Vascular screening is a kind of check-up done to know about the health of your arteries and veins (also called your blood vessels). It can help find out if you are suffering from vascular disease.

When a screening is performed, it provides the required information to your healthcare provider. As a result, he can prescribe the best treatment to reduce the risk of vascular disease in the future and improve your health. In some patients, test results uncover arterial weakness, blockages, or other factors that need immediate medical care.

What is a vascular screening?

It is used to assess the chances of having various problems related to the arteries and veins. The results of vascular testing help detect the risks and early warning signs of various heart problems such as stroke, peripheral artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, etc. It can also help identify whether a person is at risk of a heart attack.

Different tests of vascular screening-

In general, a vascular screening includes three different tests:

Carotid ultrasound

It uses sound waves to create a diagnostic image of a specific body part. Usually, this test is done to check the presence of fatty deposits that otherwise block the blood flow in the carotid artery in your neck. These blockages, if left unattended, can lead to a stroke.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm

An aneurysm is an arterial wall weakness that worsens over time if left untreated. It can reduce blood flow and may even cause a severe medical emergency. Unfortunately, people often do not realize that they are suffering from this condition until or unless the disease becomes life-threatening.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

This disease occurs when narrowed blood vessels prevent blood flow to the extremities. For example- blood vessels may not be able to pass the blood to the legs and feet. With time, this disease worsens due to arterial plaque formation. However, it can be identified with the help of some noninvasive tests that mainly focus on blood flow to the ankles.

Who is an ideal candidate for vascular screening?

A person can consider this screening if he is suffering from the risk factors for any vascular disorder. For example, a person with a family history of stroke, aneurysm, or PAD should undergo routine vascular screening. You can go for your first vascular screening in your early 30s.

Common risk factors for vascular complications are listed below-

Some factors can increase your risk of cardiomyopathy. They are listed below-

  • Present or past smoking history
  • Current or past high blood pressure
  • Overweight
  • Extreme stress levels
  • An unhealthy and inactive lifestyle
  • High cholesterol
  • High sugar level

Your healthcare provider may suggest you go for a vascular screening if you have recently shown symptoms that may hint toward a serious issue, for example- unexplained chest pain. Many other tests, such as stress testing, can also be recommended by your doctor to get detailed information about your health.

Benefits of a vascular screening

The first and foremost benefit of vascular screening is its ability to diagnose health conditions unknown to the patient. This test is an effective and noninvasive way of identifying the risk levels for many vascular conditions. Based on the test results, your healthcare provider can recommend a treatment that can reduce the chances of a serious vascular event in the future.

Cardiomyopathy is a condition of the heart muscle where your pumping organ (heart) finds it difficult to pump the blood to the rest of the body. If left unattended, it can cause heart failure. So, if you notice any signs of cardiomyopathy, it is advisable to consult the best cardiologist near your place.

Signs and symptoms of cardiomyopathy

In the early stages of this disease, a person may not experience any signs or symptoms. But with the advancement of this condition, a person might feel the following signs and symptoms-

  • Breathlessness with any physical activity or even when you are at rest
  • Swelling of the legs and feet
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Cough while lying down
  • Feeling discomfort while lying down flat during sleeping
  • Fatigue
  • Rapid heartbeats
  • Chest discomfort or pressure
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness or fainting

If these symptoms are ignored and untreated, they can worsen. In some people, this heart disease worsens quickly, while in others, it may be under control for a long time. A cardiologist may provide the needed treatment, including medications, surgically implanted devices, heart surgery, etc. In severe cases, a person may be asked to undergo a heart transplant depending on the type of cardiomyopathy he is suffering from.

When to consult a doctor for cardiomyopathy?

Don’t hesitate to contact your health care provider if you have one or more symptoms of cardiomyopathy. For example, seek immediate care if you have severe difficulty breathing, fainting or chest pain, etc.

In some patients, cardiomyopathy can be passed down through families. That means the disease can be inherited. So, if you or your loved ones in the family have or have had this condition, you should visit a cardiologist regularly.

Causes of cardiomyopathy

Mostly, the cause of this heart disease is unknown. However, this disease occurs in some people due to another condition (inherited or acquired). In addition, there are certain health problems or behaviors that can lead to acquired cardiomyopathy, including:

  • High blood pressure for the last few years.
  • Damage to heart tissue due to a heart attack.
  • Long-term rapid heart rate.
  • Any health problem related to the heart valve.
  • COVID-19 infection.
  • Certain infections can lead to inflammation of the heart.
  • Metabolic disorders. For example- obesity, thyroid disease, or diabetes.
  • Deficiency of essential vitamins or minerals in the diet. For example- Thiamin (vitamin B-1)
  • Pregnancy complications.
  • Iron overload in the cardiac muscle
  • The growth of inflammatory cells in the heart and lungs
  • Excessive drinking and smoking
  • Overuse of cocaine or anabolic steroids

Risk factors of cardiomyopathy

Some factors can increase your risk of cardiomyopathy. They are listed below-

  • Family history of any heart condition, including cardiomyopathy or heart failure.
  • Long-term high blood pressure.
  • Heart conditions such as coronary artery disease or an infection in the heart.
  • Obesity.
  • Long-term alcohol drinking.
  • Use of illicit drugs such as cocaine.
  • Treatment with some chemotherapy drugs.
  • Some health conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease, storage of excess iron in the body, amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, and connective tissue disorders can also increase your risk of cardiomyopathy.

You might have already heard the phrase “Prevention is better than cure.” Cardiomyopathy is a serious health condition, so it is always best to see a cardiologist if you suspect you have cardiomyopathy. Get the required treatment on time and stay healthy!