Understanding your cardiac risk can be lifesaving. The latest generation Cardiac CT delivers

Coronary Heart Disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide and is often indiscriminate when it strikes. Sudden cardiac death frequently occurs without warning symptoms, but with the latest technological advances, this can be prevented in the vast majority of circumstances. Each year in the UK there are 30,000 cardiac arrests in the community, only 1 in 10 survive, and the majority are caused by coronary artery disease.

State-of-the art cardiac CT scans are now able to assess the coronary arteries in great detail. Capturing clear images of these arteries on the surface of the moving heart has only become feasible with faster CT scanners and recent technology.

Partnering one’s cardiac CT scans with the latest AI analytical techniques gives cardiologists hitherto unimaginable data on current and future cardiac risk.

HeartFlow

The HeartFlow technology assesses the cardiac CT data to determine whether any arterial narrowing restricts blood flow to the heart tissue. It is only when flow is restricted that coronary stenting or surgery might be indicated. HeartFlow is an essential tool in cardiac CT as it has been proven to significantly reduce unnecessary future invasive procedures. This reduces both risk and cost to the patient.

CaRi-Heart

A CaRi-Heart analysis is undertaken on the CT data to identify coronary inflammation. Inflammation of the arteries is an important precursor to developing coronary plaque and a predictor of heart attack. The severity of inflammation is measured in all 3 coronary arteries from which the CaRi-Heart score is derived. An 8-year risk of cardiac fatality is calculated.

These tools, identify evidence of coronary artery plaque, severity of coronary obstruction, and quantify the risk of plaque rupture, heart attack and death over future years.

Returning to exercise later in life?

A detailed cardiac health check will also look for other potential causes of cardiac ill health. In those returning to more vigorous exercise later in life, screening for common heart conditions can be helpful. Simple tests such as an ECG and a heart ultrasound (echocardiogram) can detect many common cardiac conditions that may be important to know.

Dr Hickman uses these detailed datasets in conjunction with an understanding of his patients pre-existing risk, lifestyle, and metabolic health to generate a personalised plan to manage their risks effectively and safeguard health and longevity. Where necessary treatment will be started immediately.

Consultations with Dr Michael Hickman

Dr Michael Hickman is a leading UK cardiologist with over 20 years of research and clinical experience in this field. He has published and spoken widely on the subject and has co-founded the premier UK heart-scanning service, HeartScan Direct.

Dr Hickman’s cardiology practice is in Guildford, Surrey. His specialist interests are coronary artery disease, arrythmia, valvular heart disease, and preventative cardiology.

Dr Hickman is renowned for his clinical experience, approachable and non-judgemental manner, along with the quality of care he delivers. He is recognised by all major health insurers.

Dr Michael Hickman MD FRCP

Consultant Cardiologist

Website: GuildfordCardiology.co.uk

Email: office@drmichaelhickman.co.uk

Tel: +44 1483 575172