Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, yet early detection and treatment of risk factors and health problems can help prevent cardiovascular conditions. That’s why Ranjit Rajpal, MD, FACP, FACC, at Central Valley Cardiovascular Center in Madera, California, has a cardiac prevention program. As an expert cardiologist, Dr. Rajpal creates customized plans to avoid or control heart problems. Your primary care physician may refer you for a diagnostic cardiology consultation or you can schedule an appointment if your insurance covers self-referral for preventive cardiology. To learn more, call the office or use online booking today.

request an appointment

What is cardiac prevention?

Dr. Rajpal developed a comprehensive cardiac screening program to help patients maintain a healthy heart and prevent cardiovascular disease. He identifies risk factors, develops a long-term plan to lower risks, and treats existing problems like high blood pressure before they lead to heart disease.

When do I need cardiac prevention?

If you want to prevent heart disease, you can’t wait for symptoms to appear. Instead, you need to take a proactive approach and learn about potential problems while you still have time to prevent or reverse them.

You should schedule an appointment with Dr. Rajpal for cardiac prevention if you:

  • Have a family history of heart attacks, stroke, or peripheral artery disease
  • Have familial hypercholesterolemia
  • Have high blood pressure
  • Have high cholesterol
  • Have prediabetes or diabetes
  • Are overweight or obese
  • Don’t get enough exercise
  • Eat an unhealthy diet
  • Smoke cigarettes

It only takes one of these problems to put you on the road to heart disease. The disease process accelerates when you have more than one risk factor.

What services should I expect during cardiac prevention?

Your preventive care begins with a review of your medical history and a discussion about any current symptoms, your lifestyle, and risk factors. Then Dr. Rajpal completes a physical exam and does diagnostic procedures as needed based on the results.

You may need one or more of the following to diagnose existing problems:

  • Blood tests
  • Electrocardiogram
  • Echocardiogram
  • Stress test
  • Vascular ultrasound
  • Holter or event monitor

Once he has a complete picture of your health, Dr. Rajpal creates a prevention plan that’s customized to meet your unique health care needs. That typically includes:

Lifestyle changes

When health problems that cause heart disease are caught early enough, lifestyle changes alone can make the difference. For example, most people can significantly lower their cholesterol and blood pressure with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight.

If you smoke cigarettes, one of the best things you can do for your heart is to break the habit. Any amount of smoking damages your heart and blood vessels, significantly increasing your risk for atherosclerosis (clogged arteries), heart failure, an irregular heartbeat, and a heart attack.

Chronic disease management

If you need more than lifestyle changes, Dr. Rajpal prescribes the best medication or treatment for your underlying chronic health condition.

Don’t put off getting preventive care for your heart. Call Central Valley Cardiovascular Center, or book an appointment online today to start a cardiac prevention program.