Stop the Guessing and Find Out Your Risk of Stroke and Heart Attack

by Kris Nickerson

Dr. Maulfair recently completed a noninvasive cardiovascular screening program for his patients and the public in his office in Topton (www.drmaulfair.com). The test is called Intima Media Thickness, IMT Scanning and takes ten minutes. Results show your arterial age, you may be 53 years old, as an example, but have arteries equivalent to a 67-year-old person of your same sex. If you have plaque, your results will indicate the number of lesions, their size and stability. The results predict the likelihood of suffering a heart attack or stroke; the test gives you an arterial age in comparison to your chronological age. "The statistics show 50% of men and 64% of women who have died suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms of this disease therefore it is helpful to have a picture of the condition of your arterial health as a preventive screening," according to Dr. Maulfair. Dr. Maulfair goes on to explain that there are two kinds of plaque, not just one. "When you have the evidence that you are developing the king of plaque that can rupture and cause a sudden heart attack or stroke sometime in the future, people become interested and motivated to take preventive action in lifestyle choices and active noninvasive treatment choices like chelation therapy. Our seminars explain the causes and the course of the disease process and why chelation is so effective in restoring health or preventing problems in the first place." The people who just completed this study found it to be very telling and were surprised to learn the degree of risk they may have from a clear picture of the carotid arteries in their neck. A CardioRisk-trained sonographer places a probe on the main arteries of your neck and acquires images. The images are then transferred to a computer, processed by patented and FDA-cleared software, and analyzed at their IMT Technical Center. A summary report is printed showing how you compare to persons of your age and same sex. Keep in mind that your arteries are complex structures, more than a "pipe" carrying blood. Over your lifetime, genetic and environmental factors may cause inflammation on the inner walls of your artery. A sticky substance called plaque also builds up inside your blood vessels. The blood vessels may weaken or become so clogged that the blood supply to affected parts of the body is reduced or blocked. The flow of blood may also be affected when plaque ruptures and causes a blood clot (thrombus) blocking or clogging the blood vessel. This diagnostic test even detects a thickening of the inner tissues of an artery, which precedes plaque formation. Most insurance companies reimburse you for this test if you have known risk factors for heart disease. The risk factors include being 45 years of age or older, family history, overweight, smoker, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and little or no exercise. In a medical journal from the year 2000 the American Heart Association Expert Panel said, "Carotid Artery B-mode Ultrasound imaging is a safe, non-invasive and relatively inexpensive means of assessing sub-clinical atherosclerosis. The technique is valid and reliable. IMT is an independent predictor of TIA (stroke-like symptoms), stroke and CAD (heart disease)." The next group of people will be screened in the offices of Dr. Maulfair on April 6th; you can join this group and call (610-682-2104) to make your appointment and get additional information. This will be an ongoing screening program offered by the Maulfair Medical Center periodically. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as a diagnostic tool, professional medical advice regarding diagnosis or treatment, or a substitute for a professional medical diagnosis, opinion or suggested course of treatment by a qualified health care professional, nor is it to be relied upon with regard to diagnosis or treatment. We assume no responsibility for what you do with the information contained in this article. Medical problems, particularly those of a serious nature, should be treated by a doctor in person. Please see a doctor for a professional diagnosis and treatment for any medical conditions you may have.

Article source: ArticlePros.com

About the author Kris Nickerson is the Editor-in-Chief of Press Direct International (http://www.pressdirectinternational.org), a global information website that provides reliable information tailored to professionals in financial, media, and corporate markets. His thorough knowledge of industries ranging from health care and travel to real estate and financial investing enables him to quickly grasp the nuances of emerging markets and technologies. http://www.pressdirectinternational.org