CIMT: Carotid Intima Media Thickness Study
CIMT screening is a safe, non-invasive screening procedure used to assess a patient’s risk for cardiovascular disease, which includes heart attack and/or stroke. A CIMT study uses ultrasound imaging to measure the thickness of the arterial wall and check for the presence of plaque formation.
AAA: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
AAA screening is a safe, non-invasive screening procedure used to assess the aorta for the presence of an AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm). AAA’s are a ballooning and weakening of the arterial wall that can result in a fatal rupture of the aorta. Risk factors include age, a history of smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and family history.
ABI screening in a safe, non-invasive screening procedure used to assess the patient for the presence of PAD (peripheral arterial disease). PAD is a result of plaque formation in the arteries of the legs. PAD can lead to chronic leg pain, especially during exercise. Risk factors include age, diabetes, history of smoking, high blood pressure, history of heart disease or stroke, family history of PAD.
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart that is used to assess the mechanical functions of the heart including contraction, chambers, valves and blood flow. Many cardiologists recommend an echocardiogram starting at age 40 as a baseline to track future cardiovascular changes.
These cardiovascular screenings are covered by most insurances.