The shocking death of actor Luke Perry at just 52 years brought the risk of stroke to the forefront of the media, much in the same way that the deaths of James Gandolfini, and George Michaelfrom heart attacksin their 50's shined a light of the very clear and present threat of premature death by heart attack. Indeed, these early deaths, clearly prove that when it comes to heart attack and stroke, these devastating medical events do not discriminate, and cankillmen and women who appear to be in their prime of their life.

While the premature death of Luke Perry from a stroke is heartbreakingly tragic, it does present the opportunity to continue advocating for heart attack and stroke prevention. Indeed, the reality is, most experts believe that up to 80% of strokes may be prevented through lifestyle changes. Likewise, the risk of heart attack or the development of heart disease can be reduced significantly through making healthy lifestyle changes today.

Dr. Allan Kurtz, founder of the Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Center of Southern California encourages all Los Angeles men and women to take the following steps immediately, as the first course of action in preventing heart attack and stroke:

• Maintain a healthy weight (lose weight if overweight)
• Increase exercise
• Drink in moderation
• Do not smoke
• Manage medical conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, and/or A-Fib
• Follow a healthy diet
• Monitor cholesterol/triglycerides
• Reduce/manage anxiety and stress

In addition to making these vital lifestyle changes, Dr. Kurtz knows that there is no substitute for understanding your unique risk for heart attack or stroke, through opting for specific tests, available at the Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Center of Southern California. Tests to assess your risk for heart attack and stroke that Dr. Kurtz recommends for all men and women in Los Angeles include:

• Inflammation Testing
  Inflammation in your arteries results from cholesterol. But, the amount of cholesterol necessary to inflame the linings of each individual's arteries is unique to that person. That's precisely why inflammation testing is suggested. Inflammation marker testing including ADMA/SDMA and Microalbumin, F2IsoPs, OxLDL, hsCRP, Lp-PLA2, and Myeloperoxidase measurements providea clear picture of the level of inflammation in your arteries. Arterial inflammation is a known risk factor for stroke and heart attack, and if you are found to have inflammation, Dr. Kurtz will work with you to customize a course of treatment to immediately begin reducing your cholesterol, thereby reducing your risk of heart attack and stroke.


• Advanced Lipid Testing
  Dr. Kurtz also recommends that men and women in Los Angeles undergo advanced lipid testing. Advanced lipid testing at the Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Center of Southern California goes far standard cholesterol screenings, by examining particle numbers and other genetic markers which indicate predisposition for stroke or heart attack.


• Carotid Artery Intimal Thickness Ultrasound (CIMT Neck Ultrasound)
  Calcium in the carotid arteries is a huge risk factor for stroke. This painless ultrasound will let you know if you have calcium deposits (which thicken the lining of the arteries), and thereby put you at increased risk for stroke.


• CT Scan of Coronary Arteries
  This painless test will let you know of any calcium deposits in the coronary arteries, which is a risk factor for heart attack. In addition, this CT scan will provide an overall picture of your coronary artery health, so that lifestyle adjustments may be made immediately.

At the Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Center of Southern California, Dr. Allan Kurtz is dedicated to helping men and women in Los Angeles to lower their risk for heart attack and stroke, through cutting edge testing, healthy lifestyle changes, and a holistic approach to health, and longevity.

Dr. Allan Kurtz specializes in creating ideal health and longevity plans for patients of all ages. Fellowship trained in Integrative and Functional Medicine, Dr. Kurtz is also a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and The Institute for Functional Medicine. The California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine and the Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Center of Southern California was founded in Woodland Hills, CA to aid patients throughout the greater Los Angeles area in restoring and maintaining optimal health for the long term.

To schedule a consultation contact us today at 818.346.1440