Health Screening Archives | Page 2 of 3 | Surrey Cardiovascular Clinic

The SCVC Blog

Cardiovascular care news and articles from our expert team

Is coronary artery calcification good or bad?

Recognition that significant coronary artery disease exists without calcification led to the wider user of contrast-enhanced CT scans to detect both calcified and noncalcified plaques. Even more advanced scans identify not only the non calcified plaques, but also areas of inflammation (using data processing to measure FAI), that a non-contrast CT (such as a CAC scan) would otherwise miss. Sequential CAC to follow up disease progression quickly established that an increase in CAC with age was inevitable in most patients and not linked to clinical course, so is not widely practiced.

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.

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.

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.

What are the latest guidelines target for LDL?

For patients who have been diagnosed with an acute coronary syndrome, requiring bypass surgery or stent, or have CT Angiography and or raised FAI, the latest European and UK guidelines reflect the finding that there is no lower limit for LDL yet discovered, basically meaning the lower the better. These recommendations come after new trials with lower targets showed better outcomes. As a result, millions of people around the world need to be looking more carefully at whether they are taking sufficient medication to lower their LDL to these new targets, for the very best outcomes to be achieved.

How and why Cardiologists use different types of CT to diagnose coronary heart disease

Ultimately, the approach to cardiac CT screening is highly individualized, reflecting the diverse presentations and risk factors among patients. By employing a sophisticated pre-consultation process, cardiologists can tailor their assessment and management plans to best suit each patient's unique needs, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of cardiac care.

Why FFR CT Heartflow?

Since 2016, cardiologists have been utilising the HeartFlow Analysis in conjunction with cardiac CT scans to enhance the accuracy and predictive value of noninvasive coronary imaging. This technology allows many patients to avoid unnecessary invasive angiography, reducing the associated risks and stress.

Company Employee Wellness Initiative

We have designed a package of core tests, largely funded by the employer, where the employee attends our one stop clinical diagnostic centre (CDC) to have advanced health screening. These packages go way above and beyond what is offered in any of the standard available health screening packages available at general screening services elsewhere, with the possible exception of some very exclusive executive programs, affordable by few.