Hi, I’m Dr. Rick Pumill, and today I want to talk with you about something that’s not just relevant for people over 70 but really applies to everyone: heart health and how you can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Let’s break this down into a few important points, covering some of the lesser-discussed aspects, along with the practical ways to approach prevention and treatment. My goal here is to arm you with knowledge and share what we focus on at Cross County Cardiology to support your heart health.
Knowing Your Risk Factors Isn’t Optional
First and foremost, you need to know your risk factors. These aren’t just arbitrary numbers or conditions; they are often signposts for what’s to come if untreated. Let me list the big ones: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and family history. But here’s where it gets important. It’s not just about whether you have these risk factors—it’s also the *number* of them you have and how they interact that determines your overall risk. For example, according to the American Heart Association, having just one risk factor doubles your risk of heart disease, and the risk multiplies significantly if you have two or more.
If you’re 70 or older, you’ve likely accumulated one or more of these risk factors over the years, and the preventive steps you take today have never been more critical. This is where personalized care makes all the difference. When we see patients, we don’t just treat isolated numbers or conditions; we assess your overall lifetime risk and tailor treatments to reduce it as much as possible.
Medication Compliance Is Non-Negotiable
This is a big one, and honestly, it’s where a lot of people stumble. Let’s say you’re on a statin for your cholesterol. You’ve got your prescription, but you figure: “I’ll only take this twice a week”—or maybe you start cutting your pills in half. Here’s the issue with that: In cardiology, we follow guidelines that are based on rigorous, decades-long placebo-controlled trials. These studies don’t just look at how much they lower your cholesterol; they look at real outcomes, like whether people on the right dose are less likely to have heart attacks, strokes, or even die prematurely. When you alter the dose or frequency, those protective effects start to disappear. You might see your cholesterol come down, but you might still be one step closer to a heart attack.
Let me give you some hard numbers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only about 70% of people on high blood pressure medication actually take it as prescribed. And let’s be clear—poor adherence to medication is a leading factor in nearly 50% of treatment failures when it comes to managing high blood pressure. That’s why we work closely with our patients to make sure they understand not just *what* to take, but *why* they’re taking it. Treating the person—not just the stats—is at the core of what we do.
Understanding Your Numbers: It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All
Now, let’s talk numbers because this is where the nuances matter. Not everyone’s treatment goals are the same. If you’ve got diabetes *and* high blood pressure, you might need an LDL cholesterol level below 70. But if your only issue is mild high cholesterol with no additional risk factors, your target might just be below 100. Why does this matter? Because over-treatment can sometimes be as bad as under-treatment, causing side effects or complications without a meaningful benefit. This is why guidelines exist—to tailor treatment to your specific situation.
And let’s not forget about blood pressure. Did you know recent studies suggest people over 70 may benefit from slightly stricter blood pressure control? Research published in *The New England Journal of Medicine* in 2018 showed that reducing systolic blood pressure to below 120 in older adults reduced stroke and heart attack risk significantly while slightly improving overall longevity. But again, these decisions have to be personalized; more aggressive treatment isn’t the right move if it increases your risk of falling or impacts your quality of life.
The Forgotten Risk Factor: Inflammation
Here’s something that doesn’t get enough attention—chronic inflammation. Did you know that inflammation plays a huge role in the development of atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in your arteries? Even if your traditional risk factors like cholesterol or blood pressure are well-controlled, unchecked inflammation could still be increasing your risk of cardiovascular events. There’s emerging research suggesting that markers like CRP (C-reactive protein) might help identify people at hidden risk. At Cross County Cardiology, we stay on the cutting edge of diagnostics to make sure every factor, including inflammation, is kept in check.
How We Can Help You Stay Ahead
I know managing all this might feel overwhelming, and that’s why having a partner in your health makes such a big difference. At Cross County Cardiology, our approach is tailored, patient-focused, and rooted in science-backed medicine. We’re here not just to treat your symptoms but to prevent problems before they happen. Whether it’s working with you on medication adherence, personalizing your goals, or staying ahead of overlooked risks like inflammation, every step we take is designed to help you maintain your quality of life while reducing your risks.
So here’s my advice: Take the time to truly understand your risks, follow your treatment plan as prescribed, and know there are always options to improve and extend the quality of your life. Small, consistent actions—like staying on top of your medications or adjusting your lifestyle habits—can lead to major long-term benefits. Your heart deserves nothing less.
Let’s keep it ticking strong.
