Is Preventive Cardiology Right For You?
Heart Disease Prevention
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide for both men AND women. A combination of genetics and other risk factors causes heart disease.
The first step in the quest toward heart disease prevention is understanding your risk of heart disease.
Each year, 500,000 Americans die of heart disease, and approximately half are women. At age 45, a man’s heart disease risk increases significantly. For women, risk increases at age 55, corresponding with menopause. 50% of men and 64% of women who suddenly die of heart disease have no previous symptoms. A recent study showed that only 3% of US adults engage in lifestyle habits that decrease the risk of heart disease—eating a healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking.
Heart Disease Prevention Starts Early
The importance of recognizing the risk factors for heart disease starts early. Studies have shown that about 2/3 of teenagers already have at least one risk factor for heart disease. And we know that the habits we learn as children stay with us throughout our lives. Heart disease prevention should start during childhood.
Risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, prediabetes or diabetes, smoking, physical inactivity, family history of early heart disease, history of preeclampsia during pregnancy, unhealthy eating behaviors, and age 55 or older for women and 45 or older for men. Each risk factor increases your chance of developing heart disease; the more risk factors you have, the higher your risk. Some risk factors, such as age, sex, and family history, are not modifiable; however, most other risk factors for heart disease can be prevented or reversed.
The term “heart disease” encompasses many conditions. It generally means blockage in the arteries that supply blood to the heart, which can cause a heart attack. There are many other cardiovascular conditions, such as congestive heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation and strokes, to be aware of and try to avoid.
Even though we have effective medications and excellent treatments for these cardiovascular conditions, such as coronary stents, coronary artery bypass surgery, and ablation of arrhythmias, it’s always better to prevent these diseases if possible.
The American Heart Association recommends the Essential 8 for heart health:
- Eat better
- Be more active
- Quit tobacco
- Get healthy sleep
- Manage weight
- Control cholesterol
- Manage blood sugar
- Manage blood pressure
Most of the Essential 8 can be achieved with lifestyle modification; in fact, most cardiovascular diseases and other chronic illnesses can be avoided or improved with lifestyle modification. Unfortunately, lifestyle modification can be difficult for people to accomplish and maintain long-term on their own. Consider joining my monthly membership or signing up for the Heart Health Foundations course or 1:1 health coaching. If you want to learn more, click here to schedule a free consultation.
- People with a strong family history of heart disease
- People with uncontrolled cardiac risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, or obesity
- People who have had a previous heart attack or stroke
- People who have been diagnosed with a heart condition and need help understanding their illness and want to avoid further problems
- People who are at risk for heart disease due to age, ethnicity, or other factors
- People with abnormal advanced lipid panels
- People with abnormal cardiac imaging results
- People interested in taking a proactive approach to their health
Reach out to us with your questions via our contact form. We do our best to reply within 3 business days.
Yes, a monthly membership option is available for ongoing care.
The membership allows me to work closely with you to modify your cardiac risk factors.
Today’s technology makes it easy to see a telemedicine cardiologist.
We use a state-of-the-art video platform and digital technology to provide you with the same high-quality care you would receive in an in-person visit.
We follow a direct specialty care model, so the relationship is between the doctor and the patient, and no insurance is involved.
Often patients find that they save money paying the doctor directly without copays or deductibles.
Reach out to us with your questions via our contact form. We do our best to reply within 3 business days.
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