Preventive medicine is a specialized medical field that is aimed at preventing disease and promoting health. These doctors use their expertise for health issues that cause a major impact on certain populations. One such problem that these doctors specialize in is cardiovascular disease. This condition affects millions of people around the globe and is the leading cause of death in many countries, including the United States. Oftentimes, those who do suffer from this problem have several risk factors that with preventive medicine could be reduced or managed. These doctors help to reduce the factors in preventing these diseases as well as help those who do have cardiovascular problems by providing services and education for healthier heart living.

Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease

Extensive studies have been conducted for identifying specific major risk factors for cardiovascular disorders. Some of these cannot be changed, while others can. Individuals who have more of these risk factors, have a greater chance of developing heart disease. Major contributing factors that cannot be changed include aging, being male and genetic predisposition. Among major factors that can lead to cardiovascular conditions and can be changed include smoking, high cholesterol, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, obesity or being overweight. Stress and consuming too much alcohol may also lead to heart problems.

Preventive Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease

When visiting a doctor of preventive medicine in Kentucky for help to reduce the chance of developing cardiac disorders or for managing these conditions, the physician will do a risk assessment, which may include a stress test, advanced cholesterol tests and other testing to determine the condition of the cardiovascular system and what measures can be taken to prevent this deadly disease. Treatments may include a special diet, changes in lifestyle, medical nutrition therapy, nutriceuticals, phytochemicals, an exercise program, a smoking cessation program, expert cholesterol control and management, diabetes prevention and weight management. The treatment regime may also include vitamin therapy as well as certain supplements such as fish oil.

Educating Patients

Education is a major role of preventive medicine physicians. Some offer specialized programs for optimal reduction of the risks of heart diseases, which may include a cardio-exercise program for individuals who are obese or overweight or those who have heart conditions. Other specialty programs may be directed at patients with diabetes or pre-diabetes, patients with a family history of diabetes or heart problems or those with high triglycerides and cholesterol. Programs usually include education about the causes of these conditions as well as benefits of exercising, changing lifestyle and diet. Medications, supplements, vitamins and phytochemicals are also discussed in regards to how they reduce the chances of developing cardiac disease.