Click to see how we inspect and test your cardiovascular system
Brain Arteries
Normal caliber arteries are essential for uninterrupted delivery of blood to the brain. Narrowing by plaque accumulation can impair brain function and, if severe, results in stroke. Artery expansion, as in the case of aneurysms or other malformations, can lead to rupture and brain hemorrhage. Brain artery problems are often congenital. Many of these problems have non-invasive remedies. To detect them, LOOKtoLIVE periodically images your brain’s arteries using magnetic resonance angiography, a non-invasive, radiation-free procedure.
Carotid Arteries
The carotid arteries are large vessels on both sides of the neck that carry most of the brain’s blood supply. Plaque in these arteries accounts for about ¾ of all strokes. These arteries may become critically narrowed by plaque, or plaque may be dislodged from their walls, traveling downstream to plug a smaller artery. Because these blood vessels are close to the surface, their anatomy can be determined with ultrasound imaging, and a special technique permits measurement of the rate of blood flow through them. Imaging the carotid arteries periodically is an important part of LOOKtoLIVE’s stroke prevention, because critical narrowing can be detected and repaired, greatly reducing the risk of future stroke.
Aorta
The aorta is the body’s largest artery, distributing blood from the heart to major organs. Plaque buildup in the aorta is common, but because of its large caliber, blood delivery is seldom impeded. But atherosclerosis can weaken the wall of the aorta and this process, together with congenital abnormalities, account for most aortic aneurysms. Those aneurysms, outpouchings of the aorta, are structurally weak and can rupture, almost always leading to rapid death. Aneurysms can develop in the chest or abdomen. Fortunately, they arise slowly. Chest and abdominal imaging procedures of LOOKtoLIVE regularly assess aortic caliber and identify aneurysms in the early stages, before catastrophe occurs.
Coronary Arteries
These form a network of relatively small arteries on the heart’s surface that provides blood, nutrients and oxygen to the heart muscle. When one of these arteries is blocked by plaque accumulation or blood clot, part of the muscle often dies, a “heart attack.” About 40% of Americans will develop enough plaque in these arteries to cause major health problems. The conventional approach to atherosclerosis in the heart is to guess how much plaque is present based upon the presence or absence of a few coronary risk factors, a calculation that is often inaccurate. LOOKtoLIVE aggressively watches the actual state of the heart’s arteries by coronary artery scanning, providing a very sensitive look at the vessels. Individuals who are accumulating plaque undergo rigorous control of plaque-promoting conditions and undergo frequent assessment of the functional state of the arteries with stress imaging.
Heart Valves/Chambers
Proper chamber structure and valve function are required for optimal heart performance. Congenital malformation or deterioration can impede blood circulation through the heart and lead to serious illness. Heart imaging via echocardiography can check for normal structure and function of the heart. LOOKtoLIVE periodically checks to see that the heart muscle is structurally intact and that valves are working properly.
Other Major Arteries
Relatively large arteries supply blood to kidneys and limbs. They, too, are vulnerable to plaque accumulation. Using non-invasive imaging, blood tests of organ function, and physical assessment, LOOKtoLIVE monitors the status of these important blood vessels.
Risk Factors
A variety of actions and conditions increase the likelihood of blood vessel problems. These include a family history of heart disease, cigarette smoking, obesity, high blood pressure and emotional stress. Biochemical abnormalities, such as diabetes, excess homocysteine, inflammation, and abnormalities of cholesterol metabolism can contribute to atherosclerosis. Particular genomic abnormalities have been implicated in arterial disease, and a deeper understanding of the impact of genetic interactions is forthcoming. LOOKtoLIVE carefully monitors all of these potential risks, many twice yearly. Interventions to reduce risk are often suggested, especially in individuals who are known to carry plaque and in those with multiple risks.
See how we inspect and test your cardiovascular system
Brain Arteries
Normal caliber arteries are essential for uninterrupted delivery of blood to the brain. Narrowing by plaque accumulation can impair brain function and, if severe, results in stroke. Artery expansion, as in the case of aneurysms or other malformations, can lead to rupture and brain hemorrhage. Brain artery problems are often congenital. Many of these problems have non-invasive remedies. To detect them, LOOKtoLIVE periodically images your brain’s arteries using magnetic resonance angiography, a non-invasive, radiation-free procedure.
Carotid Arteries
The carotid arteries are large vessels on both sides of the neck that carry most of the brain’s blood supply. Plaque in these arteries accounts for about ¾ of all strokes. These arteries may become critically narrowed by plaque, or plaque may be dislodged from their walls, traveling downstream to plug a smaller artery. Because these blood vessels are close to the surface, their anatomy can be determined with ultrasound imaging, and a special technique permits measurement of the rate of blood flow through them. Imaging the carotid arteries periodically is an important part of LOOKtoLIVE’s stroke prevention, because critical narrowing can be detected and repaired, greatly reducing the risk of future stroke.
Aorta
The aorta is the body’s largest artery, distributing blood from the heart to major organs. Plaque buildup in the aorta is common, but because of its large caliber, blood delivery is seldom impeded. But atherosclerosis can weaken the wall of the aorta and this process, together with congenital abnormalities, account for most aortic aneurysms. Those aneurysms, outpouchings of the aorta, are structurally weak and can rupture, almost always leading to rapid death. Aneurysms can develop in the chest or abdomen. Fortunately, they arise slowly. Chest and abdominal imaging procedures of LOOKtoLIVE regularly assess aortic caliber and identify aneurysms in the early stages, before catastrophe occurs.
Coronary Arteries
These form a network of relatively small arteries on the heart’s surface that provides blood, nutrients and oxygen to the heart muscle. When one of these arteries is blocked by plaque accumulation or blood clot, part of the muscle often dies, a “heart attack.” About 40% of Americans will develop enough plaque in these arteries to cause major health problems. The conventional approach to atherosclerosis in the heart is to guess how much plaque is present based upon the presence or absence of a few coronary risk factors, a calculation that is often inaccurate. LOOKtoLIVE aggressively watches the actual state of the heart’s arteries by coronary artery scanning, providing a very sensitive look at the vessels. Individuals who are accumulating plaque undergo rigorous control of plaque-promoting conditions and undergo frequent assessment of the functional state of the arteries with stress imaging.
Heart Valves/Chambers
Proper chamber structure and valve function are required for optimal heart performance. Congenital malformation or deterioration can impede blood circulation through the heart and lead to serious illness. Heart imaging via echocardiography can check for normal structure and function of the heart. LOOKtoLIVE periodically checks to see that the heart muscle is structurally intact and that valves are working properly.
Other Major Arteries
Relatively large arteries supply blood to kidneys and limbs. They, too, are vulnerable to plaque accumulation. Using non-invasive imaging, blood tests of organ function, and physical assessment, LOOKtoLIVE monitors the status of these important blood vessels.
Risk Factors
A variety of actions and conditions increase the likelihood of blood vessel problems. These include a family history of heart disease, cigarette smoking, obesity, high blood pressure and emotional stress. Biochemical abnormalities, such as diabetes, excess homocysteine, inflammation, and abnormalities of cholesterol metabolism can contribute to atherosclerosis. Particular genomic abnormalities have been implicated in arterial disease, and a deeper understanding of the impact of genetic interactions is forthcoming. LOOKtoLIVE carefully monitors all of these potential risks, many twice yearly. Interventions to reduce risk are often suggested, especially in individuals who are known to carry plaque and in those with multiple risks.