Prevention of cardiac disease is an important mission of University Cardiologists. In this newsletter, Lynne Braun, PhD, reviews two cases* needing preventive strategies. The first case requires primary prevention (before cardiac disease has developed) and the second case, secondary prevention (after disease has developed). Dr. Braun will also explain a new outpatient preventive program available at Rush through University Cardiologists.

Dr. Braun: Heart disease is the number one killer of American men and women; however, in most cases, risk factors for heart disease can be prevented or successfully managed. Let’s look at two patients to illustrate this point:

Mary is 40 years old and is concerned about developing heart disease because her father had a heart attack at age 48. She is overweight, does not exercise and was recently diagnosed with high cholesterol. 

John is 58 years old, has diabetes and coronary artery disease. He recently had angioplasty with two stents placed in his coronary arteries. Besides diabetes, his risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high  triglycerides and obesity.

Both of these patients require preventive measures. In Mary’s case, her father had “premature” heart disease; therefore, family history is an important risk factor. She needs a thorough assessment of all risk factors and intensive management of identified risk factors to reduce her chance of developing heart disease. The management of Mary’s risk factors will include lowering her cholesterol to target level and a plan for weight loss and increasing physical activity.

John already has a diagnosis of coronary artery disease; therefore, the goal is to prevent further progression of his disease. This will require intensive management of risk factors through medications, a heart-healthy diet and regular physical activity. 

At the Rush Heart and Vascular Institute, we diagnose and treat heart disease, and we integrate preventive measures into every patient visit. Driven by evidence-based national guidelines, we prescribe medications to help manage high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, and counsel patients on lifestyle changes necessary to reduce their global risk of cardiovascular disease. 

Changing behaviors to adopt a healthier lifestyle is difficult for most people. It requires a great deal of willpower, effort and often a different daily routine. To assist our patients in making necessary behavior changes for cardiovascular risk reduction, the Rush Heart and Vascular Institute in Chicago makes available a “home support system.”  INTER_xVENT is an internet-based lifestyle management program designed to help our patients put lifestyle changes into practice.  INTER_xVENT was developed by a private company that specializes in lifestyle management and cardiac risk reduction programs. It is not a “quick fix” for necessary behavior changes, such as weight loss, smoking cessation, exercise, etc.  Rather, it promotes healthy, long-term solutions to lifestyle management.  INTER_xVENT has program options that include:

• Nutrition
• Smoking cessation
• Exercise and fitness
• Stress management
• Weight management
• Cholesterol, diabetes and blood pressure control
• Heart disease prevention for women

Rush makes these programs available to people in the Chicago area free of charge. Once you sign on to the service, you may participate in an INTER_xVENT program of your choice from the convenience and privacy of your home or office via a secure Web site. Topics are presented in an easy-to-understand format. You will receive help setting short- and long-term goals, an exercise plan, a daily meal plan, diaries and logs, follow-up assessments and progress reports — all personalized for you.  INTER_xVENT not only provides the knowledge you need for making behavior changes, but it also will identify options and provide the tools for making those changes happen.

To participate, free of charge, go to the Rush Heart Health Portal, and click on the link for the INTER_xVENT welcome page.  Click on the “New Participants” button to complete the Cardiovascular Risk Assessment (CRA).  The CRA collects the personal and health information needed for you to join the lifestyle management program.  Accept the Privacy Statement and Service Agreement.  Complete the CRA. When you have completed the CRA, click “Continue.” Then click on the “Display Results and/or Print” button to receive your individualized report and additional instructions. If you have any problems signing up, call INTER_xVENT at (912) 353-8947. 

INTER_xVENT also offers a fee-based program that allows participants to receive one-on-one counseling with qualified health professionals via telephone. These professionals serve as mentors, offering additional help as you implement your individualized program. Participation in the fee-based program is voluntary. As you any other health-related decision, you should talk with your health-care provider to determine if this program is right for you.

*Not actual patients.