How Healthy is your Cardiovascular System?  How flexibleAre Your Arteries?

"One of the top nine medical breakthroughs of 2009.  One of the most remarkable innovations that promise to revolutionize how doctors prevent, diagnose and treat common conditions and diseases."  Prevention December 2009.

Mayo Clinic study shows simple finger device may help predict future heart attacks and strokes.  Results presented at American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Session show that a simple, noninvasive finger sensor test is "highly predictive" of a major cardiac event such as a heart attack or stroke for people who are considered at low or moderate risk.

Over 50% of heart attacks in US occur in patients with normal cholesterol, so it is vital to have other more reliable methods of detecting early cardiovascular disease. Medical research has demonstrated that abnormal blood flow in your fingertip indicates impaired blood flow in your coronary arteries, which can be easily measured using a relatively new testing procedure known as EndoPAT.  The test is noninvasive and has been proven to be a useful screening tool for detection of those who are likely to have a heart attack or stroke within the next 5-7 years. 

EndoPAT is the only FDA approved device indicated for noninvasive assessment of endothelial dysfunction.  The endothelium is the innermost lining of the artery and is where cardiovascular disease starts and progresses.

"A poor score is a stronger warning than the usual risk factors because it indicates that cardiovascular disease has already begun-but an early stage where you can more easily control your risks," according to Amir Lerman, M.D. cardiologist had Mayo Clinic.

Research from the Mayo Clinic indicates that EndoPAT is able to spot coronary atherosclerosis. "The presence of endothelial dysfunction in coronary or peripheral vessels constitutes an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. EndoPAT is a noninvasive tool to identify patients during early stages of coronary artery disease". Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2004.

EndoPAT testing has been available at this clinic for over two years.  Schedule an appointment today to know more about how healthy your heart and cardiovascular system are.

EndoPAT testing has been utilized at this clinic for over two years.  The test takes about a half-hour.  No fasting is required.  Schedule an appointment today to know the about the health of one of your most vital organ systems-your endothelium.

How the EndoPAT test is done

• The actual test procedure takes about 20-25 minutes.
• Come to office 15-20 minutes early to acclimatize to the office temperature after being outside.
• Avoid tight clothing and sleeves.
• You will have to remove watches and rings.  Perhaps leave them at home or in your car to keep them safe.
• Go to restroom before the test starts.
• Do not wash your hands in cold or warm water 30 minutes prior to the test.
• During the procedure you will have biosensors placed the index finger of each hand.
• During the procedure your nondominant arm will have a blood pressure cup applied with sufficient pressure to temporarily occlude the circulation in your arm for five minutes. This can be uncomfortable, but is harmless.  You might feel strange sensations during and right after the occlusion. Slight bruising is possible.
• You will have to refrain from talking during the procedure when asked to be silent.
• You should be as relaxed as possible during the test. Most people fall asleep.

Results will be available right after procedure is completed.