Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States—but the good news is that many forms of heart disease are preventable with early detection, medical management, and lifestyle changes.
On this week’s Health Matters Radio Show, we sat down with Mihail T. Paxos, MD, cardiologist at Aultman Deuble Heart and Vascular Hospital, to discuss coronary artery disease (CAD) and what patients can do to protect their heart health.
Watch The YouTube Live Stream Replay Here:
Meet Our Guest: Mihail T. Paxos, MD
Dr. Paxos is a board-certified cardiologist with Cardiovascular Consultants at Aultman, specializing in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cardiovascular disease. His clinical work focuses on helping patients reduce risk factors, manage chronic conditions, and prevent heart attacks before they occur.
Understanding Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Coronary artery disease occurs when plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle. Over time, this narrowing can lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, heart attack, or heart failure.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Common risk factors include:
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Smoking
Family history of heart disease
Sedentary lifestyle
Poor diet
Both genetics and gender play a role, but lifestyle factors remain some of the most powerful drivers of disease progression.
Medications & Medical Management
Are Statins Important?
Statins are a cornerstone of CAD prevention and treatment. They lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and help stabilize plaque, significantly reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Supplements and fish oil are not interchangeable with statins.
While some supplements may support heart health, they do not replace prescription therapy when clinically indicated.
Blood Pressure & Diabetes Matter
Blood pressure control reduces strain on the heart and arteries.
Diabetes management is critical—uncontrolled blood sugar accelerates plaque formation and worsens outcomes.
Treating CAD often requires coordinated management of all these conditions together.
Lifestyle Factors That Strongly Impact Heart Health
Smoking
Smoking is one of the most dangerous and modifiable risk factors for CAD. The benefits of quitting begin within days to weeks, with cardiovascular risk continuing to decline over time.
Nutrition
A heart-healthy diet emphasizes:
Fruits and vegetables
Whole grains
Lean proteins
Healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, fish)
Watching salt and saturated fat intake helps control blood pressure and cholesterol.
Exercise
Regular physical activity:
Improves cholesterol levels
Lowers blood pressure
Enhances insulin sensitivity
Strengthens the heart muscle
Goal:
~150 minutes/week of moderate aerobic activity
Strength training 2 days/week
Activities can include walking, cycling, swimming, or light resistance work
Other Often-Overlooked Contributors
Dr. Paxos also highlighted the role of:
Chronic stress
Sleep apnea
Excessive alcohol intake
Each can quietly increase cardiovascular risk if left unaddressed.
Recognizing Symptoms of CAD
Common symptoms include:
Chest pressure or pain
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Jaw, neck, shoulder, or arm discomfort
Symptoms can differ between men and women, with women sometimes experiencing more subtle signs like nausea or fatigue.
When to Seek Emergency Care
If symptoms are new, severe, or worsening, especially with chest pain or shortness of breath, go to the ER immediately.
Why Is Snow Shoveling Risky?
Cold temperatures plus sudden exertion can:
Spike blood pressure
Increase heart workload
Trigger heart attacks in at-risk individuals
Patients with known heart disease should use caution—or ask for help.
The Most Important Takeaway
Consistency matters more than perfection.
Small, sustainable changes in diet, movement, medication adherence, and follow-up care can dramatically reduce heart disease risk.
Where Dr. Paxos Practices & How to Learn More
Dr. Paxos sees patients at multiple Aultman locations through Cardiovascular Consultants. Patients can contact his office directly or visit the Aultman Health System website for referrals and additional resources.
Listen to the Full Episode
🎧 Catch the full Health Matters Radio Show & Podcast episode for deeper insights into heart health, prevention strategies, and patient-focused cardiology care.
Thanks for listening today! We’d like to remind our listeners, if you suspect you have a medical issue, please contact your healthcare provider. Thanks to our sponsor Aultman Health System. As always, we thank our listeners for joining us on Health Matters with the Medicine Center Pharmacy. Have a healthy week and we’ll see you again next Friday right here on News Talk 1480 WHBC.