STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Heart Institute at Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) has introduced a new Preventative Cardiology program aimed at reducing heart disease, which is largely preventable. Nearly 80% of heart disease cases can be avoided through effective risk management.
This innovative program takes a holistic approach to cardiovascular health. It not only offers medical treatments but also includes nutritional counseling and lifestyle coaching. The goal is to empower patients by addressing risk factors early and providing personalized care plans.
The Preventative Cardiology program is part of a broader expansion of SIUH’s Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery departments. Hospital officials emphasize the importance of prevention, as heart disease remains the leading cause of death in New York. Staten Island has some of the highest heart disease rates in the state, according to the New York State Department of Health (DOH).
Preventive cardiology focuses on early intervention to lower the risk of cardiovascular events. The DOH highlights that lifestyle changes—such as improving diet, quitting smoking, and exercising regularly—can significantly enhance health.
The SIUH program aims to reach individuals who may benefit from early treatment through advanced imaging, genetic testing, and personalized risk management strategies.
“Our Preventive Cardiology Program is about more than just treating existing conditions,” said Dr. Supreeti Behuria, director of nuclear cardiology. “We aim to educate patients and the community on how to live healthier lives. We want to assist individuals at every stage of cardiovascular health, from first-time risk assessments to managing long-term heart conditions.”
Referrals are encouraged for patients with family histories of cardiovascular disease, inherited lipid disorders, or those needing help managing risk factors like high cholesterol and hypertension. The program is co-directed by Behuria and Dr. Dmitry Nevelev, an expert in general and nuclear cardiology as well as lipidology.
Behuria’s expertise in cardiovascular diagnostics will help create precise, patient-centered care plans. Nevelev has led significant clinical trials in cholesterol-lowering therapies and integrates the latest advancements in cholesterol management into patient care.
Both doctors expressed enthusiasm for the new program’s components.
“The expansion of our Preventive Cardiology Program is a crucial advancement in cardiovascular care,” Behuria stated. “We are dedicated to tackling the root causes of heart disease—such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol—before they lead to severe events like heart attacks or strokes.”
Nevelev added that the new preventative approach blends traditional cardiovascular care with innovative techniques in lipidology, hypertension management, and lifestyle optimization.
The program addresses various conditions, including atherosclerosis, arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, high cholesterol, hypertension, and valvular heart disease.
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