Ep. 145: A New Way to Assess Cardiovascular Disease Risk
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Early detection of cardiovascular disease can be life-changing. Various methods are used to assess risk. Problem is, many identify cardiac disease only after it has progressed to later stages. High-sensitivity troponin screening uses a blood sample to detect elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, years before most other methods. In fact, hs-Troponin is so sensitive that it may allow clinicians to forecast heart attacks a decade before they happen. In this conversation between our Wellness host, Dr. Peter Nord, (above, left) Medcan’s chief medical officer, and Tricia Ravalico, (above, right) Director, Global Scientific Leadership and Education at Abbott, we explore the development of the hs-Troponin test and describe why it is so innovative.
LINKS
Need some context about biomarkers and Canadian healthcare? Read the Canadian Family Physician’s Approach to risk stratification of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Modern Healthcare chronicles Medcan’s adoption of the hs-Troponin test and outlines the benefits to clients in an article called, “Preventing Cardiovascular Disease in a Large Client Population.” Link.
Learn more about the Univants of Healthcare Excellence Award. See Medcan’s award-winning research, see the rest of the winners, and watch the video.
Medcan’s Annual Health Assessment assesses risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and many other health problems. Contact clientservice@medcan.com to obtain your Annual Health Assessment today.
INSIGHTS
What’s the innovative new way that Medcan assesses risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)? [1:10]
Why can other early detection methods for CVD sometimes be problematic or less accurate? [5:31]
What is troponin, and how did experts’ understanding of its purpose evolve over time? [8:52]
What’s the difference between troponin and high-sensitivity troponin? [10:41]
How is an HS-troponin test better at detecting CVD risk than other assessments? [13:15]
“We have this perception…that you have to be obese to be at risk for a heart attack,” says Tricia Ravalico. She explains why that perception is incorrect. [14:56]
Why are the cardiovascular components of Medcan’s Annual Health Assessment a game changer for the population, according to Ravalico? [17:20]
Medcan was awarded the UNIVANTS of Healthcare Excellence Award for its research in preventing CVD using a HS-troponin test. Dr. Nord tells the story of how that research began. [19:43]
What is UNIVANTS? [22:15]
How much time and money has Medcan’s HS troponin test saved patients and doctors? How many lives has it saved? [25:15]
*LEGAL
This podcast episode is intended to provide general information about health and wellness only and is not designed, or intended to constitute, or be used as a substitute for, medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. You should always talk to your Medcan health care provider for individual medical advice, diagnosis and treatment, including your specific health and wellness needs.
The podcast is based on the information available at the time of preparation and is only accurate and current as of that date. Source information and recommendations are subject to change based on scientific evidence as it evolves over time. Medcan is not responsible for future changes or updates to the information and recommendations, and assumes no obligation to update based on future developments.
Reference to, or mention of, specific treatments or therapies, does not constitute or imply a recommendation or endorsement. The links provided within the associated document are to assist the reader with the specific information highlighted. Any third-party links are not endorsed by Medcan.