Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, claiming an estimated 17.9 million lives each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). CVDs refer to a group of disorders that affect the heart and blood vessels, and they include coronary heart disease (CHD), cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease and other conditions that impair cardiovascular function.
Often referred to as the ‘silent killer,’ cardiovascular diseases can progress unnoticed for years, with many individuals unaware they have high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol or arterial plaque. Research shows that up to 50% of heart attacks occur without prior warning signs. If left undetected and untreated, these conditions can result in life-threatening events such as heart attacks and strokes.
Early heart disease screening allows individuals to detect warning signs before developing serious conditions. By identifying risk factors such as high cholesterol, hypertension and plaque build-up in the arteries, preventive heart assessments can empower individuals to take control of their health through lifestyle changes or medical intervention.
At Echelon Health, we are proud to be the world’s leading provider of private preventive health assessments and offer a comprehensive Healthy Heart Assessment designed to detect these hidden risks early on. With state-of-the-art technology and expert analysis, we ensure that all our clients have the information and support they need to protect their heart health for the long term.
Understanding Heart Disease: The Silent Killer
Heart disease is often referred to as a ‘silent killer’ because many of its early stages have no obvious symptoms. People can live for years without realising they are at risk, as conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and atherosclerosis (plaque build-up in the arteries) develop quietly. By the time symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath or fatigue appear, significant damage to the heart or blood vessels may have already occurred.
It Can Affect Anyone
One of the reasons heart disease is so dangerous is that it can affect anyone. While the risk increases with age, other factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices and underlying health conditions play a critical role.
Key risk factors include:
- Age: Men aged 45 and older and women aged 55 and older are at greater risk.
- Family History: A family history of heart disease significantly increases one’s risk.
- Lifestyle: Smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise and excessive alcohol consumption all contribute to heart disease.
- Health Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity can lead to heart disease over time.
Screening tests for heart disease play a crucial role in catching early warning signs before they turn into serious problems. Advanced screenings such as CT coronary angiography, calcium scoring and blood tests can reveal the presence of blocked or narrowed arteries, high cholesterol levels, or inflammation – all key indicators of heart disease. By identifying these risks early, individuals can take preventive measures, such as lifestyle changes or medical treatments, to protect their heart health before it is too late.
Echelon Health’s Healthy Heart Assessment offers a detailed, non-invasive look at heart health using state-of-the-art technology. These screenings provide an opportunity to detect silent issues and take action before they escalate into serious, life-threatening conditions.
The Key Benefits of Early Heart Disease Screening
Early heart disease screening offers several critical benefits that can significantly improve outcomes for at-risk individuals. By identifying risk factors early, empowering people to make preventive lifestyle changes, and providing tailored treatment plans, screenings can help reduce the likelihood of serious cardiac events.
Here are some of the most important benefits:
1. Identifying Risk Factors Early
One of the greatest advantages of early heart disease screening is the ability to detect risk factors before symptoms manifest. Screening tools such as CT coronary angiography, a comprehensive blood test for cholesterol levels, and blood pressure monitoring can uncover hidden risks such as:
- High Cholesterol: Elevated LDL cholesterol levels contribute to plaque build-up in the arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow to the heart. According to recent research by the British Heart Foundation, 54% of people in the UK may have high cholesterol putting them at risk for heart disease and stroke.
- Hypertension: Known as high blood pressure, this condition increases the workload of the heart and damages the arteries over time. In the UK, around 4.4 million adults have high blood pressure, and about 5.5 million of those cases are undiagnosed.
- Arterial Plaque: Atherosclerosis, the hardening of arteries due to plaque accumulation, can restrict blood flow in the blood vessels and lead to heart attacks or strokes. Early detection through calcium scoring or angiography can reveal these dangerous blockages before they cause harm.
2. Preventive Action
Early heart disease screening empowers individuals with valuable data, enabling them to take preventive action to reduce their risks. Armed with information about their heart health, individuals can make lifestyle changes such as:
- Adopting a Heart-healthy Diet: Reducing saturated fats, increasing fibre intake and focusing on fruits, vegetables and whole grains can improve cholesterol levels and heart health. The Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil, nuts and fish, has been shown in studies to reduce heart disease risk by as much as 30%.
- Increasing Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol and improve overall cardiovascular health. The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
- Quitting Smoking and Limiting Alcohol Consumption: Both smoking and excessive alcohol use are major contributors to heart disease. Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol can significantly reduce heart disease risk.
