A recent study in New York has shown that portable ultrasound is better in identifying women for heart disease risk than the traditional Framingham Risk Score (FRS) equation.
In the study, a Sonosite Titan portable ultrasound system was used to detect the presence of plaque in the carotid and femoral arteries. The heart disease risk is greater in patients that show a thickness in the carotid and femoral arterial walls as measured by the ultrasound system.
The earlier that the disease process is identified the better chance that treatment can be effective. Finding carotid intimal medial thickness (CIMT) and treating it is much more effective that finding plaque and then starting treatment. The study indicates that while it might take two years to see a change in plaque levels with treatment a change in CIMT can be seen in a matter of 6 months with treatment.
There are 600,000 first heart attacks every year. Every women gets a mammogram, but no one does anything about their artries. Maybe they should start!
Find out more about ultrasound systems by sending us the form below.