The leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide are cardiovascular diseases (MI, PAD including Stroke) according to WHO. Affecting millions of lives, the importance of early detection, treatment and prevention cannot be overstated. Screening is an important step in identifying at risk-individuals and implement intervention to reduce burden of cardiovascular disease.
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The Importance of Screening
Screening involves identifying and evaluating asymptomatic at-risk for CVD individuals to:
- Timely Intervention: Prevent disease progression and complications.
- Improved Outcomes: prevents adverse cardiovascular events and death.
- Cost Savings: reduces emergency treatment, hospitalization and long-term care.
Key Screening Methods
- Blood Pressure Measurement: Hypertension is a major risk factor for CVD ( MI, PAD and Stroke). Control of blood pressure is paramount.
- Lipid Profile: Low density lipoprotein (LDL), non-HDL and triglycerides are considered markers for CVD that should be on target.
- Blood Glucose Testing: Diabetics are twice at risk of developing heart diseases than the non-diabetic. Adequate glucose control is key.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist Circumference: Obesity is on the rise and a major contributor to the increase in CVD and should be addressed.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): A POCT to detect wide array of CVD (MI, Cardiac arrhythmias, Ischemic Heart diseases, electrolyte imbalances and sudden cardiac sudden ( using the Seattle’s criteria incorporated in ECG).
- Imaging Tests: Use of point-of-care ultrasound to confirm acute CVD like MI, ischemic limb and aneurysms.
Who Should Be Screened?
Screening guidelines vary depending on age, gender, and risk factors. General recommendations include:
- Adults age 18 years old and over: regular yearly screening test for high-risk individuals.
- Individuals with Risk Factors: Individual with Risk Factors: should undergo more frequent and extensive workups.
- Older Adults: Over age 45 as CVD incidence increases with age.
Lifestyle and Behavioral Interventions
Screening is the first important step to reap benefits based on interventions instituted:
- Diet: Rich in fruits and vegetable, whole grains and keep fatty meals to recommended portions, Salt intake to about 1600mg of sodium per day.
- Exercise: Engage in 2 hours and 30 minutes weekly moderate intensity exercise and 1 hour 15 minutes for high intensity exercises to control weight.
- Smoking cessation can’t be overemphasized since it has proven overall benefit to CVD.
- Stress Management: Mindfulness, meditation and yoga reduce stress levels.
The Role of Technology in Screening
Wearables, mobile health apps, telehealth and other health technology revolutionize how doctors manage and empower their CV patients.
Conclusion
Screening is a vital component of preventive health , reducing healthcare cost and enhancing effective of screening tools to guarantee a healthier future for all.