Screening
The medical evaluation consists of:
Detailed History: current symptoms, medications, habits (alcohol, smoking), exercise, diet, allergies to drugs, family history, other medical problems.
Physical Exam: careful measurement of blood pressure in both arms, exam of carotid arteries for bruits, cardiac auscultation, abdominal exam for detection of aortic aneurysm
Non-invasive Tests: Electrocardiogram, and when indicated exercise treadmill test with imaging (either thallium/nuclear or echocardiography), carotid and abdominal ultrasound.
Blood Tests: Lipid profile, lipoprotein (a), C-reactive protein, homocysteine. Also, a full evaluation of other systems (e.g. thyroid, diabetes test, kidney, liver, blood counts, etc) that can affect the cardiovascular system.
Cardiologist: Evaluation by a cardiologist if abnormalities detected in above evaluation, especially if there is a positive family history.
Important factors:
- Blood pressure
- Blood cholesterol
- Fasting plasma glucose (diabetes test)
- Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Why bother with early detection and prevention of cardiovascular disease?
Proven prevention of stroke and heart attack with:
- Reduction in LDL cholesterol
- Reduction of blood pressure in patients with hypertension
- Control of diabetes
- Cessation of smoking and reduced exposure to second-hand smoke
