Arteriosclerosis - The Widow Maker The lifetime risk of developing coronary heart disease after age 40 is almost 50% for men and over 30% for women. By some estimates, almost a million Americans die annually from cardiovascular disease making it a leading cause of death among people over 50. Interestingly, many of those who suffered from a sudden cardiac arrest had no prior symptoms. The problem is that traditional approaches like treadmill stress tests often miss the problem and patients go undiagnosed. So, if you think you’re covered because you had the typical thirty minute physical exam, think again. There is much more going on than a treadmill stress test can reveal. The underlying problem is hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). For many, elevated LDLs (bad cholesterol) cause inflammation by damaging the cellular lining of blood vessels. This inflammation enables the LDLs to penetrate the artery and stick to its wall. The body then sends white blood cells to help remove what it perceives as foreign invaders. Unfortunately, the combination of cholesterol and white blood cells forms plaque that narrows the area blood can flow through. This restricted flow raises the risk of a heart attack or stroke. While the entire destructive process is not fully understood, the net effect is a formation of plaque in the arteries that over time becomes unstable and possibly ruptures. A rupture will stimulate formation of a clot to patch the area. In turn, the clot tends to impede blood flow that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Because atherosclerosis often doesn’t cause immediately noticeable symptoms, most will not appreciate the effects until it reaches a trigger point resulting in a life threatening event. Fortunately, a comprehensive annual wellness checkup using advanced cardiovascular diagnostic test can more often detect problems before heart attacks and in many cases long before chest pains begin. There is more a doctor can do today to help ensure the best quality of life than will usually be discussed in the brief time afforded under most insurance plans. To get the time needed, it usually requires getting established with a concierge style medical practice. In essence it requires a doctor to go beyond traditional tests like blood pressure, echocardiograms and routine blood work. It requires a doctor with time make good medical decisions and to individualize a plan unique to your needs. Tell Me More about Concierge Physicians in Huntsville, Alabama. Exit |