CardioRisk CIMT in Omaha, NE

Cardiovascular disease can be detected with one simple non-invasive test: The CardioRisk Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Test.

The expertly trained OBGYNs at Associates in Womens Health are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to women throughout the Omaha area. This includes care for your heart. Call (402) 697-7200 to request an appointment at our OBGYN clinic in Omaha today!

What is CardioRisk CIMT?

The Cardio Risk CIMT test is different from other carotid ultrasound tests completed at hospitals and by screening companies who test at large events (Carotid Doppler or Duplex exam). Those tests look for clogged arteries. They report only individuals with artery blockages exceeding 50%.

Unfortunately, 68% of all heart attacks and strokes occur in people with arterial blockages less than 50%, before their heart attack or stroke occurs. CIMT identifies those with arterial blockage, but also individuals with arterial inflammation (a precursor to atherosclerotic plaque and blockage).

CIMT is more accurate and a better predictor of future events than are the Carotid Duplex and other commonly used and more expensive tests like Stress Echo, Angiogram, Treadmill Tests, and Nuclear Stress Tests which all look for arterial blockage, miss early non-blocking disease, and tell you virtually nothing about your risk of having a future heart attack or stroke.

The leading indicator of cardiovascular disease is inflammation. CIMT measures and quantifies the degree of inflammation in each patient. CIMT reflects the effect of over 250 independent risk factors for heart disease – it is an independent risk factor for clinical events and an accurate measure of cardiovascular disease. 

How does CardioRisk CIMT work?

Plaque found within the arterial wall indicates atherosclerosis and is predictive of future cardio and cerebrovascular events. Only an CIMT scan can non-invasively detect and quantify the amount of atherosclerotic plaque, the vulnerability of this plaque, and the amount of arterial inflammation. 

Heart Disease Facts

  • 70% of heart attacks and strokes are caused by one disease, atherosclerosis which is nearly 100% preventable and can usually be managed medically with lifestyle and medicines instead of surgery.
  • Atherosclerosis is responsible for over 38% of the deaths in women each year, nearly all of which are preventable.
  • 64% of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease have no prior symptoms. Their heart attacks and strokes present suddenly and spontaneously with little or no advance warning.
  • The largest gap in US healthcare today relates to the gross under-diagnosis of those at risk for cardiovascular disease.

Are you At Risk for a Heart Attack or Stroke?

  • 45 years of age or older
  • Family history of heart attack or stroke
  • Overweight
  • Smoker
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • High LDL or Low HDL Cholesterol
  • Little or no exercise
  • Sleep Apnea
  • Tooth infection or gum disease

How Effective is CIMT?

CIMT is a more effective diagnostic and disease monitoring tool. Stop Heart Attacks and Strokes from occurring – In a 10-year, 100,000 person-year study, CIMT caught 98.6% of the heart attacks and strokes BEFORE they happened.

In a landmark epidemiologic study (ARIC), elevated CIMT was 9 X more predictive of increased hazard ratio than was an LDL cholesterol > 160 mg/DL. CIMT is a better test.

CIMT scanning is validated in over 7000 peer-reviewed studies as an effective screening tool for risk of heart attack and stroke, and as an accurate assessment of therapeutic efficacy in both Men and Women. It is the most widely accepted surrogate end point for clinical cardio and cerebrovascular events. 

What Happens During the Procedure?

This is a non-invasive test. No needle sticks or disrobing are required. There is no radiation from the exam. There is no pain associated with this test – it’s just sound waves.

There are no known associated risks with this exam. The exam measures the thickness of the innermost layers of the carotid artery and detects atherosclerotic plaque responsible for most heart attacks and strokes.

Schedule your CardioRisk CIMT Test Today!

Identify your risk of heart attack or stroke with CardioRisk CIMT. Our highly trained OBGYNs have extensive experience performing CardioRisk CIMT tests. Call (402) 697-7200 to request an appointment at our OBGYN office in Omaha today.