Preventative Cardiology & Wellness

5%

or less adults exercise 30 minutes or more a day

90%

of Americans eat more sodium than is recommended

by 2030

half of all adults in the US will be obese

$20 Billion

could be saved in medical costs if Americans reduce sodium intake by 1,200mg per day

Virginia Heart has several specialty clinics incorporated into our office outpatient services to improve both the overall health of our patients and their quality of life.

Preventing Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Certain risk factors such as family history, age or sex cannot be changed but there are many other ways you can reduce your risk of heart disease. Speak with your Virginia Heart Cardiologist or Advanced Practice Provider about ways you can reduce your risk for heart disease. Here are some ways you can start: don't smoke or use tobacco, get moving and aim for at least 30 minutes of daily activity, eat a heart healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight, and get good quality sleep.

Stress Management

Some people cope with stress in unhealthy ways such as overeating, drinking or smoking. Finding alternative ways to manage stress can help improve your health. More research is needed to determine the impact stress has on your heart but stress can cause a person to increase healthy habits that have a negative effect on your heart. Everyone should learn some stress management techniques that work for you. Try meditation, yoga, deep breathing techniques, exercise and social support.

Ideal Protein Weight Loss Program

Obesity remains a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Weight management continues to be a challenge for many of our patients. The Ideal Protein Weight Loss Program is a low fat, low calorie, high protein meal replacement program that offers a personalized approach to weight loss. The program is medically supervised and coach supported.

Risk Factor Modification Program

Each individual patient has a unique set of risk factors that will impact their risk for heart disease. At Virginia Heart, we offer every patient the opportunity to meet with an Advanced Practice Provider for a one-on-one session to discuss their risk factors and strategize on how to reduce their risk.

Common Questions

  • What is a heart healthy diet? 

    A heart healthy diet has an emphasis on a high intake of vegetables, fruits and legumes, nuts, whole grains and fish. Look to replace saturated fats with mono and polyunsaturated fats. Try to reduce your cholesterol and reduce your sodium intake to <1500 mg daily. It is also important to try and minimize your intake of trans fats, processed meats, refined carbohydrates and sugar-sweetened beverages.

  • How do I learn more about the Ideal Protein Weight Loss Program?

    To learn more about Ideal Protein at Virginia Heart, visit our webpage here or email weightloss@tcg.md to schedule a consultation.