In atherosclerosis, plaque builds up in the arteries over time and may become large enough to significantly reduce blood flow. This increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious vascular problems.
For Clinicians
Why Should Your Medical Practice Include
the ArterioVision™ CIMT
Procedure?
Better Patient Care and
Better Practice
Metrics ArterioVision™
provides a non-invasive method designed for detection of the earliest anatomical manifestation of atherosclerosis.
MTI’s ArterioVision™ has broad appeal to
clinicians because of the value of its many different applications and attractive price point. Its user-friendly image acquisition and image processing
are not available anywhere else.
Patient and Practice Benefits
Detection of vascular disease in asymptomatic individuals, leading to further evaluation, prevention, and possible life-saving intervention.
Clinical
pathway for other
exams and
treatment.
Most effective tool for monitoring treatment efficacy
through repeat CIMT
examination.
Compare patient’s current calendar
age with the age of
their arteries.
Support methodology for monitoring patient’s ongoing care, while improving practice metrics.
Universal applicability: Allows doctors maximum flexibility in purchasing
or utilizing
existing ultrasound
equipment.
No additional
capital outlay is
needed.
For Patients
What is a CIMT test? The CIMT (Carotid Intima-Media Thickness) test is a
convenient, safe and
painless ultrasound
procedure that measures the thickness of the first two inner layers of the carotid artery wall.
How can it help me? The CIMT test is a direct measurement of vascular disease – the cause of heart attack and stroke – even in its early stages, before it starts to block blood flow in the artery and cause symptoms.
What is the carotid artery, and why is it so important? The carotid is
a major artery located on both sides of the neck. Its function is to supply blood to the brain.
It is the largest artery near the surface of the skin and can
be examined
non-invasively without injections,
radioisotopes, contrast media, catheterization or radiation.
Why is the early detection of coronary artery disease so important? According
to the AHA, 50% of men
and 64% of women who die
suddenly of CVD
have no previous
symptoms. Therefore, early detection is crucial.
Coronary artery disease may partially or completely block the blood's flow through the artery. The result:
Bleeding (hemorrhage) into the plaque
Formation of a blood clot (thrombosis) on the plaque's surface
If either of these occurs and blocks the entire artery, a stroke or heart attack may result.
If cardiovascular disease is detected, what can I do to
reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke? In addition to lowering your cholesterol and blood pressure – which often can be accomplished through medication – many risk factors can be addressed.
See your doctor for
recommendations.
Remember, for many people with coronary artery disease, death is the first symptom. So, be proactive!
Who should have a CIMT test? Individuals with the following risk factors for vascular disease:
Family history of heart disease/stroke
Overweight
Physical
inactivity
Age 40 & over
High-fat diet
Tobacco user
Elevated
triglycerides
Low "good" (HDL) cholesterol
High
"bad" (LDL)
cholesterol
High blood pressure
Menopausal
Diabetic
Metabolic Syndrome
Steroid use
How often should I undergo a CIMT test? Depending upon your condition and current course of treatment, follow-up CIMT testing should be conducted
periodically. Your
doctor will advise when
you should be tested.
Is a CIMT test painful? Am I exposed to radiation during the test? No, absolutely not! The
test is painless and
non-invasive with no
radiation exposure.
How long will a CIMT test take? 15-20 minutes.
How do I get my results? What do I look for? Review the report with your physician. In general, the higher the CIMT
value, the greater the likelihood of developing symptomatic heart disease. Please keep in mind that even if your
value indicates a high risk for a heart attack, health awareness enables you to take proactive steps to lower your modifiable risk factors for heart disease.
How much does a CIMT
test cost?
CIMT testing is a new
procedure and is
available to you at an
affordable price.
All of us have atherosclerosis. Half of us will die from it.
Although no risk factor
or technique is 100% accurate in predicting who will
die from cardiovascular disease, imaging the arterial wall can bring this silent killer into the light for early prevention and intervention.
