Cardiovascular Clinic in Bradenton, FL

Heart disease is a major health concern, and understanding its risk factors is essential for prevention. At Manatee Primary Care, we help you identify and manage these risks through personalized care.

High Blood Pressure

Elevated blood pressure strains your heart and arteries, increasing your risk of complications. We monitor it closely and provide strategies to help you maintain healthy levels.

High Cholesterol

High levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol contribute to plaque buildup in your arteries. Our team supports you with nutrition guidance, lifestyle changes, and medications if needed to keep cholesterol in check.

Smoking

Smoking harms your heart and blood vessels. We offer resources to help you quit and significantly lower your heart disease risk.

Diabetes

Poorly managed diabetes increases your risk of heart problems. We focus on blood sugar control and managing related risks like hypertension and cholesterol.

Lack of Physical Activity

Sedentary habits can contribute to heart disease. We encourage regular exercise and provide guidance on starting a safe, effective activity routine.

Family History and Age

Your genetics and age also play a role. If you have a family history of heart disease or are getting older, regular check-ups are especially important.

Chronic Stress and Alcohol Use

Ongoing stress and excessive alcohol use may impact heart health. We help you manage stress and adopt healthy lifestyle habits.

At Manatee Primary Care, we take a proactive and holistic approach to help you reduce these risk factors and protect your heart. Regular check-ups and early interventions make a big difference in long-term heart health.

To improve your heart health through simple, sustainable lifestyle changes, our team partners with you to adopt habits that support cardiovascular wellness and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Start with your diet: choose a balanced variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like those found in nuts, seeds, and olive oil. We can help you develop a personalized nutrition plan to limit saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars, which are important steps in maintaining healthy cholesterol and blood pressure.

Regular physical activity is crucial for heart health, and we encourage at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week—such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Our providers can work with you to create an exercise routine that fits your lifestyle and abilities, including strength training for additional cardiovascular benefits.

Managing stress is also key to a healthy heart. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or simply spending time in nature can lower stress levels. At Manatee Primary Care, we can suggest stress management strategies and resources tailored to your needs. We also emphasize the importance of quality sleep, as getting enough rest supports overall heart health.

Routine monitoring of your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar is available at Manatee Primary Care. Regular check-ups allow us to detect potential issues early and work with you to address them proactively.

Maintaining a healthy weight is another vital step to decrease the strain on your heart. Our team is here to support you with practical advice and encouragement as you work towards your health goals.

Cardiovascular problems can present with a variety of symptoms, and early recognition is crucial for effective treatment. Some of the most common warning signs of heart-related conditions include chest pain or discomfort, often described as pressure, squeezing, or a feeling of fullness in the center of the chest. This discomfort may also radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach.

Shortness of breath, whether during physical activity or even at rest, is another frequent indicator that your heart might not be functioning optimally. You may also notice unusual fatigue, weakness, or difficulty completing your usual daily activities. Palpitations, sensations of a rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat, can also signal underlying heart concerns.

Other symptoms, such as swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen, could suggest fluid buildup related to heart failure. Dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting spells, and persistent coughing or wheezing (especially if fluid is accumulating in the lungs) are additional signs to watch for.

At Manatee Primary Care, our experienced medical team is committed to helping you recognize and address these symptoms early.

Heart health is an essential part of your overall well-being. The right screening schedule for heart health depends on your age, personal risk factors, and family history. For most adults with no known risk factors for heart disease, major health organizations recommend a heart health screening every 4 to 6 years starting at age 20. During your visit with our team, we typically check your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar, and discuss your overall risk for heart disease.

If you have certain risk factors—such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, or a family history of heart disease—our providers at Manatee Primary Care may recommend more frequent screenings. For example, if you have elevated blood pressure or cholesterol, you might need to have these levels checked annually or even more often. We also encourage individuals over 40, or anyone experiencing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat, to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive evaluation.

Heart health screening is not just a single test—it’s an ongoing process involving regular monitoring and proactive lifestyle management. Our dedicated healthcare providers are here to help you determine a screening schedule that meets your unique needs and to support you every step of the way. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 6302 Manatee Ave W, Suite D, Bradenton, FL 34209. We serve patients from Bradenton FL, Parrish FL, Bayshore Gardens FL, Memphis FL, South Bradenton FL, Palmetto FL, and surrounding areas.