Virginia Heart Cardiologist Gives Tips to Ashby Ponds Residents on Keeping Their Hearts Healthy

In honor of American Heart Month, Ashby Ponds retirement community hosted a presentation by Dr. Tariq Aziz of Virginia Heart.  Dr. Aziz received his medical training at the Medical University of South Carolina and specializes in echocardiography, valvular heart disease, nuclear cardiology, preventative medicine, coronary artery disease, and congestive heart failure.

The presentation, entitled “Keeping Your Heart Healthy,” covered the topics of how cholesterol can cause heart disease and ways to control your cholesterol levels.  Dr. Aziz indicated that the treatment of individuals who have high LDL levels (also known as bad cholesterol) varies depending on their risk factors which include age, overall cholesterol numbers, systemic blood pressure, and whether the individual is a smoker.  In general, patients begin having their cholesterol levels monitored around 35 years of age for men, and 45 years of age for women; however, for those with risk factors like a family history of heart disease or a history of hypertension, monitoring begins around 20 years of age.

If an individual is at risk of heart disease, Dr. Aziz spoke about a variety of therapeutic lifestyle changes that should occur to help minimize the risk of a cardiac event including weight reduction, increased physical activity, and a better diet (one that is particularly high in fiber).  With weight reduction and dietary changes, adding fiber to one’s diet, and the addition of plant sterols and stanols (naturally occurring substances found in plants), one can reduce their LDL levels by one-third. 

Should one not be able to considerably reduce LDL levels with these therapeutic lifestyle changes, there are medications that can help.  Statin drugs (like Lipitor and Crestor) for instance, are “the lynchpin of therapy for cholesterol” according to Dr. Aziz.  However, these drugs work mostly in the liver and can cause liver damage if not monitored closely. 

About Ashby Ponds:  Ashby Ponds, one of 16 retirement communities managed by Erickson Living, is situated on a scenic 132-acre campus in Ashburn, Virginia (approximately 30 miles west of Washington, D.C.).  The community is home to over 600 residents and is an exciting alternative to the typical retirement community.  More information about Ashby Ponds can be found at: www.ericksonliving.com.

About Virginia Heart:  During the past 30 years, Virginia Heart has grown into the region's premier cardiovascular group with more than 35 physicians who diagnose and treat the full spectrum of disorders affecting the body's heart, blood vessels, and circulatory system.  Virginia Heart has 11 office locations throughout Northern Virginia and has privileges at all of the area hospitals.  In case of emergencies, they are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.