Patient Guides
Plain-language answers to the most common cardiology questions — written by the Haute MD editorial team.
A cardiologist diagnoses and treats diseases of the heart and blood vessels — including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
Read GuideHigh blood pressure is caused by genetics, sodium intake, alcohol, inactivity, obesity, insulin resistance, stress, and aging. Secondary causes account for 5-10% of cases.
Read GuideHigh cholesterol is caused by genetics, diet, inactivity, obesity, insulin resistance, and certain medications. ApoB provides a more accurate cardiovascular risk measure than LDL.
Read GuideCoronary artery disease is plaque buildup in the heart's arteries — the most common heart disease and leading cause of death in the United States.
Read GuidePreventive cardiology identifies and reduces cardiovascular risk before events occur — using advanced testing like ApoB, Lp(a), and coronary artery calcium scoring.
Read GuideA coronary artery calcium (CAC) score is a quick low-radiation CT that measures plaque in the heart's arteries — the best predictor of cardiovascular events.
Read GuideAn echocardiogram is a heart ultrasound showing structure and function in real time — ejection fraction, valve disease, wall motion, and chamber size.
Read GuideAtrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common arrhythmia, affecting 2.7M Americans and raising stroke risk 5-fold. Treatment includes rate, rhythm, and stroke prevention.
Read GuideHeart palpitations are most often caused by benign PACs/PVCs, anxiety, caffeine, dehydration, anemia, or thyroid issues. Some indicate arrhythmias needing evaluation.
Read GuideCongestive heart failure is a chronic condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood, causing fluid buildup. Modern treatment extends survival and quality of life.
Read GuideHeart attack signs include chest pressure, arm/jaw/back pain, shortness of breath, cold sweats, and nausea. Women often have atypical symptoms. Call 911 immediately.
Read GuideHeart disease covers coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, valvular disease, and congenital defects. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of US death.
Read GuideCardiovascular risk assessment estimates the probability of heart attack or stroke. Advanced assessment adds ApoB, Lp(a), CAC scoring, and inflammatory markers.
Read GuideLp(a) is a genetic cardiovascular risk factor elevated in 20% of people. It isn't reduced by statins or lifestyle. Every adult should be tested once.
Read GuideThe most important cardiovascular tests go beyond standard cholesterol — ApoB, Lp(a), hsCRP, homocysteine, NT-proBNP, and a comprehensive metabolic panel.
Read GuideAdvanced lipid testing measures ApoB, Lp(a), LDL particle number and size, oxidized LDL, and small dense LDL — identifying high-risk patients standard panels miss.
Read GuideHeart health screening uses blood tests, blood pressure, and imaging — including advanced lipids and coronary artery calcium scoring — to detect early disease.
Read GuideCardiac CT includes coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring and CT angiography (CCTA) — the best tools for risk stratification and evaluating chest pain.
Read GuidePreventive heart care includes aggressive lipid and blood pressure management, exercise, Mediterranean diet, smoking cessation, sleep, and targeted pharmacotherapy.
Read GuideExercise raises VO2 max (the strongest mortality predictor), lowers blood pressure, improves lipids, boosts insulin sensitivity, and reduces inflammation.
Read GuideThe Mediterranean diet has the strongest evidence for cardiovascular risk reduction — olive oil, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and fatty fish.
Read GuideA heart health checkup includes blood pressure, comprehensive lipids (ideally ApoB and Lp(a)), glucose, HbA1c, BMI, family history — plus CAC scoring and EKG.
Read GuideSee a cardiologist for chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, family history of early heart disease, multiple risk factors, or abnormal screening tests.
Read GuideReduce heart disease risk through exercise, healthy weight, aggressive lipid and blood pressure management, smoking cessation, Mediterranean diet, sleep, and stress control.
Read GuideChoose a cardiologist who is ABIM board-certified in cardiovascular disease, has the right subspecialty training for your condition, and explains findings clearly.
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