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Four Tests Can Predict Future Cardiovascular Problems Well Before Symptoms Become Evident

PLANO (October 25, 2006) - Pinpointing the risk for heart attack and stroke has become easier thanks to a series of tests that can turn up potential cardiovascular problems well before clinical symptoms arise.

"The tests can determine the health of the coronary arteries and whether or not Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is present in the arteries in the neck, legs and abdomen," according to Waenard Miller, M.D., F.A.C.C., managing partner at Legacy Heart Center.

The tests are a Coronary Calcium Scoring (CCS) test, an Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) test, a Carotid Intima Media Thickness (CIMT) screening and an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening.

"We normally use one or more of these tests on patients who already have heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure, high-cholesterol or Type II diabetes," Dr. Miller explained. "However research has shown that the tests can be predictive of possible heart problems even in patients with none of these risk factors."

The CAC uses a super-fast computed tomography scanner to detect calcified plaque in the coronary arteries, which can help predict future heart attacks. The ABI measures and compares blood pressure at the ankle and in the arm to determine if there are signs of significant narrowing or blockage of the leg arteries. The CIMT screening uses ultrasound to measure the thickness of the arteries which supply blood to the brain and the plaque build-up inside, which can determine the risk of future strokes and heart attacks. The AAA screening checks the aorta for signs of a possible aneurysm, which kills some 15,000 people each year.

To make the tests more accessible, Legacy Heart Center now offers them as a package called the Legacy Heart Health Scan that can be completed in about an hour at a cost of $348.

The screening tests are recommend for men over 45 who have a waistline over 40 inches and women over 55 with a waistline over 35 inches. People in that age group who have a family history of heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure, have a lot of work-related stress, do little if any exercise or are smokers or former smokers are also candidates. All of the tests are painless and non-invasive.

"The Health Scan is designed to catch problems before they become life-threatening," Dr. Miller explained, noting that for more than half the people who suffer from heart attacks, their first symptom is sudden death.

"Armed with the knowledge we can get from a Health Scan, we can make lifestyle recommendation and explore treatment options that can literally save lives," Dr. Miller said.