Preventive cardiology is an essential aspect of cardiology that focuses on identifying and reducing risk factors for heart disease before they lead to a cardiac event. By focusing on the identification of genetic and lifestyle factors that increase the risk of developing heart disease we can develop strategies to reduce their impact on the heart and blood vessels.

 Common risk factors for the development of heart disease include:

• Lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, stress, and obesity.

• Chronic medical conditions such as high blood pressures, high cholesterol, diabetes, sleep apnea, and obesity.

• Family history of heart disease.

Using state-of-the-art diagnostic testing modalities such as calcium scoring and coronary CT angiography we can detect the presence of calcium deposits and atherosclerosis before any symptoms occur. By detecting the presence of plaque in the coronary arteries, these tests can help to assess the severity of atherosclerosis and estimate an individual’s risk of having a heart attack or other cardiovascular event. This early detection of disease allows for timely interventions to reduce an individual’s risk of experiencing a heart attack or other cardiovascular event.