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Our Services

Prevention & Lipid Management

At South Orange County Cardiology Group, we focus on preventing cardiovascular disease before it becomes clinically apparent. Our prevention and lipid management program is designed to identify risk early, personalize therapy, and reduce the likelihood of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events.

Comprehensive Cardiovascular Risk Assessment

We perform an in-depth evaluation that goes beyond routine cholesterol testing, including:

Detailed personal and family cardiovascular history
Assessment of traditional risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity)
Evaluation of lifestyle contributors (nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress)
Review of prior imaging, stress testing, and laboratory data
Calculation of individualized atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk

Advanced Lipid & Biomarker Testing

For patients requiring deeper risk stratification, we offer advanced testing, including:
LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and triglycerides
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)
Evaluation for familial hypercholesterolemia

These markers allow us to better identify patients at elevated risk even when standard cholesterol levels appear “normal” and help guide more personalized, risk-based therapy.

Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scoring

Coronary calcium scoring is a powerful, noninvasive tool to detect subclinical coronary artery disease. CAC scoring helps:

Refine risk assessment in intermediate-risk patients
Guide decisions regarding statin and preventive therapy
Improve patient understanding and adherence to treatment plans
CAC scoring is endorsed by ACC/AHA guidelines to further stratify cardiovascular risk and guide preventive treatment decisions.

Personalized Lipid-Lowering Therapy

We tailor therapy based on individual risk, tolerance, and goals, including:
Statin therapy (moderate- and high-intensity regimens)
Ezetimibe
PCSK9 inhibitors
Inclisiran (siRNA-based therapy)
Triglyceride-lowering therapy when indicated

Our goal is not just to meet guideline thresholds, but to achieve optimal and sustained cardiovascular risk reduction for each patient.

Lifestyle-Focused Cardiovascular Prevention

Medication is only one component of prevention. We emphasize sustainable, evidence-based lifestyle strategies, including:
Heart-healthy nutrition counseling
Weight optimization
Exercise and physical activity guidance
Blood pressure optimization
Smoking cessation support

Lifestyle modification remains the foundation of cardiovascular prevention and is recommended for all patients regardless of risk level

Ongoing Monitoring & Long-Term Care

Preventive cardiology is a long-term partnership. We provide:

Regular follow-up and lipid monitoring
Medication titration as risk evolves
Coordination with primary care and other specialists
Patient education to support long-term adherence and risk reduction

Who Should Consider Preventive Cardiology?

  • Patients with a family history of premature heart disease
  • Individuals with elevated cholesterol or Lipoprotein(a)
  • Patients with diabetes, hypertension, or metabolic syndrome
  • Patients seeking proactive cardiovascular risk reduction
  • Those with abnormal coronary calcium scores or early atherosclerosis

Our Philosophy

Prevention is the most effective cardiovascular intervention. Our approach emphasizes early detection, individualized care, and guideline-directed therapy to reduce long-term cardiovascular risk and improve overall health outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Prevention & Lipid Management – FAQs

Do I need a statin?
Statin therapy is recommended based on overall cardiovascular risk, not cholesterol levels alone. According to ACC/AHA guidelines, statins are indicated for patients with established cardiovascular disease, LDL-C ≥190 mg/dL, diabetes (ages 40–75), or elevated 10-year ASCVD risk. In select patients, coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring may help guide the decision.
What is Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]?

Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a genetically determined cholesterol particle that increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and aortic valve disease. It is considered a risk-enhancing factor in ACC/AHA guidelines and is typically measured once in a lifetime, especially in patients with a family history of early cardiovascular disease.

What cholesterol levels should I aim for?
Cholesterol targets depend on individual risk. In general:

  • LDL-C <70 mg/dL is recommended for patients with known cardiovascular disease
  • A ≥50% reduction in LDL-C is recommended for high-risk patients. Treatment goals are individualized to achieve optimal cardiovascular risk reduction.
  • In some patients with a more aggressive reduction with LDL-C<55 mg/dL may be recommended

Therapy is individualized to achieve the greatest reduction in cardiovascular risk.

What is coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring?
CAC scoring is a noninvasive CT scan that detects calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. It is particularly useful in patients at borderline or intermediate risk to refine risk assessment and guide decisions about starting statin therapy.
Can lifestyle changes replace cholesterol medication?
Lifestyle changes are essential and recommended for all patients. However, for patients at higher risk, lifestyle changes alone may not be sufficient. ACC/AHA guidelines recommend combining lifestyle modification with medication when indicated to reduce cardiovascular risk.
What if I cannot tolerate statins?
True statin intolerance is uncommon. Options include adjusting the dose, switching statins, or using alternative therapies such as ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, bempedoic acid, or inclisiran. Treatment is individualized to maintain risk reduction while minimizing side effects.
What is Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)?

ApoB reflects the number of atherogenic lipoprotein particles in the blood. Elevated ApoB is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, even when LDL-C levels appear controlled. It is considered a risk-enhancing marker in certain patients.

How often should cholesterol be checked?
Lipid levels are typically checked:

  • At baseline
  • 4–12 weeks after starting or adjusting therapy
  • Every 6–12 months once stable

Monitoring frequency depends on individual risk and treatment plan.

Who should see a preventive cardiologist?
Preventive cardiology is appropriate for patients with elevated cardiovascular risk, including those with family history, elevated cholesterol or Lp(a), diabetes, hypertension, or those seeking proactive risk reduction.
Should I check my Lp(a) level?
Most patients should have Lp(a) measured at least once, particularly if there is a family history of early heart disease. Elevated levels can influence how aggressively cholesterol and other risk factors are treated.

Take Control of Your Heart Health Today – Request Appointment

Early detection and personalized care are key to maintaining a healthy heart. Speak with board-certified cardiologist and receive expert care tailored to your heart’s needs.

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(949) 770-6252

What Our Patients Say

Testimonials

BEEN Seeing Dr. MASTERS for over 40 years. I trust him with my life. He’s honest & forthright, cares, & really listens & communicates! And he’s a good friend as well as my cardiologist. So it doesn’t get any better than that in this age of slam bam thank you mam medicine.

– Dan

Dr. John Nader Bahadorani is an exceptional doctor! His professionalism, compassion, and expertise make him a standout in his field. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking top-notch care. His dedication to his patients is truly impressive.

– Khatereh

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