Preventative Cardiology

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It’s also one of the most preventable diseases in the U.S. Preventive cardiology focuses on that aspect of heart disease. Although he’s a well-respected cardiologist, Humayun Naqvi, MD, MBA, at West Houston Heart Center in Houston, Texas, has long considered it his mission to prevent rather than treat heart disease whenever possible. He offers a patient-centered approach to maintaining a healthy heart throughout your lifetime, including practical strategies for managing current illness. Call the office or request an appointment online today.

What is preventive cardiology?

Preventive cardiology is a subspecialty of cardiology that focuses on stopping heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues from impacting your health and quality of life.

At West Houston Heart Center, Dr. Naqvi uses his extensive medical experience, ongoing research results, and innovative technology to accurately assess your cardiac health and develop a plan for reducing your risk of future disease.

If you’ve already been diagnosed with heart disease, he develops a comprehensive strategy that prevents worsening illness. This may include better management of your blood pressure, diet, diabetes, and other issues that affect your heart and blood vessel health.

What can I expect during a preventive cardiology evaluation?

At West Houston Heart Center, a preventive cardiology risk assessment may include:

• Thorough physical exam
• Detailed review of your medical history and family health history
• Medication review
• Discussion of your current symptoms or concerns
• Lab studies such as cholesterol tests or blood sugar checks
• Imaging studies such as an echocardiogram
• Exercise stress testing when appropriate
• Evaluation of your diet and exercise habits
• Vascular ultrasound to check for peripheral arterial or carotid artery disease

Based on those results, you may also benefit from further evaluation with advanced blood tests, such as a C-reactive protein that checks for systemic inflammation or genetic testing if appropriate.

What happens after my initial preventive cardiology evaluation?

Dr. Naqvi’s goal at West Houston Heart Center includes providing ongoing resources and support that protect your cardiovascular health and prevent heart disease from interfering with your life.

Strategies customized to fit your needs may include:

• Nutritional counseling
• Weight loss
• Altering medications to improve blood pressure control
• Improved diabetes management
• Recommendations for physical activity
• Cholesterol management
• Cardiac rehab following a heart attack
• Detailed guidance and education regarding your risk factors

Rather than simply providing you with a few brochures and seeing you back if you develop symptoms, Dr. Naqvi continues working with you to reduce your cardiac risk factors through ongoing monitoring. This usually includes regular office visits that allow you time to discuss your concerns and ask questions about upcoming tests or study results.  

Give your heart its best chance at health by scheduling a preventive cardiology evaluation at West Houston Heart Center today. Call the office or request an appointment using their secure online service.