By taking preventive measures, individuals can significantly lower their risk of developing severe heart disease and improve their overall quality of life.
3. Customised Health Plans
Heart disease screenings not only uncover risks but also allow healthcare providers to create personalised treatment plans tailored to an individual’s specific needs. These tailored plans may include medication, such as statins for lowering cholesterol or antihypertensives for managing blood pressure, along with lifestyle changes. Regular monitoring and follow-up can adjust the plan as needed based on the patient’s progress.
Echelon Health’s Healthy Heart Assessment, provides comprehensive insights into each person’s heart health, allowing for a precise and individualised prevention or treatment strategy. This approach maximises the chances of preventing severe heart conditions and empowers individuals to take control of their health.
4. Peace of Mind
Early screening provides peace of mind. For individuals who may worry about their heart health -whether due to family history or other risk factors – screening can confirm if any serious risks exist. If the results show that your heart is in good shape, it can greatly reduce anxiety and provide reassurance. On the other hand, if potential issues are found, individuals can address them early, before they turn into serious conditions.
Knowing the state of your heart health reduces uncertainty, giving you the confidence to focus on other areas of life without the nagging concern of unknown risks. The psychological benefit of early detection is often just as valuable as the physical one, making screening an essential part of preventive healthcare.
Echelon Health’s Healthy Heart Assessment offers a world-leading, comprehensive solution to protect your heart and ensure long-term health.
Advanced Technology in Heart Disease Screening
At Echelon Health, we utilise the most advanced, cutting-edge technology available in the medical field to provide highly accurate and non-invasive heart disease screenings. These tools enable us to detect early cardiovascular issues, allowing for timely intervention before symptoms ever develop.
This is what sets us apart as a leader in heart disease prevention:
1. CT Coronary Angiography
One of our standout technologies at Echelon Health is CT coronary angiography (CTA), a non-invasive imaging technique that provides detailed pictures of the heart’s blood vessels. Unlike traditional angiograms, which require catheter insertion, CT coronary angiography uses advanced X-ray technology to produce 3D images of the coronary arteries. This allows our doctors to detect blockages or narrowing (stenosis) in the arteries caused by plaque build-up without the need for invasive procedures.
The precision of CT coronary angiography means that our experts can spot even small amounts of plaque in the arteries, giving a clearer picture of the risk of heart disease and allowing for preventive measures to be taken before any severe symptoms develop.
2. Calcium Scoring (CT Heart Scan)
Another key technology used by our clinicians is calcium scoring, which examines your overall heart arteries for any calcium deposition, the earliest sign of atheromatous disease. The presence of calcified plaque is a significant indicator of atherosclerosis (the hardening and narrowing of the arteries), which can lead to heart attacks or other cardiovascular events and is a strong predictor of future heart disease risk. Studies have shown that individuals with higher calcium scores are at significantly greater risk of heart attack, even if they have no outward symptoms. This test is crucial for identifying individuals who may need to take immediate preventive action.
3. Comprehensive Blood Test
In addition to advanced imaging technologies, our Healthy Heart Assessment also includes a comprehensive blood test, analysed at one of the leading laboratories on Harley Street in London. These tests provide essential insights into over 40 health parameters to detect potential health issues early on, including:
- High cholesterol: Total HDL and LDL cholesterol levels – crucial for assessing heart disease risk.
- Kidney function: Renal function tests to detect kidney failure, which can contribute to cardiovascular problems.
- Diabetes: Glucose and Glycosylated Hemoglobin tests to identify blood glucose levels and the risk of diabetes.
- Liver function: Liver function tests to detect liver disease, which can impact overall cardiovascular health.
- Anaemia and clotting disorders: Full blood count and platelet count to detect conditions that may affect heart health.
- Vitamin D deficiency: Linked to increased risk of heart disease, assessed through vitamin D levels.
These comprehensive blood tests are a vital part of Echelon Health’s screening process, allowing for a more thorough understanding of an individual’s overall health and contributing to the early detection of conditions that could impact cardiovascular health.
Why This Technology Sets Echelon Health Apart
While many heart screenings offered in standard healthcare settings focus on basic tests such as cholesterol checks and electrocardiograms (EKGs), our Healthy Heart Assessment provides a much more comprehensive and accurate assessment of heart health. Our approach goes beyond traditional methods, allowing for:
- Non-Invasive Assessments: With CT angiography, calcium scoring and MRI, patients can undergo highly detailed evaluations without the risks associated with invasive procedures.
