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What is Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Test (CIMT)?
The carotid intima-media thickness test (CIMT) is a non-invasive test that uses ultrasound technology to measure cardiovascular inflammation and plaque. It is similar to the FIMT (femoral intima-media thickness test). The difference is CIMT probes the carotid artery in the...
ABI (Ankle-Brachial Index): How to Detect Plaque By Yourself
It's important to screen and measure coronary plaque. And there are many ways to do it. There’s the stress test that is used 5 million times a year. But it doesn't always work. You have to have over 50% occlusion to detect plaque. There’s the standard angiography. About a...
CT Angiography: The Plaque Screening Test with Lots of Potential
Arnold fainted while fishing with his 14-year-old son. He consulted 3 doctors before I met him. He was 63 years old at that time. The ER doc worked him up completely for potential stroke or heart attack and prescribed a statin. Arnold didn’t like the idea of taking statins, but...
Coronary Calcium Score: Under-Utilized But Still A Great Test
There is a growing acknowledgment of newer and more effective methods for detecting cardiovascular plaque. One of these techniques is the coronary calcium score. What is the Coronary Calcium Score? Coronary calcium score measures calcium in arteries using CT (computed...
Estimating Heart Attack Risk with Framingham Risk Score
Judi was 68. Her doctor wanted to put her on statins because of her age and an LDL cholesterol value of 168. Her doctor also calculated her Framingham Risk Score, and she got 6.4%. That means she had a 6.4% probability of getting a heart attack, stroke, or any cardiovascular...
6 Ways Seniors Can Reduce Financial Pressure and Stress
Are you stressed about making ends meet or meeting financial obligations in retirement? If so, you need to know that you are not alone—and you don’t have to feel ashamed. Many seniors struggle with finances in retirement. This means many people just like you are also stressed...
Stress Tests, Cardiac Cath & Stents: The “Unnecessary” Triad
A positive stress test result means you may have a heart condition. Something that you may not like. If you then have a positive stress test, you’ll likely be led to the catheter lab for a coronary angiogram. The procedure usually detects atherosclerotic plaque, does not...
Reversal of Coronary Calcium Score – Gerry’s Story
One of my patients named Gerry has a very interesting story to tell. He makes a good case for reversing calcium score. Due to a family history, Gerry had been watching his health markers for 35 years. Gerry is also very good at developing information and demonstrating it. He...
How Does Inflammation Cause Cardiovascular Disease?
The immune system is involved with the body’s process of injury repair. It kills, digests, and removes pathogens. Ironically, the immune system also creates inflammation while protecting and healing the body. It can attack body tissues if it doesn’t recognize them or if body...