Mt. Lebanon resident Jeffrey Friedel, M.D.,  and his colleagues at South Hills Cardiology Associates remind us that cardiovascular disease remains the number one killer of adults in this country.

But more important than treating someone with a heart attack, the cardiologists say, is to prevent it from ever happening in the first place. Fortunately, medicine has advanced capabilities to identify those who are at greatest risk of dying from a heart attack. Many people have no cardiovascular symptoms, but carry with them an increased risk of heart disease. These include patients with no medical problems, but a strong family history of cardiovascular disease. Other patients at risk include diabetics, smokers, those with high blood pressure or high cholesterol, sedentary individuals and people who are overweight.

For those who might be at risk for heart disease, Dr. Friedel and his fellow cardiologists offer the following preventive services:

• A comprehensive exam by a cardiologist to assess overall cardiovascular risk
• Analysis of cholesterol and abnormalities of the blood known to be markers of heart disease
• A Calcium score—a noninvasive way to measure plaque in the arteries of the heart. This has been shown to be a powerful predictor of cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke
• Cardiac CAT scans
• Stress testing
• Echocardiograms
• Cardiac catheterization
• Fitness evaluations – including a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program
• Nutritional counseling with an emphasis on heart healthy diets

To contact South Hills Cardiology Associates, call 412-942-7900.