Identify Your Heart Disease Risk Before Symptoms Develop

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. The good news is that many cardiovascular conditions can be prevented—or their impact significantly reduced—through early detection and proactive care. At Cardiology First, Dr. Van Adamson provides comprehensive cardiac risk evaluations for patients in New Braunfels, Cibolo, Schertz, Seguin, San Marcos, Boerne, and surrounding communities.

A cardiac risk evaluation is designed to assess your overall cardiovascular health, identify your personal risk factors for heart disease, and create a customized prevention plan that helps you live a longer, healthier life. Whether you have a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, elevated cholesterol, or simply want peace of mind, our team is here to help you take control of your heart health before problems arise.

What Is a Cardiac Risk Evaluation?

A cardiac risk evaluation is a comprehensive assessment that estimates your likelihood of developing heart disease, suffering a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular complications.

Rather than focusing on a single symptom, this evaluation considers your complete health profile, including your medical history, lifestyle, family history, current medications, physical examination, and diagnostic testing.

The goal is simple:

• Detect cardiovascular disease early

• Identify modifiable risk factors

• Prevent future cardiac events

• Develop a personalized treatment plan

• Improve long-term heart health

Many people with heart disease experience no warning signs until a serious event occurs. A proactive cardiac evaluation helps uncover hidden risks before they become life-threatening.

Who Should Have a Cardiac Risk Evaluation?

You may benefit from a cardiovascular risk assessment if you:

• Are age 40 or older

• Have high blood pressure

• Have high cholesterol

• Have diabetes or prediabetes

• Smoke or use tobacco products

• Are overweight or obese

• Have a family history of heart disease

• Have kidney disease

• Live a sedentary lifestyle

• Experience ongoing stress

• Have sleep apnea

• Have experienced pregnancy-related hypertension or gestational diabetes

• Have autoimmune or inflammatory diseases

• Want to establish a cardiovascular baseline before beginning an exercise program

Even healthy individuals with no symptoms can benefit from routine cardiovascular screening, particularly if they have multiple risk factors.

Common Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Several factors increase your likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease.

High Blood Pressure

Hypertension often develops without noticeable symptoms while silently damaging arteries, the heart, kidneys, and brain.

High Cholesterol

Elevated LDL cholesterol contributes to plaque buildup inside arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Diabetes

High blood sugar damages blood vessels over time and dramatically increases cardiovascular risk.

Family History

Genetics play an important role. Individuals with close relatives who experienced early heart disease should undergo earlier screening.

Smoking

Smoking damages blood vessels, reduces oxygen delivery, and accelerates plaque formation.

Obesity

Excess weight increases strain on the heart while contributing to hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Physical Inactivity

Regular exercise strengthens the cardiovascular system and reduces many major risk factors.

What Happens During a Cardiac Risk Evaluation?

At Cardiology First, every evaluation begins with listening.

Dr. Adamson takes time to understand your concerns, symptoms, medical history, family history, medications, and overall health goals before recommending appropriate testing.

Your visit may include:

Comprehensive Medical History

We review:

• Previous heart conditions

• Family history

• Current medications

• Previous surgeries

• Lifestyle habits

• Exercise routine

• Nutrition

• Tobacco use

• Alcohol consumption

Physical Examination

Your cardiovascular examination may include:

• Blood pressure measurement

• Heart rate evaluation

• Heart rhythm assessment

• Lung examination

• Pulse evaluation

• Peripheral circulation assessment

• Weight and BMI

Diagnostic Testing May Include

Depending on your individual risk factors, Dr. Adamson may recommend advanced cardiac testing.

Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)

Evaluates your heart’s electrical activity and rhythm.

Cardiac Echocardiography

Ultrasound imaging allows us to examine heart valves, pumping function, and overall cardiac structure.

Learn more about our Cardiac Echocardiography services.

Cardiac Nuclear Stress Testing

Evaluates blood flow to the heart muscle during exercise or medication-induced stress.

