Five Second Test Could Predict Heart Attack Risk
Posted September 27, 2007 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It’s a quick and painless test but it could save your life.
And Brian Morrison is living proof that it works. He had an ultrasound done Thursday on one of his carotid arteries, the small veins that run along either side of your neck that are Mother Nature’s window to your whole vascular system.
That’s when someone like Dr. William Hughes comes in handy. He travels around the province in a huge trailer handing out free ultrasounds. “We can measure the thickness of those arteries and the thickness predicts how likely you are to have a stroke, heart attack or sudden death,” explains the good doctor, who’s with the Vascular Health Network.
Morrison’s stressful job as our CityNews Assignment Editor combined with a family history of heart disease is what brought him to the doctor’s trailer Thursday. He quickly learned that his arteries showed a distinct thickening but he wasn’t surprised. “My diet’s been kind of bad for the last couple of years. I haven’t exercised as much as I should have,” Morrison said. “When you’re 30 you can kind of say I’ll worry about it later, but when you’re 49 you can’t.”
After hearing the results of his test, Morrison said he’s prepared to make some lifestyle changes.
To take an online assessment of your risk for heart attack, click here.
The van will be making limited appearances across Ontario. It’s scheduled to make a stop at the Bowmanville AppleFest on Saturday, October 13 and at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. It runs from November 2nd to the 11th. But don’t count on getting the test done. Those behind the program say they’ll only be taking blood pressure and not performing the ultrasound tests in the truck. However, your doctor can do one in your office if you request it. If your physician either doesn’t perform such tests or does not have the necessary equipment, he may be able to refer you to someone who does. Be sure to ask about it at your next appointment.
For more about the scheduled appearances, click here.
