Cardiovascular disease is often referred to as the silent killer, and Abrazo Health is marking Men’s Health Month this June by advising Valley residents to take control of their heart health. 

Medical professionals with Abrazo Health have identified several individuals with concerning issues during community health screening events this year, a press release explained.

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, yet most Americans don’t consider themselves at risk,” Dr. Nishant Gupta, an interventional cardiologist at Abrazo Arrowhead Campus, stated in the release.

Heart disease risk factor statistics according to the American Heart Association show:

• 47% of adults have hypertension,
• 26% of adults have high LDL cholesterol,
• 75% of adults don’t exercise enough,
• 90% of adults don’t meet healthy diet guidelines and
• 116 million adults have prediabetes.

“Delaying preventive care can lead to a manageable health issue becoming something more serious,” Dr. Gupta stated. “A balanced diet, regular exercise and quitting tobacco use are good starting points, combined with regular visits with your primary care provider to assess and manage risk factors.”

High blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity can cause plaque buildup that narrows arteries. This reduces or blocks the flow of blood and can trigger a heart attack or stroke, Gupta explained.

Individuals with plaque in carotid arteries, irregular heart rhythms, a thyroid mass and other potential concerns have been identified at Abrazo health screening events across the Valley, according to Abrazo Health Outreach Manager Cindy Roberts.

About one in five heart attacks are silent: the damage is done, but the person is not aware of it, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The good news is that treatment options have also improved. Taking charge of your health not only will help you live longer, but also better,” Gupta stated. “Early detection may prevent complications down the road.”

Abrazo Health offers online health tips and assessments at AbrazoHealth.com/HeartQuiz.