The SCVC Blog

Cardiovascular care news and articles from our expert team

Metabolic Health Assessment

Is is increasingly obvious that not everyone with raised coronary inflammation and elevated risk of heart attack simply has a raised LDL Cholesterol- in fact there appears to be a mixed bag of risk factors associated with high coronary artery inflammation, including raised LDL, raised LP (a), raised Homocysteine, hypertension and dysregulated glucose. Our metabolic health assessment is therefore designed to offer a comprehensive dive into known contributory causes, the latest and most controversial of which is 'glucose dysregulation', the principle topic of this article.

Why the best blood pressure to have may be the lowest possible without falling over when you stand up

Diastolic heart failure (often referred to as 'Heart failure with preserved Ejection Fraction' or 'HFpEF') arises from ventricular stiffening due to age, hypertension, and various other rarer heart conditions. The aging component of this process is unavoidable, but maintaining optimal blood pressure through midlife is achievable and, if successful, should prevent additional left ventricular stiffening attributed to hypertension. By regularly monitoring blood pressure and using effective medication, we can help patients live longer with healthier hearts.

Managing New Chest Symptoms: SCVC’s Rapid Diagnostic Pathway

To expedite diagnosis, SCVC arranges for cardiac imaging, such as Cardiac CT, during the initial assessment. By consolidating diagnostic tests into a single visit, patients benefit from streamlined care and reduced wait times.

Shedding Central Fat: Strategies for a Healthier Waist-to-Hip Ratio

In this guide, we will explore a multifaceted approach involving increased physical activity, dietary modifications, and consistent monitoring to effectively lose fat and enhance overall health.

What the heck is LP (a)?

Lp(a) testing is advised for individuals at high risk for cardiovascular disease, including those with a prior stent or bypass operation, coronary syndrome or heart attack as well as anyone with a family history of coronary heart disease, high FAI (coronary inflammation) or high risk patterns on Cardiac CT angiograms. In our practice, Lp (a) is offered as part of our comprehensive Metabolic Health assessment (MHA1).

How to manage a dysregulated glucose?

In the absence of strong evidence, a pragmatic approach involves educating patients about the current knowledge gaps while encouraging lifestyle changes that are generally beneficial. These include reducing carbohydrate intake, choosing lower glycemic index foods, increasing physical activity, and improving sleep quality. Such measures are unlikely to be harmful and could potentially lead to improved overall health and well-being

Lets compare continuous glucose monitor (CGM) results

Just as a car's tachometer displays varying revolutions per minute (RPMs) based on the incline and the desired speed, a glucose monitor provides detailed data on blood sugar levels. This data, while often within a normal range, requires interpretation to identify when it may indicate a health issue. We describe 5 glucotypes in this article.

Is an elevated Homocysteine causing your heart disease?

Numerous epidemiological studies have supported the hypothesis that high homocysteine levels are a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. For example, the Framingham Heart Study demonstrated that individuals with homocysteine levels in the top fifth percentile had a nearly doubled risk of developing coronary artery disease compared to those with levels in the bottom 80 percent.

Understanding Heart Attacks Beyond Coronary Artery Disease

The medical understanding of a "heart attack" can sometimes diverge from the layperson's perception. Many people interpret a heart attack as any acute, potentially fatal cardiac event, regardless of its cause. This discrepancy necessitates a deeper exploration of heart attack causes unrelated to coronary artery disease, particularly for understanding familial risks and discussing preventative measures like statins.

What advice for patients at risk of AF?

With growing public awareness and knowledge, there is an understandable and increasing interest in patients employing self help techniques to look out for AF episodes. After all, it is hardly going to be possible to obtain an ECG from your GP every time you feel a slightly irregular pulse.

Bempedoic acid to lower LDL Cholesterol

Bempedoic acid offers a new avenue for patients who require an alternative to statins for managing high cholesterol. Its liver-specific action and excellent safety and side effect profile make it a valuable addition to available treatments we can use to combat high LDL cholesterol levels to reduce coronary inflammation and stabilise high risk coronary plaque.

Natural methods to lower blood pressure

While aiming for the lowest possible blood pressure without experiencing adverse effects, individuals can explore a range of non-pharmacological strategies to maintain or improve their cardiovascular health. Personalised experiments, supported by accurate home monitoring, can lead to significant insights and potentially delay or reduce the need for medication, contributing to a healthier, longer life.