Early Detection Screenings for Heart Disease - IMT and EndoPat
IMT (Intima Media Thickness) testing is a safe, non-invasive alternative to a cardiac catheterization (coronary angiogram) or stress test. The unique combination of two tests: a Carotid IMT (Intima Media Thickness) test and an EndoPat can predict one's risk of a heart attack or stroke and accurately measure the degree of vascular disease present. The intima is the lining of the blood vessel and when it thickens at the carotid bifurcation in the neck, it has been shown in studies to also be thickened in the heart. These tests use safe and modern ultrasound technology and vessel elasticity detection and are free of radiation.
In the past, the only non-invasive way to measure heart attack risk was the standard lipid panel (Total Cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and Triglycerides), which is helpful, but not a direct measurement of plaque. As a result, some people who are assessed having "normal" cholesterol have a false sense of being at low risk and still have heart attacks.
The best use of this new technology is to ascertain risk and measure and document changes over time, such as reversal of plaque achievable through lifestyle interventions and nutrition. Many people with heart disease have adopted Dr. Fuhrman's "nutritarian" dietary advice and these tests can document and measure the degree of reversal and protection the nutritional protocol is offering. It can also be important and motivating to accurately measure your degree of atherosclerotic plaque, so you know how critical it is for your life that you eat healthfully.
Since these tests are not generally available around the country, we are making them available at the Health Getaway in Amelia Island, Florida and, of course, at our office in New Jersey. If you have risk factors such as overweight, diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol we recommend these tests.
Visit our IMT/EndoPat screening page to learn more.
Private 30 or 60 minute medical consultations with Jay Benson, D.O., Patient Care Director at Dr. Fuhrman's Medical Associates, will also be offered during the Health Getaway. As a board certified family medicine physician, Dr. Benson embraces Dr. Fuhrman's brand of nutritional excellence and has success in treating diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and many others by using this unique nutritional approach.
He works side-by-side with Dr. Fuhrman on patient care, nutritional research, lecturing, and answering questions on Dr. Fuhrman's Ask the Doctor forums.
Learn more about Dr. Benson and Dr. Fuhrman's Medical Associates.
