Plaque-Directed Cardiovascular Prevention
Preventing Heart Disease Before It Happens
Virtual preventive cardiology focused on identifying and managing coronary plaque before it causes heart disease.
What Makes This Approach Different
Most cardiology focuses on treating heart disease after symptoms appear. My work focuses on identifying coronary plaque early and addressing the biological drivers of plaque progression before it leads to a heart attack or other cardiovascular event.
Using advanced cardiovascular testing and imaging, I work with patients to better understand their true cardiovascular risk and develop a personalized long-term prevention strategy.
Because this type of prevention requires ongoing monitoring and adjustment, my practice is structured as a long-term cardiovascular prevention program rather than isolated consult visits.
Plaque-Directed Cardiovascular Prevention Framework
My work with patients follows a structured framework designed to identify coronary plaque early, address the drivers of plaque progression, and support long-term cardiovascular health.
Who I Work With
I work with a limited number of patients who want a proactive, long-term approach to cardiovascular prevention.
The patients I work with are often people who:
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have a family history of heart disease
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have elevated cholesterol or other cardiovascular risk factors
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want to better understand whether plaque is already present
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want a physician-guided prevention strategy rather than episodic care
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are focused on long-term health and longevity
“She really cares…She takes time to listen to you and she is so kind.”
–Cathy, Little Birch WV
Dr. Tracy Paeschke
Board-Certified Preventive Cardiologist
Specializing in plaque-directed cardiovascular prevention using advanced biomarkers and coronary imaging.
My Mission
My mission is to help patients identify cardiovascular risk early and prevent heart disease through evidence-based preventive cardiology.
Core Components of Cardiovascular Prevention
Cardiovascular health is influenced by several interconnected factors. My approach focuses on the key biological and lifestyle drivers that influence cardiovascular risk and plaque progression.
Advanced Testing and Imaging
I use advanced cardiovascular biomarkers and imaging to better define individual risk rather than relying only on standard testing. This may include advanced lipid testing, inflammatory markers, and coronary plaque imaging when appropriate. These tools help guide a more precise prevention strategy.
Lipid and ApoB Management
Elevated ApoB-containing lipoproteins are a primary driver of atherosclerosis. Careful management of lipids—including LDL cholesterol, ApoB, and lipoprotein(a)—is a central component of cardiovascular prevention. Treatment strategies may include lifestyle changes and medications when appropriate, with the goal of reducing the progression of plaque over time.
Metabolic Health
Metabolic health plays an important role in cardiovascular risk. Conditions such as insulin resistance, prediabetes, and diabetes can accelerate plaque development. Improving metabolic health through nutrition, weight management, physical activity, and when appropriate medical therapy can significantly reduce long-term cardiovascular risk.
Inflammation and Cardiovascular Risk
Chronic low-grade inflammation contributes to the development and progression of atherosclerosis. In addition to lipid management, addressing sources of inflammation—such as metabolic dysfunction, poor sleep, and lifestyle factors—can help support cardiovascular health and improve overall risk reduction.
Sleep Health
Sleep is an often-overlooked factor in cardiovascular health. Poor sleep quality, sleep deprivation, and conditions such as sleep apnea can increase cardiovascular risk. Optimizing sleep patterns and identifying potential sleep disorders can play an important role in a comprehensive prevention strategy.
Nutrition Strategy
Nutrition plays a foundational role in cardiovascular health. Dietary patterns that emphasize whole foods, plant-forward nutrition, healthy fats, and reduced processed foods can support lipid management, metabolic health, and inflammation reduction. Nutrition strategies are individualized based on each patient’s health goals and risk profile.
Strength & Fitness
Regular physical activity supports cardiovascular health, metabolic function, and long-term longevity. Both aerobic exercise and strength training play important roles in maintaining cardiovascular fitness, preserving muscle mass, and supporting healthy aging.
Preventing heart disease requires understanding and addressing the factors that drive cardiovascular risk.
How the Program Works
Cardiovascular prevention is most effective when approached over time rather than through isolated visits. My practice is designed as an ongoing prevention program so we can monitor cardiovascular risk, review testing, and adjust the prevention strategy as new information emerges. This structure allows for a more thoughtful and personalized approach to long-term cardiovascular health.
Care begins with a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment and continues with regular follow-up as we monitor biomarkers, imaging, and other factors influencing cardiovascular risk through one of my two programs.
Plaque-Directed Cardiovascular Prevention Program
$375 per month
12-month program
Includes:
• comprehensive cardiovascular assessment
• ongoing prevention visits
• medication management
• review of cardiovascular testing and biomarkers
• secure messaging between visits
Laboratory testing and imaging are arranged separately when needed.
Comprehensive Cardiovascular Prevention & Evaluation Program
$1,000 per month
plus $2,500 enrollment fee
12-month program
Includes everything in the Plaque-Directed program, plus:
• bundled annual cardiovascular testing
• advanced laboratory evaluation
• coronary imaging when appropriate
• annual cardiovascular strategy review
What Patients Say
Dr Paeschke is wonderful! Having had a heart attack two years ago, it’s an amazing relief to have an ongoing relationship with a cardiologist who is responsive, patient and super knowledgeable.My prior cardiologist was the one who happened to be attending at the hospital. Perfectly competent but impossible to get any meaningful attention.It’s the opposite with Dr Paeschke and the way she’s set-up her practice. I feel very fortunate!
David, Nevada
I highly recommend Dr Tracy for all your cardiac issues. I found it very easy to get an appointment, no months long wait, both initially and for important follow up visits -which are enhanced through calls or on-line chats with her. It’s important to me that I communicate directly with my doctor, especially given the breadth and complexity of the issues that we discuss and this is always the case. While Dr Tracy’s focus is on prevention using the latest technology/devices/testing, my needs are immediate and I feel very confident they are met and we have the best plan going forward to address them.
Mark, Colorado
Dr. Paeschke is an excellent cardiologist. She is thorough and takes time with me as a patient. The appointment is not rushed and I feel very valued and cared for. I really like that she is close to me in Monument as well. I highly recommend Dr. Paeschke to anyone looking for a preventative cardiologist.
Sharon, Colorado
I have always appreciated Dr. Paeschke’s wisdom, care, and knowledge, ever since being referred to her in 2007. Since, I have found that her Heart Health Prevention and Wellness has helped me become my own advocate in all areas of health in my life provide for a defined lifestyle change. Thank you! Dr. Tracy
Abe, Colorado
Interested in Learning More?
The first step is a brief introductory video visit where we discuss your cardiovascular risk concerns and determine whether the program may be a good fit.