Heart Health & Prevention

Making lifestyle changes can help you control a heart condition or reduce your risk of developing one. Even small steps can make a big difference.

• Eat a balanced diet. Include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean sources of protein like beans, fish, and nuts. Avoid foods that are fried, packaged, or high in salt or sugar.
• Be active. Exercise 20 to 30 minutes most days. Working out at an Essentia fitness center or elsewhere can strengthen your heart and manage your weight.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Losing weight if you’re overweight can help prevent many health problems. Working with a weight management expert can help.
• Get quality sleep. Aim for 8 hours a night. Talk to a sleep specialist for more information.
• Quit smoking or using tobacco and avoid secondhand smoke. See tips for quitting tobacco and how it benefits your overall health.
• Manage stress. Hobbies, spending time with loved ones, exercise, and mindfulness can help.
• Manage health conditions. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, prediabetes, and metabolic syndrome are linked to an increased risk of heart trouble. See your primary care doctor regularly to prevent and manage health problems.

The Cardiometabolic Clinic at Essentia Health is a specialized program developed to help reduce your cardiometabolic risk, maintain a healthier lifestyle, and improve risk factors to prevent heart and vascular disease. Offered at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center and Essentia Health-Fargo, our team treats patients who are at risk of, or have cardiovascular disease, as well as one or more of the following risk factors:

• Diabetes, pre-diabetes or insulin resistance
• High cholesterol and/or elevated triglyceride levels
• High blood pressure
• Excess body weight
• Family history of premature heart attack or stroke
• Obstructive sleep apnea

Any of the risk factors above can increase your chances for heart disease, however when combined, the chance for early and severe cardiovascular disease (such as heart attack, stroke and peripheral vascular disease) is greater. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the onset and progression of cardiovascular disease. The cardiometabolic team works with each patient to identify their health issues and risk factors to create a tailored treatment plan to fit individual lifestyle goals. Our goal is to help you live a healthier lifestyle, without the fear of heart and vascular disease.

Services:

• Doctor and specialist consultation
• Laboratory testing
• Nutrition counseling
• 2D echocardiography
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Stress tests
• CT coronary scan

Schedule your appointment today:

Fargo: 701-364-8900; Duluth: 218-786-3443