- Early Detection: Echelon Health’s use of cutting-edge imaging technology means that issues such as arterial plaque, heart muscle abnormalities or early signs of coronary artery disease can be detected long before they cause noticeable symptoms.
- Precision: These technologies enable precise measurements and imaging, offering far more accurate results than traditional heart screenings. This precision ensures that we can identify even the smallest abnormalities, enabling tailored and timely interventions.
Who Should Consider Early Heart Disease Screening?
Early heart disease screening can benefit a wide range of individuals, but certain groups are particularly at risk and should seriously consider undergoing preventive assessments. While heart disease can affect anyone, understanding your risk factors is the key to determining whether early screening could save your life.
At-Risk Groups for Heart Disease
Several groups of individuals face an elevated risk of developing heart disease, often without obvious symptoms. For these groups, early screening can identify hidden dangers before they lead to serious health problems.
- Individuals Over 40: Age is one of the primary risk factors for heart disease. As we grow older, our blood vessels naturally lose some of their elasticity, making it easier for plaque to build up in the arteries. This increases the likelihood of conditions such as atherosclerosis, high blood pressure and heart attack. For men over the age of 45 and women over the age of 55, heart disease becomes a major concern, and regular screening is highly recommended.
- Those with a Family History of Heart Disease: Genetics play a crucial role in the development of heart disease. If you have close relatives – such as parents or siblings – who have experienced heart disease, your own risk may be higher. Studies show that having a family history of heart disease can double your risk of developing it yourself. Early heart screenings can help identify genetic predispositions and detect early signs of cardiovascular issues.
- People with Lifestyle-Related Risk Factors: Lifestyle choices are a major contributor to heart disease. Individuals who smoke, have a poor diet, are overweight or lead a sedentary lifestyle are at significantly higher risk of developing heart disease. Studies show that smoking alone increases the risk of heart disease by two to four times compared to non-smokers.
Benefits for Individuals Who Feel Perfectly Healthy
As we discussed, one of the most dangerous aspects of heart disease is that it can progress silently for years, especially in individuals who feel perfectly healthy. Many people assume that if they aren’t experiencing symptoms, their heart health is in good shape. However, this assumption can be misleading. Heart disease often develops without any noticeable warning signs, and the first symptom could be something as severe as a heart attack.
How Echelon Health’s Healthy Heart Assessment Saves Lives
It has been independently verified that Echelon Health’s Healthy Heart Assessment is the most advanced and comprehensive heart screening available in the world today, as numerous testimonials attest. Designed to detect cardiovascular issues long before they become life-threatening, this assessment combines cutting-edge diagnostic technology with the expertise of leading cardiologists, providing an unrivalled approach to preventive heart health. The combination of advanced imaging and biochemical analysis ensures that no aspect of your heart health is overlooked.
Benefits of Echelon Health’s Comprehensive Approach
One of the key benefits of our Healthy Heart Assessment is its personalised, in-depth analysis. Each patient’s results are carefully reviewed by Echelon Health’s team of expert cardiologists, who specialise in preventive health. This team provides individualised insights into your cardiovascular risk profile, offering tailored recommendations that address each client’s specific needs.
Take Control of Your Heart Health Today
Don’t wait for symptoms to take control of your health – schedule your Healthy Heart Assessment with us today. With our world-leading early detection and personalised care, you can reduce your risk of heart disease and ensure a healthier future.
Don’t Let Finances Be a Barrier
We understand that financial concerns can sometimes prevent access to private healthcare. To make our comprehensive preventive health packages more affordable and accessible, we offer flexible payment options, ensuring that everyone can benefit from our preventive health screenings.
How to Schedule Your Heart Screening:
- Visit Our Website: Explore our range of private Health Assessment Packages, including the Healthy Heart Assessment, designed to give you a detailed understanding of your heart health.
- Contact Us: For more information or to schedule a consultation with our Head of Private Clients, contact us today.
- WhatsApp: Start a confidential conversation with our team via WhatsApp.
Our dedicated team is ready to assist you with any questions and guide you through the booking process, helping you confidently take control of your heart health.
Take the first step towards a longer, healthier life today.
Sources:
https://www.who.int/health-topics/cardiovascular-diseases#tab=tab_1
https://ncdalliance.org/cardiovascular-diseases-cvd
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21630-silent-heart-attack
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4339461
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines-for-adults-aged-19-to-64
https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/risk-factors/family-history