Learn more about Cardiac Nuclear Stress Testing.

Cardiovascular CT (Cardiac CT)

Advanced imaging that evaluates coronary artery calcium and detects early plaque buildup.

Learn more about Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (Cardiac CT).

Event or Holter Monitor

Continuous monitoring identifies intermittent heart rhythm abnormalities.

Learn more about Event & Holter Monitor Placement.

Implantable Loop Recorder

Long-term monitoring for unexplained fainting or irregular heart rhythms.

Learn more about our Implantable Loop Recorder services.

Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)

Provides detailed images of heart valves and internal cardiac structures.

Learn more about Transesophageal Echocardiography.

Understanding Your Results

After your evaluation, Dr. Adamson reviews every finding with you in detail.

Your personalized care plan may include:

• Lifestyle recommendations

• Blood pressure management

• Cholesterol treatment

• Diabetes management

• Weight reduction strategies

• Smoking cessation

• Exercise recommendations

• Dietary counseling

• Additional diagnostic testing

• Preventive medications when appropriate

• Follow-up monitoring

Every recommendation is tailored specifically to your health needs.

Preventing Heart Disease

Many cardiovascular diseases are preventable.

Simple lifestyle changes often provide significant benefits.

Heart-Healthy Nutrition

Focus on:

• Fresh fruits

• Vegetables

• Lean proteins

• Whole grains

• Healthy fats

• Reduced sodium

• Limited processed foods

Regular Exercise

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week unless otherwise directed by your physician.

Blood Pressure Control

Maintaining healthy blood pressure significantly reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease.

Cholesterol Management

Medication and dietary changes help prevent plaque buildup inside arteries.

Diabetes Management

Keeping blood sugar under control protects your heart and blood vessels.

Avoid Tobacco

Quitting smoking is one of the most important decisions you can make for your heart.

Why Choose Cardiology First?

At Cardiology First, we believe prevention is one of the most powerful tools in cardiovascular medicine.

Dr. Van Adamson combines compassionate care with advanced diagnostic technology to identify cardiovascular risks early and develop individualized treatment plans designed around each patient’s unique health goals.

Patients choose Cardiology First because we provide:

• Personalized cardiovascular care

• Advanced diagnostic technology

• Evidence-based treatment plans

• Comprehensive risk assessment

• Convenient New Braunfels location

• Compassionate patient-centered care

• Long-term preventive heart health strategies

Our mission is simple:

Help every patient protect their heart before heart disease develops—or before it progresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in a cardiac risk evaluation?

A cardiac risk evaluation includes your medical history, physical examination, cardiovascular risk assessment, and any diagnostic testing recommended based on your personal health profile.

How often should I have a cardiac risk evaluation?

Most adults should discuss cardiovascular screening with their physician beginning around age 40. Individuals with multiple risk factors or a strong family history may benefit from earlier or more frequent evaluations.

Do I need symptoms to schedule an evaluation?

No. Many people with heart disease have no symptoms until significant damage has already occurred. Preventive evaluations are designed to identify risk before symptoms develop.

Will insurance cover a cardiac risk evaluation?

Many evaluations and diagnostic tests are covered by insurance when medically indicated. Our office can help verify your benefits before your appointment.

Can heart disease be prevented?

While not every case is preventable, many cardiovascular conditions can be significantly delayed or prevented through lifestyle modifications, medication when appropriate, and regular cardiovascular monitoring.

Schedule Your Cardiac Risk Evaluation

Knowing your cardiovascular risk today can help prevent tomorrow’s heart attack, stroke, or other serious complications.

Whether you’re experiencing symptoms, have multiple cardiovascular risk factors, or simply want peace of mind, Dr. Van Adamson and the team at Cardiology First are here to help.

Take a proactive approach to your heart health by scheduling your comprehensive cardiac risk evaluation today.

Cardiology First
New Braunfels, Texas

Call today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward a healthier heart.