Leading Heart Care
Through Innovation
Heart and vascular disease — including heart failure — doesn’t always begin in the heart. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, sleep disorders and chronic stress can damage your cardiovascular system quietly over time. Understand how your condition may be affecting your heart — Learn the signs, reduce your risk and take action with innovative cardiology care.
Contact Norton Heart & Vascular Institute to see if should meet with a cardiologist.
“Having local care makes all the difference. The people are wonderful.”
– Terrie
“This was a huge turning point, and it saved my life. Meeting this team of specialists and working with them was a game-changer for me and my family.”
– DeAndr’e
Diabetes
High blood sugar over time can damage blood vessels, increasing your risk for heart disease and other serious complications. If you have diabetes, aim to keep your A1C below 7 percent.
High Blood Pressure
Uncontrolled high blood pressure puts extra strain on your heart and damages blood vessels. Over time, this added pressure can cause arteries to narrow or weaken, increasing the risk of serious complications like heart attacks, strokes, or even heart failure.
High Boby Mass Index and Obesity
A high body mass index (BMI), a sedentary lifestyle, and obesity raise your risk for heart disease and atrial fibrillation, which can lead to clots, stroke, or heart failure. Extra weight also strains and weakens the heart over time.
Family History
A family history of heart disease can increase your risk—even if you’re healthy. Genetics may influence conditions like high blood pressure or cholesterol. Knowing your family history helps you and your doctor take steps early to protect your heart and prevent future complications.
Sleep Disorders
Poor sleep or sleep apnea can stress the cardiovascular system and is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation. Also, interrupted breathing during sleep may raise your risk of heart disease by repeatedly increasing heart rate and blood pressure.
Smoking
Smoking speeds up cholesterol buildup in arteries, leading to hardened plaque. This can block blood flow and result in chest pain, heart attack, heart failure, or arrhythmia.
Unhealthy Cholesterol
High LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or low HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol causes waxy buildup in arteries, increasing your risk of heart attack or stroke. Managing cholesterol levels is key to protecting heart health.
Umanaged Stress
Chronic stress triggers hormone surges that raise blood pressure and heart rate. Over time, this can overstimulate arteries and increase the risk of heart attack or other heart problems.
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Outpatient locations across Kentucky and Southern Indiana
137,000
Patients treated by the regions #1 providers of heart and vascular care