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Check your Heart Health

Discover your Risk

Are you at risk for heart disease?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.

Learn more about our cardiovascular center.

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Heart Disease Prevention & Risk Factors

At the University Health Cardiovascular Center, we believe the most effective heart care starts with prevention. Our specialists work with patients across San Antonio and South Texas to identify risk factors early, protect artery health and lower the risk of heart disease before it starts.

Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Heart disease is often preventable, with some risk factors contributing to a higher risk of heart disease. While some of these factors, such as aging and family history, cannot be prevented, others are manageable.

Risk factors for heart disease include:

Being a man or a postmenopausal woman
Complications during pregnancy like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia or eclampsia
Diabetes
Family history of heart disease
High alcohol intake
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Lack of exercise
Obesity
Older age
Poor oral health
Sleep apnea
Smoking
Unhealthy diet high in salt and saturated fat
Unmanaged stress

Here you will find heart doctors who work together to treat conditions that lead to heart problems. You won’t have to travel to find the specialized care you need — we’re all in one place.

Tips to Prevent Heart Disease

With personalized care and community resources through our Institute for Public Health, we make it easier to protect your heart.

Here are ways you can start to prevent and lower your risk of heart disease:

Don't Smoke or Use Tobacco

People who smoke are 2-4 times more likely to develop heart disease than non-smokers. Smoking cigarettes:

Lowers “good” cholesterol
Increases plaque buildup in blood vessels
May block blood flow to the heart

We’re here to help. Find resources at University Health:

Ask your primary care provider about how to quit
Learn more about our smoking cessation program
Read our blog about the benefits of quitting smoking

Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet

Choosing healthy foods can help lower your risk for heart disease. Find heart-healthy recipes on our website.

A heart-healthy diet includes:

Fresh fruits and vegetables
Whole grains
Healthy proteins
Foods high in fiber

Try to limit your intake of:

Alcohol
Saturated fats
Trans fats
Salt
Sugar

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Staying at a healthy weight can help lower your risk for heart disease. Ask your primary care provider what a healthy weight is for you.

Incorporate Physical Activity

Regular exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight and keeps your heart muscle strong. Most adults need about 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderate physical activity each week. Ask your primary care provider before starting a new exercise routine.

Find an activity or exercise you enjoy, like:

Dancing
Swimming
Walking
Bicycling
Hiking

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Are you at risk for heart disease?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.

Take our quick Heart Health Risk Assessment to understand your risk of heart disease and how to lower it

Check Your Health

Treating Heart Disease in South Texas

We're dedicated to helping you navigate treatment with confidence and compassion every step of the way.

At the Cardiovascular Center, we provide expert care for people living with heart disease at every stage. Our multidisciplinary team delivers comprehensive treatment options — from advanced diagnostic testing and non-surgical interventions to minimally invasive procedures and complex heart surgeries.