Knowing your cholesterol levels and other risk factors for heart disease helps you better understand your heart health so you and your doctor can start working together to prevent more serious heart conditions. Cardiologists and cardiovascular care teams at Ascension sites of care use blood tests to check cholesterol levels, blood sugar and other risk factors for heart disease. Cholesterol and blood glucose can increase plaque buildup in your coronary arteries. Changes to your diet and lifestyle can help lower your “bad” cholesterol or blood sugar, and can help control your blood pressure.
Ask your doctor about preventive heart care, screenings and blood tests.
Each appointment starts with a conversation about you, new symptoms and your health concerns. You and your doctor work together on a care plan that’s right for you. Your care plan may include:
- Cardiac rehabilitation and cholesterol monitoring after a heart event
- Cholesterol-lowering medication
- Dietary and lifestyle coaching
- Heart care while living with diabetes
- Preventive heart care after a heart event
If you need more advanced heart care, your doctor and care team may recommend cardiac imaging tests and cardiac catheterization to help detect plaque and open clogged arteries. You will also be connected to other heart care specialists if you need more care, such as minimally invasive surgery.
Clogged arteries can lead to heart attack or stroke
If you are experiencing a heart or stroke emergency or life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.
Heart attacks don’t always start with severe chest pain. Symptoms of a heart attack may include:
- Chest discomfort, pressure or pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Lightheadedness or loss of consciousness
- New weakness or fatigue
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Sudden arm (particularly left arm), jaw, neck or back pain
Know your risk for cardiovascular disease
You may be at risk for heart disease if you:
- Have a family history of a heart event or stroke before the age of 60
- Have high cholesterol
- Have diabetes or high blood sugar
- Are obese
- Are drinking too much alcohol
- Are eating a diet high in saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol
- Are not getting enough physical activity
- Smoke or use nicotine products
Financial assistance and support is available
We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help you and your family with options for financial assistance. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs.
