“Am I At Risk For A Heart Attack?!” How We Screen Patients in 2024

Are you worried about your heart health? Maybe heart disease runs in your family, or perhaps you've noticed some concerning heart attack symptoms. Many of our clients come to us with similar concerns, and it’s perfectly normal to feel anxious about your health. Today, we’re shedding light on our cardiovascular tests and when to consider taking one.

We recently had the privilege of chatting about heart health with board-certified cardiologist Dr. Michael Twyman on the Women Want Strong Men podcast. From testing for cardiovascular disease risk to biohacking your heart health, Dr. Twyman and our CEO Amy Stuttle covered it all. 

At Victory Men’s Health, we believe in taking a proactive and informed approach to your cardiovascular health. That’s why we offer comprehensive heart health testing options at our clinics. Yes, we can now perform non-invasive, accurate heart health testing in the office!

Wondering if you’re at risk for a heart attack? Curious about which heart health test is the best choice? You’re in the right place.

Am I at risk for a heart attack?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0bBQ2LKVDY

If you have a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or other cardiovascular issues, you might be a prime candidate for testing services.

Don't fall into these categories? Taking a proactive approach to your heart health can still offer peace of mind and help you maintain optimal health. Let’s take a closer look at what exposes an individual to a greater heart attack risk.

• Family History: If heart disease runs in your family, it's crucial to monitor your heart health closely.
• Existing Conditions: High blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, metabolic dysfunction, insulin resistance, and high cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease.
• Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, and high stress levels are big risk factors.
• Age: As we age, our risk for heart disease increases, making regular testing even more important.

Should I get tested for heart health?

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, yet many people don't realize they’re at risk until it's too late. At Victory Men's Health, we believe in the power of early detection and personalized care to prevent heart attacks and other cardiovascular events. Here’s why proactive heart health testing matters. 

• Early Detection: Proactive heart health testing allows us to identify potential problems before they become serious. Tests can detect early signs of arterial stiffness, plaque buildup, and other issues that might not be apparent through regular check-ups.

• Personalized Care: With detailed insights from advanced tests, we can create customized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. This approach ensures that you receive the most effective interventions to maintain or improve your heart health.

• Prevention: By identifying risk factors early, we can implement lifestyle changes and treatments (or recommend further care with a cardiologist) to prevent heart disease from developing or worsening. This proactive strategy helps reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious complications.

• Peace of Mind: Knowing your heart health status and having a plan in place can provide peace of mind. Don't just worry about what might happen. Take control of your health and feel confident that you are doing everything possible to protect your heart.

What are the best heart health tests?

Picking the right heart health tests is crucial for keeping your heart in good shape. With so many tests on the market, it can be confusing to figure out which ones are the most accurate and helpful. We know how important it is to choose the right tests for early detection, prevention, and personalized care.

In our clinics, we offer the best heart health tests for getting clear insights into your cardiovascular health, so you can take proactive steps toward a healthier heart. Our heart health testing options include:

1. SphygmoCor
2. MaxPulse
3. HeartSmart
4. Boston Heart Advanced Lipid Labs

SphygmoCor

The SphygmoCor test gives us a deeper look at your heart health by measuring your central blood pressure and arterial stiffness – far beyond what traditional blood pressure cuffs can tell us. It will also give us a reference age; aka how old the test estimates your arteries to be. 

SphygmoCor uses pulse wave analysis to measure the pressure in your central arteries, which supply blood directly to your heart and brain. This helps us understand how hard your heart is working and how stiff your arteries are. The central blood pressure is the pressure at the root of your aorta and is a better predictor of early cardiovascular disease than brachial pressure alone.

If heart disease runs in your family or you're looking to be proactive about your heart health, this test is a great option. It only takes about 10-20 minutes, and you'll get preliminary results, including your brachial blood pressure, right away followed by a detailed report a few days later. We will schedule a consult to go over all the information within 3-4 weeks. 

MaxPulse

The MaxPulse test is a quick and easy way to assess the stiffness of your artery walls and determine their "biological age." This helps us catch early signs of artery hardening, which can lead to heart disease. 

Here's how it works: By clipping a pulse oximeter to your finger, MaxPulse measures the pulse wave velocity, indicating how stiff your arteries are. A lower score means your arteries are more elastic and healthier, while a higher score indicates stiffer arteries. 

If you want to detect any potential cardiovascular issues early on to personalize your health and wellness routine, MaxPulse is a great choice. The test takes about a minute, then an additional 10-15 minutes to generate a comprehensive report, which we will go over in your follow-up consult. 

