Heart disease tips from cardiologist Michael Jesinger, MD
You see the guidelines constantly: eat a healthy diet, exercise, and do not smoke. But if you have a family history of heart disease, you may still be at risk despite living a healthy lifestyle.
Heart disease is Monterey County’s second-leading cause of death, with coronary artery disease being the most common type of heart disease. Coronary artery disease occurs when plaque build-up restricts blood flow to the heart, which can result in symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath, heart failure, and a heart attack.
“Being aware of your family’s health history can be lifesaving,” says Michael Jesinger, MD, a Montage Medical Group cardiologist. “Tell your doctor if a close family member had a heart attack or stroke, even if you feel healthy. It could significantly increase your risk.”
Having a first-degree relative with heart disease — mom or sister younger than age 65, and dad or brother younger than age 55 — can increase heart disease risk by 50 percent.
Many patients I see don’t know that there is an affordable, simple screening test that can determine how likely they are to have a heart attack.
— Michael Jesinger, MD, Montage Medical Group cardiologist
For patients aged 40–79, doctors can estimate cardiovascular risk by calculating age, gender, blood pressure, cholesterol, and smoking and diabetes status. If a potential risk is identified, other tests including a coronary calcium score, advanced cholesterol panels, and cardiac stress tests can further evaluate the patient's risk.
“Many patients I see don’t know that there is an affordable, simple screening test that can determine how likely they are to have a heart attack,” Jesinger says. That screening test is the coronary calcium score, which quantifies the amount of calcium plaques in the heart to determine the patient’s overall risk. “Once that risk is assessed,” Jesinger says, “we can work closely with patients to promote lifestyle changes and begin preventive medical therapies.”
Jesinger’s heart-healthy recommendations include moderate exercise 30 minutes per day five days per week, eating a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits and vegetables with limited meat, and not smoking.
Montage Medical Group also offers innovative technology that continuously monitors the health of higher-risk patients and identifies potential care gaps so patients do not miss important screenings, medications, follow-ups, or adverse health developments.
"Most heart attacks and strokes are preventable,” Jesinger says. “By knowing your family health history, seeing your doctor regularly, and practicing healthy lifestyle habits, you’re more likely to live a longer, higher-quality life.”
Learn more about cardiology at Montage Medical Group.
