It’s February and love is in the air! It’s also the perfect time to love your heart health, as it’s American Heart Month.
Heart Disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Its effects are something Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center Cardiologist Shahryar Mafi MD, FACC sees all too often. Cardiovascular disease is his specialty.
“People don’t realize, but there are things they can do to prevent many of these episodes from occurring,” explains Dr. Mafi, “The primary prevention involves diet and exercise. If applicable- weight loss and smoking cessation.”
According to the American Heart Association, the estimated annual incidences of heart attacks in the U.S. is 605,000 new attacks and 200,000 recurrent attacks. That means every 40 seconds; someone will have a heart attack.
Staying on top of your screenings and testing are imperative for good health, “Screening for cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension are very important factors to reduce future cardiovascular events,” says Dr. Mafi.
Recent research has shown a direct relationship between the amount of calcium in the coronary arteries and the likelihood of a future heart attack.
“Unfortunately, there is no universally accepted yearly testing or imaging for identifying cardiovascular disease. Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring and Carotid Artery Ultrasound are recommended in certain populations,” explains Dr. Mafi.
Determine your heart attack risk; get your Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring exam (CAC). Contact your primary care provider or cardiologist for a referral, and then call 703-523-1560 to schedule your appointment.
Recent Stories
POTOMAC, MD – A local credit union is receiving national recognition for offering some of the highest certificate rates in the country. Lafayette Federal Credit Union, headquartered in Rockville and serving the greater Washington, D.C. region, has been named by financial outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Kiplinger, Investopedia, DepositAccounts, and GoBankingRates for its top-ranked share certificate products.
According to these sources, Lafayette Federal currently holds the #1 national ranking for its 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year certificate terms. The institution is offering fixed annual percentage yields (APYs) up to 4.28%, with a minimum deposit requirement of $500.
Share certificates, also known as certificates of deposit (CDs) at traditional banks, have grown in popularity as a low-risk savings option during a period of economic uncertainty. With interest rates rising and market volatility continuing, many savers are seeking fixed returns on their funds without taking on additional risk.
The Montgomery County Women’s Chorus will present a concert to benefit the Betty Ann Krahnke shelter for survivors of domestic violence. 100% of ticket sales (less any online processing fees) will go to the shelter.
The concert will take place at 3:30 pm on Sunday, May 18th at Darnestown Presbyterian Church, located at 15120 Turkey Foot Rd in Gaithersburg. Tickets are $35 and may be purchased at https://www.mocosings.org/events-1/nocturnes-and-lullabies-benefit-concert.
The program, Nocturnes and Lullabies, spans numerous centuries and genres, and includes beloved favorites from Johannes Brahms, Leonard Bernstein, and Billy Joel, among many others. We’ll be joined by three of the DMV’s premiere professional instrumentalists – Cara Dailey, flute, Matthew Maffett, viola, and Rachel Flicker, piano.
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has