Heart Disease Prevention and Treatment

February is American Heart Month, a time when we can shed some light on heart disease — the leading cause of death for men and women in the U. S. Here to talk about the importance of caring for your heart is Abhinav Sharma, MD, a Froedtert & the MCW cardiologist. 

What is heart disease? 

There are various forms of heart diseases. The most common form of heart disease is a so-called coronary artery disease which results from blockages that arise in the blood vessels of your heart, mostly from cholesterol. Then there are heart valve diseases, heart failure and a group of diseases that patients are generally born with — the so-called congenital heart disease. 

What can be done to prevent heart disease? 

The most common forms of heart disease can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle. This includes, if you smoke — quit smoking, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, manage stress appropriately and pay close attention to cholesterol, blood sugar, as well as blood pressure. 

Why should someone choose the Froedtert & MCW cardiology team for their care? 

We have a large network of cardiologists across the entire eastern Wisconsin and, when it's needed, our cardiovascular team connects our patients to these specialists for them to get the most appropriate care. We also have access to the most sophisticated treatment options, whether they are surgical or non-surgical. And, as part of an academic health network, our doctors are consistently engaged in research that aims to bring forth the most advanced treatment, as well as diagnostic options for our patients.