HeartSmart

The HeartSmart test checks your neck arteries for early signs of plaque buildup, which can help prevent heart attacks and strokes. HeartSmart measures the intima-media thickness (IMT) of your carotid arteries using an ultrasound scan, which can indicate the presence of atherosclerosis at its earliest stages. The results tell us the degree of intima thickening, percent stenosis, plaque character (soft, calcified, or mixed), and arterial age. 

This test is ideal for individuals with a genetic predisposition to heart disease. It's also great for anyone looking to prevent cardiovascular troubles in the future. The ultrasound scan takes around 20 minutes and you’ll receive a detailed report at your next consultation to review with your provider

Boston Heart Labs

This panel of lab tests will be drawn in our office and may be covered by insurance. This is not your typical cholesterol panel. There’s more to the story than the “good and bad” cholesterol that your general practitioner checks. 

This will test for the presence of a particle known as Lp(a) which is inherited and a huge risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It also tests for apoB which is a more sensitive marker than LDL for atherogenic particles, along with a cholesterol balance test which tests for markers of high cholesterol production and absorption. This information tells us what treatment is best for each individual. 

While statin medications are the first medication prescribed for standard high cholesterol, statins are not always the right choice when you have all the information. Additionally, it will look at some inflammatory markers like homocysteine, CRP,  and uric acid to name a few. It takes a few weeks to get these results back and will be reviewed in conjunction with your other test results at your consultation with a provider. 

FAQ

What are the common symptoms of heart disease?

Common symptoms include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, or stomach, and lightheadedness. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. 

It’s important to note that these are symptoms of an event occurring, which means there’s already a significant problem present. Many people don’t know they have a heart condition until they’re having a heart attack. Most will not have symptoms with mild to moderate heart disease, and even if their blood pressure is high, they may not recognize any symptoms. That’s why it’s often called the silent killer. 

How can I lower my risk of heart disease?

Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is key. This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, avoiding tobacco, and limiting alcohol. Regular health screenings and monitoring your health numbers are also important. 

In our recent podcast episode, Dr. Twyman highlighted the importance of nitric oxide in maintaining healthy arteries and reducing the risk of heart disease. With this in mind, you may want to discuss nitric oxide supplements with your provider to see if it’s a good fit.

Who should take a heart health test?

These tests are recommended for individuals with a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or other cardiovascular issues. They’re also suitable for anyone looking to take a proactive approach to their heart health. Heart attacks kill 1 in 5 people, so preventative screening is crucial even without symptoms or family history. 

How long do heart health tests take?

SphygmoCor takes approximately 10-20 minutes, MaxPulse takes around 1 minute with additional report time, and HeartSmart takes about 20 minutes.

How soon will I get my results?

SphygmoCor and HeartSmart provide immediate preliminary results with a detailed report available within a few days, while MaxPulse offers speedy results with a comprehensive report available in your follow-up consultation. 

When you come in for your tests, you’ll be scheduled for another visit to review your results in depth within 3-4 weeks. Your provider will then make a personalized plan based on the combined results and history. The plan may include changes to diet, exercise, other lifestyle habits, stress management, supplements, or a recommendation for further management by a cardiologist.

How do you prepare for a heart health test?

For the most accurate results, it's best to avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol on the day of your test. 

How often should you get tested for heart health?

It's generally recommended to repeat these tests annually to monitor changes and improvements in your heart health. However, cardiovascular testing should not be used as a replacement for routine visits with your healthcare provider. 

Next Steps With Victory Men’s Health

At Victory Men's Health, we’re passionate about empowering our patients with the knowledge and tools they need for optimal health. By taking advantage of our advanced cardiovascular tests, you can take control of your heart health.

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear – take a proactive approach to your cardiovascular health. Contact us today to schedule your heart health screening and take the first step towards a longer, healthier life. 

We're sharing it all on the podcast.

If you’re interested in learning more, we invite you to check out the Women Want Strong Men podcast hosted by Amy Stuttle, the founder and CEO of Victory Men's Health, available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

For those living in Missouri and Illinois, taking the first step toward optimizing your hormones is easy with Victory Men’s Health. Whether through telehealth or in-person visits, our team is ready to assist you with a comprehensive panel to identify where you might be lacking and develop a treatment plan that works for you.

Your first visit is $99, this fee includes a confidential consultation with one of our medical providers, PSA testing, testosterone assessment, body composition analysis, and a customized “test dose” of our proven medication if needed.