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Patient Education

Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

Protecting your heart for the long term through early screening, personalized risk management, and unhurried, attentive care.

Cardiovascular disease prevention is the work we do together before a problem becomes an emergency: identifying your personal risk, addressing it early, and protecting your heart for the long term. At our preventative medicine practice in Los Angeles, we combine targeted lab screening with practical lifestyle guidance so small changes today prevent larger problems later.

Symptoms & Warning Signs

  • Chest pressure, tightness, or discomfort, especially with exertion
  • Shortness of breath that is new or worsening
  • Unusual fatigue, lightheadedness, or fainting
  • Palpitations or an irregular, racing heartbeat
  • Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
  • Pain or numbness in the arm, jaw, neck, or back

Causes & Risk Factors

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Elevated LDL cholesterol or other lipid abnormalities
  • Type 2 diabetes or elevated blood sugar
  • Tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure
  • Excess weight, inactivity, and dietary patterns
  • Family history of early heart disease and advancing age

How Dr. Golian Manages Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

Dr. Golian begins with a thorough comprehensive physical exam, a review of your history, and a clear picture of your numbers through blood pressure monitoring, a lipid panel, and metabolic labs. From there she estimates your overall cardiovascular risk and builds a plan that fits your life.

Treatment is tailored to what your risk profile shows. That may mean managing hypertension with antihypertensive therapy, lowering high cholesterol with statin therapy, or addressing type 2 diabetes before it impacts your heart. When advanced cardiac evaluation is warranted, Dr. Golian coordinates seamlessly with cardiology including specialists at Cedars-Sinai.

Living Well & Lowering Your Risk

The everyday choices matter most. A structured lifestyle modification plan covering nutrition, movement, and sleep, along with smoking cessation support when needed, can meaningfully lower your long-term risk.

As your direct primary care physician, Dr. Golian has the time to revisit your goals often, adjust your plan, and keep prevention an ongoing conversation rather than a once-a-year checkbox.

Frequently Asked Questions

1When should I start thinking about heart disease prevention?
Ideally before any symptoms appear. Most adults benefit from baseline blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar screening in their 20s to 40s, with the timing personalized to your family history and risk factors.
2What tests do you use to check my heart health?
We typically start with blood pressure monitoring, a lipid panel, and metabolic labs such as HbA1c, and may add an EKG. If your risk warrants more advanced imaging or stress testing, Dr. Golian coordinates that with cardiology including specialists at Cedars-Sinai.
3Can lifestyle changes really lower my risk, or will I need medication?
For many people, improvements in diet, activity, weight, and tobacco use significantly reduce risk. Medication such as a statin or blood pressure therapy is added when your numbers and overall risk call for it, and the two approaches work best together.
4Do I need to see a cardiologist?
Not always. Much of cardiovascular prevention is managed in primary care. When specialized testing or a known heart condition requires it, Dr. Golian refers you to a trusted cardiologist, including specialists at Cedars-Sinai and stays involved in your care.
5How does direct primary care help with prevention?
Longer visits, easy access to Dr. Golian, and unhurried follow-up mean your prevention plan is reviewed and adjusted regularly rather than rushed once a year.

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Related Conditions

Take a Proactive Step Toward Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

Schedule a visit with Dr. Golian to understand your heart health and build a personalized prevention plan.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. If this is an emergency, call 911. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

†Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use. Learn more.