Baseline Medical

Blood clots are one complication of cardiovascular disease

Heart and blood vessel disease - also called heart disease - includes numerous problems, many of which are related to a process called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a condition that develops when a substance called plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries. This buildup narrows the arteries, making it harder for blood to flow through. If a blood clot forms, it can stop the blood flow. This can cause a heart attack or stroke.

A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked by a blood clot. If this clot cuts off the blood flow completely, the part of the heart muscle supplied by that artery begins to die. Most people survive their first heart attack and return to their normal lives to enjoy many more years of productive activity. But having a heart attack does mean you have to make some changes. The doctor will advise you of medications and lifestyle changes according to how badly the heart was damaged and what degree of heart disease caused the heart attack

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Source: American Heart Assoc ®

There is an important test that Baseline Medical provides called carotid artery IMT (intimal media thickness) ultrasound scanning. This FDA approved five-minute painless test gives us information that can help prevent a heart attack. Hundreds of digital measurements are taken as the sonographer gently slides the ultrasound probe over each side of your neck.

We can see precisely how thick the artery walls are and it is this measurement that determines your risk of a heart attack. These data serve as your personal biomarker for your body to develop thick arterial walls. Since the area in your neck is easily accessible it serves as a window to reveal your systemic condition. If you have thickness in the carotid arteries you could also have thickness elsewhere. Should the "elsewhere" be in your coronary arteries that deliver blood flow to the heart muscle itself is why this screening opportunity is beyond good. No need to wait for chest pain or a doctor's note or the ambulance - just call us instead.

Other measurements in the carotid arteries are also obtained by Baseline Medical in another 5 minute protocol specifically for stroke risk. So for a total investment of 10 minutes - you know. This allows people to be proactive about their health and come against heart disease #1 Killer and stroke #1 Disabler immediately.
Baseline Medical has several offices in the Allentown, Bethlehem, Quakertown area.
Call today to schedule your screening.