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, Dr. Dan G. Tripps, and their team of specialists offer a comprehensive Stroke and Heart Attack Prevention Evaluation to help clients manage their risks and stay healthy.
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:
Modifiable risk factors include:
Contributing risk factors include:
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 a nutritional consultation. 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.
Afterward, you’ll sit down with a nutritionist to go over nutritional goals and recommendations. 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.