February is National Heart Month, a time when all people can focus on their cardiovascular health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. This disease causes about 1 in 4 deaths; however, you can greatly reduce your risk for heart disease through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medicine. South Central Cardiologist, Norrapol Watt, MD, discusses how the local medical community is working to provide treatment and increase awareness.

Norrapol Watt, MD, FACC
Cardiologist
South Central Cardiology

“In the United States, we have increased incidents of diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity,” said Dr. Watt. “With these conditions, heart disease becomes more common. Prevention of diseases and advocating healthy living to the community is my goal as a physician”

When patients initially present to their medical provider they are often experiencing chest discomfort, pain or shortness of breath.

Dr. Watt explains the process of finding the correct treatment plan. “We begin with interviewing the patient, obtaining their history, asking the nature of their symptoms and then we perform a physical examination. From that, we decide the diagnostic plan that will be suitable for the patient.”

Depending upon the diagnosis of the patient, South Central Cardiology offers a range of diagnostic imaging that can be performed to decide what works best for the patient’s concern. By using a diagnostic sonogram or ultrasound, known as an echocardiogram, we can evaluate the heart structure and the heart function. Options for diagnostic angiogram and cardiac catheterization are also available locally.

“The diagnostic testing will help us know what problem the patient has,” said Dr. Watt. “We can take that information and decide the treatment that will be suitable for them. By developing an individual treatment plan, we are able to work with the patient to decrease their symptoms.”

“As a physician, my role is more than being able to correct health problems,” said Dr. Watt. “I serve as an advisor, an advocate and a physician. Healthy living is an important part of cardiology. I feel that when I am able to help a person overcome their unhealthy habits, it is my most rewarding accomplishment.”

Dr. Watt has over 20 years of experience in the field of cardiology and has been published in several medical journals including the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and the International Journal of Cardiology. A native of Thailand, Dr. Watt has lived in the United States since 1994.

South Central Cardiology offers services by David Sullivan, MD, and Norrapol Watt, MD. The physicians are accepting new patients and their practice is located inside South Central Clinics (across from SCRMC) at 1203 Jefferson Street in Laurel. To schedule an appointment, call South Central Clinics at 601-649-2863. The clinic accepts Medicare, Medicaid and most commercial insurance plans. The facility is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.