It was in medical school that Dr. Laura Jacobs discovered her love for cardiology. Already enamored with critical/intensive medicine because of her ability to make an impact on acute illnesses, she found that cardiology was the one area where a patient’s chronic disease process could also be significantly impacted.

Partnership for a Better Life
While Dr. Jacobs employs all the latest high-tech cardiovascular tools at her disposal for the treatment of coronary disease, valvular disease, heart failure and other cardiovascular conditions, she knows that the active involvement of the patient in prevention – both before and after a cardiovascular event or condition – is essential for the patient to enjoy the highest quality of life. Dr. Jacobs explains that “I try to approach every patient individually as a partnership…they are not coming to me for pills, they are coming to me for advice. We are most successful if we formulate a team approach. I can help to an extent, but the patient controls the largest portion of the disease process. This means taking care of themselves both physically and emotionally.”

Risk Reduction
Dr. Jacobs is optimistic about the recent advances in understanding the various elements that contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular disease, particularly coronary disease (blocked arteries). In addition to the well-publicized impact of cholesterol, smoking cessation, controlling hypertension, exercise and weight control, insight has been gained as to the importance of supplements such as folic acid, B6,B12, vitamin E; hormone replacement therapy in women; and the additional magnitude of risk of coronary disease for those with diabetes. Dr. Jacobs also emphasizes the ability of aspirin to help prevent heart attack and stroke. She states that in the early stages of coronary disease, before any obvious symptoms or stress test abnormalities, the risk for heart attack can be just as high as in the later stages of coronary disease that often produce symptoms such as chest pain. Taking aspirin can provide protection even to those with undiagnosed coronary artery disease.

Privileged Practice
Dr. Jacobs considers it a privilege to be involved her patients’ health care. “The actions we take at each follow-up visit both in treatment of, or prevention of, heart disease have the potential to make a dramatic impact on the patient’s entire life. Our goal is to help patients live without limitations from their heart disease to the greatest extent possible.” She feels that forming a strong and trusting relationship/partnership enhances the chances for long-term cardiovascular health.