Millions of people end up with heart attacks and stroke. Many people are fortunate to survive, many are not. Why do people leave it up to chance? Heart disease is frightening and it can happen to anyone. This is why it is important to get your heart tested to avoid a heart attack or stroke. The best heart attack is the one that never happens. This is where a Carotid Intima Media Thickness (IMT) will be helpful.
Over 50% of heart attacks occur with people with normal cholesterol profiles. There is now a test to detect your risk of a heart attack or stroke. It is safe, painless, accurate, non invasive and free of any radiation. Carotid Intima Media Thickness (IMT) is an ultrasound test of the arteries in the neck. It is close to the surface of the skin so it is easy to evaluate these arteries.
Many people will see their family doctor and get a clean bill of health. They may do an Electrocardiogram. This is a one-time snap shot of your heart rhythm. This will not help screen for coronary artery disease. Well they may send you on to a stress exercise treadmill test. This test is relatively safe, non-invasive and will determine advanced states of disease. From here they may send you off to myocardial perfusion scan. This is where there is radiation.
A great stepping stone to a treadmill test is a Carotid Intima Media Thickness (IMT). It is a safe test looking at the carotid arteries. Many people will pass an exercise treadmill stress test yet they are still at risk. This is where this test will determine really what your arterial health is doing.
In Canada there is no billing code to get this test done so it can be done privately. Carotid Intima Media Thickness (IMT) has been researched extensively and is currently being used in many end points for drug trials and studies. It would be nice to have this test in every office so that patients can truly understand your risk of heart disease and stroke.
If you want to be a success and stay away from heart disease then you have to take control of your own heart health. Neglect is responsible for thousands of heart attacks a day. If people knew their risk they can reverse their risk. Unfortunately, doctors most time lack the time and attention they are able to give to patients. Many doctors are practicing sick care vs. health care. Take a look at all your risk factors to heart disease and make sure you are in control.
Diamond Fernandes, expert author on heart disease. Diamond Fernandes is the founder and director of the Heart Fit Clinic. He has well over a decade of experience in cardiac rehabilitation, maintenance and heart attack and stroke prevention. Heart Fit Clinic is the leaders in heart health and cardiac wellness. They see people who have heart disease or at risk of developing heart disease and help them live happier, healthier and longer.
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