Stroke And Heart Attack Prevention Specialist

Speck Health

Cardiologists & Internists located in Northgate, Seattle, WA

Every year in the United States, heart attacks and strokes claim thousands of lives. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Many of the risk factors associated with these serious health events are manageable, making the problem preventable. At POTENTRx in Seattle, Dr. Sarah M. Speck, and her team of specialists offer a comprehensive Stroke and Heart Attack Prevention Evaluation to help clients manage their risks and stay healthy.

206-466-5936

Stroke and Heart Attack Prevention Q & A

What are the risk factors for heart attack and stroke?

The risk factors that affect whether you’re more likely to have a heart attack or stroke fall into 3 general categories: major risk factors, modifiable risk factors, and contributing risk factors. Major risk factors can’t be changed, and include:

Increasing age: People older than age 65 are at greater risk for heart attack and stroke.
Gender: Men have a higher heart attack risk, women have a higher stroke risk.
Family history: Having a parent, grandparent, or sibling who has had a heart attack or stroke raises your risk.

Modifiable risk factors include:

Smoking: Quitting smoking decreases your chances of having a heart attack or stroke.
Hypertension: Getting high blood pressure under control can cut your risks.
High blood cholesterol: Managing your cholesterol and triglyceride levels can help reduce your heart attack and stroke risk.
Physical inactivity: Staying physically active can help reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke, as well as help prevent chronic disease.
Obesity: Losing excess body fat, especially around the waistline, helps prevent heart attack and stroke.

Contributing risk factors include:

Stress: Chronic stress or poor stress management may contribute to your heart attack and stroke risk.
Alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
Diet and nutrition: Eating right can reduce your heart attack and stroke risk and help prevent disease.

What’s included in the evaluation?

The Stroke and Heart Attack Prevention Evaluation requires 2 appointments. The first appointment lasts about 3 hours and includes a cardiovascular exam, a comprehensive physiological assessment and lab draw. During this appointment, your doctor reviews your lifestyle, personal health history, and family history before you undergo a comprehensive physical exam including lab work, an assessment of the plaque buildup in your carotids, and exercise testing.

During the hour-long, follow-up consultation, you’ll receive the results of your evaluation, along with detailed lifestyle recommendations and a personalized exercise prescription aimed at minimizing your risks.