In Office Preventive Testing
Carotid Intima Media Thickness Scan
This non-invasive ultrasound test looks into the carotid arteries for plaque, and measures the thickness of the carotid arteries. This thickness is then used to calculate an arterial "age" by comparing the thickness, in millimeters, to the thickness of an average person. As a patient gets older in age, their artery will naturally get thicker. However, if it is too thick for the patient's calendar age, or is thickening too rapidly, it is the earliest evidence of atherosclerosis. It is also important to note that this is not the simpler "carotid scan" that many others are doing. This is a very good test for following the efficacy of treatment. It can actually show regression of plaque. It is also read by a radiologist. $170See a sample report (PDF).
Abdominal aortic ultrasound
This test looks at the abdominal aorta for aneurysms. They usually have no symptoms, and when they rupture, 80% of the victims die suddenly. Aneurysms kill as many Americans each year as either breast cancer in women or prostate cancer in men. This test is also read by a radiologist. $100
Ankle/ Brachial Index
This test measures the blood pressure in ankles and arms with doppler ultrasound. It is used to detect peripheral arterial disease. If arterial disease (atherosclerosis) is found anywhere in the body then the patient has the disease and needs to be treated aggressively. $60
The Carotid Intima Media Thickness Scan (CIMT), Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound, and the Ankle / Brachial Index are all available for $300 if purchased all together.
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
with interpretation by Dr. Turnbow.
Out of Office Preventive Testing
Heart Scan
A Heart Scan uses radiation to scan the chest area looking for calcium. This scan will produce a calcium score, which correlates to plaque 97% of the time. It is important to the doctor because if a patient has a positive calcium score, they are already beginning to build up plaque in their arteries. This changes the whole paradigm of treatment and means the doctor needs to be more aggressive in treatment.
Advanced Lipid Panel of blood and urine
This advanced blood test is designed to look for a number of risk factors, and especially for markers of inflammation. We now know that inflammation is a huge warning sign of a heart attack or stroke, and must be checked. Please check our blood tests link to see a full list of blood tests, and what they are looking for. The doctor may recommend all of these tests, some of them, or none depending on the patient’s circumstances.
Full list of blood tests >>
Doctor Consultations (in our office)
Comprehensive Consultation
Full cardiovascular physical exam, followed by an extensive consultation with Dr. Turnbow. He will review a thorough medical history with the patient that looks at every known risk factor associated with atherosclerosis from family history all the way down to drinking a soda a day. He will explain the scope of the problem and its causes, review of all known risk factors for cardiovascular disease and a description of all recommended tests and what they tell us. He will review all previous test results and what they mean and then a full explanation for any recommendations for treatment including lifestyle (the appropriate diet and exercise), supplements and prescription medications (if needed). Finally, he will send the patient, and their primary doctor, a full report of his findings.
Intermediate Consultation
A review of past tests and treatment compared to current conditions – usually for established patients.
Limited Consultation
A review of lab results to check for medication side effects, or to review medications, new prescriptions, answer brief questions.
Extensive Personal Profile Evaluation
The patient will fill out a very detailed medical history and family history that looks at every known risk factor associated with heart attacks and strokes. This includes separate questionnaires about sleep apnea, demographics, and self rating scales. The doctor will review these forms with the patient and point out any warning signs.