Cardiac Health

-Coronary Artery Disease

-Have you undergone stenting and/or angioplasty?

-Have you undergone coronary artery bypass grafting?

-Hyperlipidemia

-Do you know your apoB and Lp(a) levels?

-How many copies of the APOE e4 variant do you carry? Are you at increased risk for developing Alzheimer’s?

-Carotid Artery Disease

-Peripheral Vascular Disease

-Hypertension

-Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

-Non-ruptured, undergoing watchful waiting

-Have you undergone an open or endovascular repair?

-Thromboembolism

-Pulmonary Embolism

-Deep Vein Thrombosis

-Sleep Apnea

-Obstructive vs Central

-Several major comorbidities have been DIRECTLY linked to untreated sleep apnea.

-Don’t worry, not all patients are relegated to the Darth Vader face mask as a treatment. Sometimes there are other options, but you won’t know if you don’t undergo evaluation.

-Common ECG Abnormalities

-Bundle Branch Block (Left/Right/Bifascicular)

-The famous “non-specific” T-wave abnormalities or intraventricular conduction delay

-Premature ventricular/atrial contractions

Naturally Heart Healthy can help.

Have you been diagnosed with any of the following?

-Atrial Fibrillation

-Do you know your calculated stroke risk?

-Are you taking anticoagulation (Eliquis, Xarelto, Pradaxa, Coumadin)?

-Do you know aspirin and/or Plavix do not provide the same amount of protection against stroke as anticoagulation?

-Have you undergone a left atrial appendage intervention (ligation, clip, occlusion device - Watchman/Amulet)?

-Have you undergone or are considering an ablation?

-Do you have a loop recorder?

-Stroke

-Ischemic vs Embolic

-Pacemaker/Defibrillator

-Cardiomyopathy

-Ischemic

-Dilated: Tachycardia-mediated, Toxic, Infectious, Genetic

-Takotsubo/Stress (Broken Heart Syndrome)

-Restrictive

-Hypertrophic

-Congestive Heart Failure

-What’s your ejection fraction?

-Valvular Abnormalities

-Regurgitation (“leaky valve”)

-Stenosis (narrowed valve opening)

-Surgical vs Transcatheter Valve Replacement/Repair

Do any of the above diagnoses sound familiar?

Yes? No? I’m not sure.

You’re all welcome here.

Aren’t sure about your cardiac history?

Not to worry. During your initial 60 minute visit we’ll start with the basics.

You’ll provide me with as much cardiac information as you can and we’ll delve into your questions. I’ll also ask what your cardiac health goals are and we’ll start to develop your plan.

The floor is yours. What would you like to discuss? How can I help?

I’ll ask you to sign a release granting permission to retrieve your medical records from your cardiac provider and/or hospitalizations. This is 100% optional.

During your follow up we will confirm your cardiac history and treatment plan.

You and I will continue to work towards getting you closer to achieving your cardiac health goals.

What if you don’t know what you don’t know?

Excellent question. That’s my job.

I will ensure we cover the most important factors related to your cardiac care.

Naturally Heart Healthy can help.

Let me help you more fully understand your cardiac diagnosis and prognosis.

Let’s review your cardiac medications in detail. Do you really need ALL those medications? Forever? Let’s talk about it.

We’ll review your prior and recommended testing, procedures, procedures/surgical interventions.

Let’s discuss other short and long-term treatment options. What are the risks and benefits?

Let me help you organize/formulate talking points for your next appointment with your cardiac provider.

Naturally Heart Healthy does not follow a corporate medicine model.

We have a full 60 minutes.

Traditional provider appointments are limited to double-booked 5 to 15 minute slots. 

Patients are passively encouraged to limit their questions/concerns and often leave their appointment feeling overwhelmed and confused.

Additionally, providers don’t typically have time to raise options other than medications, procedures, and referrals.

How often have you been invited to discuss nutrition, activity and stretching, stress management, and sleep hygiene IN DETAIL?

Check out the Lifestyle Modifications page to learn more!

Naturally Heart Healthy can help.

Let’s talk!