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Lt. Col. (Dr.) Wesley Clarkson is a cardiologist and OIC of the Cardiology Clinic and Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.
Clarkson conducted his postgraduate training in internal medicine and fellowship in cardiovascular diseases at Brooke Army Medical Center, Texas, and remained at there as an active faculty member involved in training Army and Air Force internal medicine residents and cardiology fellows from 2008 until PCSing to LRMC in 2012.
What do you want to discuss today?
Awareness. It is our goal as cardiovascular disease specialists to continue to increase awareness regarding the concerns and devastating effects of heart disease as the No. 1 killer of Americans, as well as put to rest the myth that women are immune from heart disease.
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women still to this day.
What are the symptoms of heart disease?
Symptoms representative of heart pain classically are described as central, or “substernal,” chest pressure or pain, generally not sharp — an uneasy feeling that may be associated with shortness of breath (and/or) radiation of discomfort to the left upper chest or arm or even neck or jaw. In general, these symptoms are brought on by exertion (or stress) and relieved with rest. However, these are classic, text book symptoms.
Women may have very different signs. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, back pain, jaw pain, nausea, dizziness or light-headedness. Patients may simply notice a slight decrease in their ability to tolerate exercise or exertion compared to their normal activity.
What are risk factors for heart disease?
High blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, tobacco use, family history of heart disease, obesity, physical inactivity, male gender.
What are some of the modifiable risk factors?
With the exception of family history and gender, most of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease are modifiable with lifestyle modifications, such as adhering to a heart healthy diet, regular exercise habits, tobacco cessation and maintaining a
healthy weight. As a matter of fact, focusing on the modifiable risk remains the cornerstone in
prevention of coronary artery disease. Screening for people at risk should be considered for those 21 years of age or older if not already identified as at risk.
What can I do to lower my risk of getting heart disease?
First and foremost, understand your risk regardless of your age, gender or other medical problems. Inquire with your primary care provider for a better understanding of this and possibly an initial screening.
Do I need to see a cardiologist?
That depends. It is important to understand heart disease is not just screening for and preventing a heart attack. Heart disease comes in many different forms. Thus, symptoms of chest pain or discomfort (especially with activity), palpitations, shortness of breath or passing out could be representative of many different forms of heart disease suggestive of an arrhythmia (an abnormal heart beat), a valve problem or even an enlarged or hypertrophied heart. Hypertension is an extremely common problem in our society with longstanding hypertension leading to many symptoms of non-coronary artery heart disease.
How can I be seen at LRMC?
We currently have five cardiologists and two registered nurses providing cardiovascular care within our service at LRMC. Currently, we are able to see all patients who are active duty, family members, DOD civilians and retirees. A simple referral from your primary care provider is all you need to
see us, whether it is for a preventative cardiology evaluation/risk assessment or to address any potential cardiovascular symptoms you may be experiencing.
What cardiovascular services does LRMC provide?
We provide a full range of cardiovascular services, including a robust preventive cardiology clinic. The preventive cardiology clinic allows further risk stratification for patients who may be at risk for cardiovascular disease, with specific recommendations for modifying risk. We offer CT calcium scoring in appropriate patients for further risk stratification beyond the typical risk calculators established in general practice.
The cardiology service also provides transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiograms (ultrasounds), cardiac catheterizations, arrhythmia monitoring with Holters and Event recorders, pacemaker evaluations, Coumadin (anticoagulation) clinic as well as full inpatient consultative services.
We have a well-defined, collegial relationship with local cardiologists who assist with invasive corrective procedures, such as coronary angioplasty or stenting, electrophysiology testing and therapy, as well as cardiothoracic surgery care for bypass and valve surgery.
Additionally, we continue to refer many of our patients to our colleagues within the continental U.S. military training facilities, such as San Antonio Military Medical Center and Walter Reed National Military Medical Consortium.
