The Vascular Health Screening Program helps physicians identify patients with atherosclerosis
hardening of the arteries that can lead to heart attacks, stroke and impaired blood flow to the legs before it can be detected with blood or stress tests. Vascular health screening involves a painless test that does not require undressing, exercising, or drawing blood.
• What is vascular health screening?
• Who should participate in this program?
• What happens during vascular screening?
• How is the test interpreted?
• How do I sign up for a vascular health screening?
If you have any further questions about the Vascular Health Screening Program, please feel free to call us at (416) 253.9769.
Answers:______________________________________________________________________
What is vascular health screening?
The program involves a unique test that is recommended by the American Heart Association. This test provides patients with a benchmark of their heart and vascular risk and counseling to improve their health.
Who should participate in this program?
This program is for people between 40 and 70 years old without known heart disease. Vascular health screening improves assessment of cardiovascular risk, particularly in individuals who have a family history of heart disease, cholesterol disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes or who smoke.
What happens during the vascular screening?
This test measures carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT). This is a safe, non-invasive test that measures the thickness of your carotid artery. You lie flat for 30 to 40 minutes. A small amount of gel is applied to your neck. We will use sound beams to assess your carotid artery, because as the walls of your carotid artery become thicker, your risk of having a heart attack or stroke increases. CIMT measurement offers several advantages over the electron beam or computed helical tomography (EBCT or HeCT), commonly called a "heart scan" or "coronary calcium" scan. CIMT testing does not involve exposure to radiation and can be helpful in women, ethnic minorities, and younger patients whose arteries have not developed calcification.
How is the test interpreted?
Using the results of the CIMT test, your blood pressure, cholesterol values, and other measurements, a cardiovascular specialist will provide expert, personalized guidance concerning exercise, diet, smoking cessation and control of your risk factors for heart and blood vessel disease.
Questionnaires, computer programs and measurement of your body mass index, cholesterol and blood sugar levels are also used in your post-screening counseling session. If you have not had a complete cholesterol panel and blood sugar level measured in the past three months, we will ask you to have fasting blood work prior to your meeting.
How do I sign up for a vascular health screening?
Your physician must order the vascular health screening test for you, and can do so by calling (416) 253-9769.