Strokenoun A blockage or hemorrhage of a blood vessel Causes weakness, severe paralysis or DEATH

Heart Attacknoun A sudden SEVERE instance of abnormal heart

function. Causes chest pain, weakness or DEATH.

We are all susceptible to heart attack and stroke.

And they kill more…

women

and men…

than any other disease in the US

Jim Fixx Died at age 52

Author and Boston Marathon runner

Cause of death: Heart attack (while jogging)

Autopsy report found:• One coronary artery was 99% clogged• Another was 80% obstructed• A third was 70% blocked• Fixx had experienced three other attacks in the weeks prior to his death

Cause of death: Heart attack

Autopsy report found:Blocked coronary artery

Darryl Kile Died at age 34

Professional baseball pitcher

Cause of death: Heart attack

Died of an apparent heart attack while attending a McDonald’s convention in Florida.

Jim Cantalupo Died at age 60

CEO McDonald’s Corporation

Cause of death: Heart attack

Autopsy report found:Cholesterol plaque ruptured in an artery, causing sudden coronary thrombosis

Tim Russert Died at age 58

NBC Washington Bureau Chief

Many FACTORS contribute to a higher risk for heart disease or stroke…

Risk Factors for Heart Disease Include:

Family history Tobacco use Menopause Overweight High blood pressure Diabetes Inactivity Depression

Chronic Anxiety Rheumatoid arthritis Peripheral Arterial

Disease (PAD) High LDL Cholesterol Low HDL Cholesterol C-Reactive Protein among many others

It’s been known for more than 40 years that the Carotid Arteries in the neck are a CLEAR WINDOW into the cardiovascular system.

Because the Carotid Arteries are close to the surface of the skin, Ultrasound can be used to get very clear images of the arteries.

Ultrasound waves can see into the Carotid Arteries.

The scan uses Ultrasound equipment like this to take a picture of the arteries in your neck.

The ultrasound probe is placed on your neck like this.

And the results look like this…

Common Carotid Artery

Intima layer of artery

Media layer of artery

Luman or blood flow in artery

3

Progression of AtherosclerosisProgression of Atherosclerosis

Healthyartery

Earlylesion

Vulnerableplaque

Stable plaque“Fibrofatty” stage

Lumen maintained

Thin cap = high risk of thrombosis

Thick cap = low risk of thrombosis;

stenosis may cause angina, claudication

Intima thickens, atheromatous gruel

forms under cap

Lumen narrows

Libby. Circulation. 2001;104:365-372.

The Ultrasound images show the arteries at stages of Atherosclerosis

Vascular Age compared to Actual age

48

52

46 47 48 49 50 51 52

Vascular Age

Actual Age

Vascular Age 52 years oldChronological Age 48 years old

Vascular Age Difference 5 years

With a 5 year difference you are about TWICE as likely to have a heart attack or stroke than people of your age in the next 10 years.

PCI HeartScan also tells if you have plaque or buildup in your arteries.

You CONTROL the CHOICES that DIRECTLY affect your risk for heart attack and stroke What you eat. How much you eat. How much you exercise. How you manage stress. The choice whether or not to smoke. Medications you take.

After the results from a PCI HeartScan are known…

DietExerciseSleepHDL Cholesterol

Blood pressureLDL Cholesterol

DiabetesSmoking

You may need medication to REDUCE your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Helps the physician know when medications ARE needed and how much.

Heart Disease and Stroke can be FATAL.

You may not know if you have heart disease…

But We Do!

If it isn’t reimbursed by your health insurance, it’s available for a small cost… Ask your doctor!

Ask your Doctor about…