Explore Heart & VascularPreventive Cardiology
Preventive Cardiology Services
Cardiovascular disease is the world’s number one cause of death, and up to 80% of those deaths may be preventable. Through the Preventive Cardiology program, we are devoted to reducing cardiovascular disease throughout Connecticut. We aim to get ahead of any cardiac disease symptoms. This includes chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, swelling, or even challenging to control cardiovascular risk factors like hypertension or cholesterol.
Our healthcare providers help patients through screenings, education, medication management, and initiatives to promote healthy lifestyle changes. We assess the presence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease through the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk calculator and coronary calcium score.
We are proud of our many cardiovascular subspecialties. If you are referred to UConn Health, you will see a subspecialist who can help with your specific condition.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, can damage your arteries by making them less elastic and in the long-term can lead to multiple organ system dysfunction. Damaged arteries can decrease blood and oxygen flow to your heart and cause heart disease. With use of ambulatory and home blood pressure monitoring, hypertension diagnosis and management will be optimized, and we will suggest adequate lifestyle modifications and medications.
High Cholesterol
Too much cholesterol in your blood builds up in the walls of your arteries and causes atherosclerosis. The arteries narrow, and blood flow to the heart muscle can be slowed down or blocked. Our providers will analyze the fats in your blood and assess for genetic hypercholesterolemia. UConn Health is proud to have an excellent Lipid Clinic, where you can get the right diagnosis and treatment.
Diabetes
High blood glucose can damage your nerves and blood vessels, causing heart disease to develop over time. People with diabetes tend to develop heart disease more often and at a younger age than people without diabetes. It is essential to manage your diabetes effectively to prevent heart disease.
Smoking
Smoking affects your blood vessels, blood pressure, and heart activity. It is important to quit smoking to ensure a better and healthier lifestyle as well as prevent the development of heart disease.
Excess Weight
Excess weight can build fatty material in your arteries, causing blood vessel damage and heart disease.
Inactivity
Lack of physical activity can build fatty material in your arteries, causing blood vessel damage and heart disease. It is important to be active and exercise regularly to prevent the development of heart disease.
Stress
High levels of cortisol associated with long-term stress can increase blood cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, and blood pressure. It is important to reduce your stress levels to prevent the development of heart disease.
Cancer Treatment
Various cancer treatments can negatively affect the heart. Our cardio-oncology program is geared toward patients who are using chemotherapy or radiation as part of their cancer treatment. We use advanced heart imaging tests to detect cardiac health risks or conditions early and improve your quality of life.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be a challenging state for your heart. Our cardio-obstetrics program is specially designed to support you and your child through pregnancy, delivery, and recovery and prevent heart disease development.