through the body. The second system, vascular – meaning all the blood vessels (arteries and veins) – is the network of channels though which blood flows, delivering nutrients and oxygen to organs and tissues throughout the body. There are two types of channels: arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart, and veins, which take blood back to the heart for more oxygen.

What is cardiovascular disease?
When medical professionals think about cardiovascular diseases and disorders, they usually divide them into two separate categories. The first, heart disease, affects the vessels in and around your heart. The second, vascular disease, affects the rest of the vessels in your body. Without a medical exam, there’s no way to tell for sure which vessels in your body are most at risk. That’s why you should talk to your doctor or a SLUCare specialist about the tests and treatment options available to maintain your cardiovascular health and to treat cardiovascular disease.

If left untreated, many forms of cardiovascular disease can be fatal, but with proper medical treatment and lifestyle changes, some people who’ve been diagnosed may live for many years.

What are the risk factors for cardiovascular disease?
Because so many Americans suffer from heart disease, it’s important to know whether or not you’re at risk. Cardiovascular disease starts slowly, often without any noticeable symptoms. So if you fall into any of these categories, talk to your doctor or a SLUCare specialist about cardiovascular disease.
Typical risk factors are:

• Smoking and overexposure to second-hand smoke.
• 20 pounds or more overweight.
• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol levels.
• Diabetes.
• Inactive lifestyle.
• Excessive stress.
• A family history of heart or vascular disease.
• Age: 45+ for men/55+ for women or if you’ve passed menopause.

Steps to prevent cardiovascular disease. The best way to fight cardiovascular disease is through education and lifestyle changes. Know yourself. Find out what your body needs and change things in your lifestyle that put you at risk. Don’t put off thinking about your health because in the long run, prevention makes a difference.

Here are some prevention tips:

• Have your doctor check your blood pressure regularly.
• Know your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• Watch your weight.
• Get active. Exercise regularly, if not everyday.
• Drink alcohol in moderation if not otherwise prohibited.
• Eat less salt, red meat and fatty foods,
• Manage the amount of stress in your life.
• Pay attention to any pain you’re feeling. If you have severe chest pain, go to the nearest emergency room.
• If needed, talk to your doctor about a regimented diet and exercise program.

TESTING AND TREATMENT FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES & DISORDERS
If you have cardiovascular disease, you will need a highly accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Our advanced diagnostic tools and technology, and our wide range of treatment options, are the first steps to health living. You may call 1-800-268-5880 for a referral to a SLUCare physician.
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