New Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine Program Focuses on Patients with High Risk of Complications

The University of Miami Health System now offers specialized prevention services to patients who have a high risk for major vascular disease complications, including heart attack and stroke. Led by Carl E. Orringer, M.D., a top lipid expert at UHealth – the University of Miami Health System and associate professor of medicine at the Miller School of Medicine, a team of experts including heart, cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and genetics specialists have come together to offer comprehensive treatment.

The Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine Program provides its services at The Lennar Foundation Medical Center in Coral Gables and at the Sayfie Pavilion on the UHealth medical campus in Miami.

Dr. Orringer said that there is conclusive evidence that preventive treatment aimed at cardiovascular risk factors can help defend against the development of dangerous complications. “High cholesterol, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, diabetes, unhealthy eating habits and lack of regular exercise increase the risk for heart attack and stroke,” Dr. Orringer said. “Treatments directed at these risk factors have been shown to reduce the risk both of an initial heart attack or stroke, and of recurrence in those who have already suffered these complications.”

Patients who are most likely to benefit from the services offered in this clinic include those who have:

• A family history of heart attack, coronary stenting, coronary bypass surgery or stroke under age 60
• A family history of high cholesterol or triglycerides
• Difficult-to-control high cholesterol or side effects that may be related to cholesterol medication
• A personal history of heart attacks, stents or strokes
• A personal history of blocked arteries to the legs
• Concerns about whether they need cholesterol or blood pressure medicine
• A desire to know the best available information on lifestyle approaches to reduce cardiovascular risk

The team works in collaboration with vascular and endovascular surgeons to provide the highest level of preventive care for patients with peripheral artery disease, who are at especially high risk for heart attacks, stroke, and amputations.

The Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine Program has a particular commitment to helping patients and family members with high cholesterol or high triglycerides (another type of fat in the blood that increases cardiovascular risk). These patients are especially vulnerable to early heart attacks and strokes, and often require cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment approaches to prevent these complications. The multidisciplinary team members work to identify the specific disorder that each patient has and provide guideline-based care to effectively and safely reduce these risks.

To make an appointment at the Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine Program at The Lennar Foundation Medical Center call 305-585-5523; for an appointment at the main campus call 305-243-7900.

Tags: Dr. Carl Orringer, familial hypercholesterolemia, heart attack, LDL, statins