Heart disease, or cardiovascular disease, refers to a range of common yet serious conditions affecting the cardiovascular system and can lead to an increased risk of stroke. Nearly half of Americans have some type of cardiovascular disease according to the American Heart Association. It is the leading cause of death in the United States, and 1 in 6 of those deaths are from stroke, which is also the leading cause of long-term disability. While it is a prevalent problem in the United States, heart disease is preventable and treatable with early detection and screening.
Many forms of heart disease, such as coronary artery disease, affect the blood vessels. When fatty plaque builds up along the arterial walls (also known as atherosclerosis), it can reduce or block the flow of oxygenated blood. When blood flow to the brain is blocked, it causes a common type of stroke called an ischemic stroke. Symptoms of heart disease include chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, and pain or numbness in the limbs.
Some populations are at higher risk than others for stroke and heart disease, particularly if patients have underlying conditions or family history. Some risk factors include the following:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Older age
- Physical inactivity
- Tobacco use
Treatment for heart disease includes lifestyle changes, medication, and in some cases surgery. To reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, patients can implement lifestyle changes such as eating healthy, exercising regularly, and not smoking. Patients who are older or have other risk factors should also receive regular screening for heart disease. The best way to screen for heart disease is with vascular ultrasound, a safe and noninvasive imaging technology.
Vascular ultrasound uses Doppler technology to create images and videos of what is going on inside the body. Vascular ultrasound exams can give valuable insights into the cardiovascular system, such as speed and direction of blood flow within the veins. It can also help identify if there is a blockage or narrowing of the veins.
Mint Medical is a leader in vascular ultrasound throughout Northern California and provides screening and diagnostic exams for heart disease and other vascular conditions. All exams are performed by highly trained Registered Vascular Technologists (RVTs). In the past, Mint Medical has partnered with Washington Hospital in Fremont, California to provide screening for cardiovascular disease, and these screenings typically helped diagnose 5-10% of patients with heart disease who did not know they had it. With early detection the progression of heart disease can be slowed, and stroke can be prevented.
Thanks to a new partnership with Inview Imaging, Mint Medical now provides vascular ultrasound services, including heart disease screening, at the Inview Imaging clinic in Oakland, California. Inview Imaging is a leader in radiology services and has been serving the Bay Area community for decades. This partnership represents a commitment to best-in-class patient care and quality results. For more information on patient referrals for cardiovascular screening, click here.
Guest Contributor: Jordan Galerkin
Sources:
- 2024 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Fact Sheet. American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/-/media/PHD-Files-2/Science-News/2/2024-Heart-and-Stroke-Stat-Update/2024-Statistics-At-A-Glance-final_2024.pdf
- Stroke. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20350113
- Stroke Facts. Center for Disease Control. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
- Preventing Stroke. Center for Disease Control. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/prevention/index.html
- Heart Disease. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353118
- Types of Ultrasound. Ultrasound Quotes. https://www.ultrasoundquotes.com/blog/doppler-vs-duplex/
