Baton Rouge Clinic News & Updates

Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Opens

The Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention is a specialized and multi-disciplinary disease evaluation and management program.

Patients with established cardiovascular disease as well as those wishing to retard the development of heart disease will find state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment programs at the Center. The program focuses on the identification and management of cardiovascular disease risk factors, particularly abnormal cholesterol and/or triglyceride (blood fat) levels, elevated blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.

Recent studies show that atherosclerosis can be slowed, and in many cases, the disease process can be reversed! Invasive procedures like angioplasty, with or without stints, and bypass surgery are effective means of alleviating symptoms of fatigue, chest pain, and shortness of breath. However, with rare exception, these procedures do not protect against heart attack and sudden death.

On the other hand, intensive control of blood pressure and cholesterol clearly prolong life and decrease heart attack risk. The director of the Center, Dr. David Carmouche, is one of the few physicians in the United States to be board-certified in clinical lipidology while simultaneously earning the distinction of hypertension specialist by the American Society of Hypertension.

The Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention at the Baton Rouge Clinic has evaluated over 400 patients to date. Assessments involve thorough medical, family, and nutritional histories, the latest in blood chemistry analysis, and when appropriate, newer cardiovascular imaging techniques such as CT calcium scoring and carotid artery thickness measurements (Carotid IMT), in addition to traditional vascular ultrasound studies.

Cardiologists, vascular surgeons, and primary care physicians have referred patients with complicated blood pressure or cholesterol and/or blood fat disorders to the Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention. However, individuals may also call for an appointment without a physician referral.

Upon request, your completed evaluation and any recommendations can be forwarded to your primary care physician or sub-specialist of choice. To schedule an appointment, call (225) 246-4430. For more information, please visit us at www.heartoflouisiana.com.

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