The brain, heart, and lungs are three main organs that work together and perform heavy tasks throughout the body. If a disease occurs in any of these systems, there is a high chance that it will affect the other interconnected systems.
It is better to prevent these harmful diseases by taking care of one’s health, being aware of any symptoms or abnormalities that may occur in the body, or assessing the risk factors associated with them. Generally, high blood fat levels may not show any symptoms, but they can be detected through blood tests that measure cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
High levels of blood fats, such as cholesterol, can be dangerous even if they do not show any symptoms. Blood tests can detect the levels of cholesterol in the blood and determine if they are within normal ranges:
- Total cholesterol: Normal levels should not exceed 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
- Good cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein (HDL): Normal levels for men are above 40 mg/dL, and for women, above 50 mg/dL.
- Bad cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein (LDL): Normal levels should not exceed 130 mg/dL.
- The normal level of triglycerides in the blood should not exceed 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), with a normal range of 50-150 mg/dL.
Factors that increase the risk of developing narrowed and blocked blood vessels:
Uncontrollable risk factors, such as:
- Age
- Gender – Men aged 45 or older, women aged 50 or older
- Family history of coronary artery disease and blockages
There are controllable risk factors for narrowed and blocked blood vessels, including:
What is Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident)?
A stroke, also known as a cerebral infarction, occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen due to a lack of blood flow. This can result in symptoms such as facial drooping, slurred speech, weakness or numbness in the limbs, sudden vision loss or double vision, severe headache without a known cause, and can sometimes lead to death.
Symptoms of stroke or cerebrovascular disease include:
- Facial drooping on one side
- Slurred or difficulty speaking
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Blurred or double vision
- Sudden and severe headache with an unknown cause.
Causes of stroke
Preventing stroke can be achieved through the following measures:
Foods that reduce the risk of stroke
- Fish is an excellent source of protein and contains less harmful fats than other animal proteins.
- Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, vegetables, and low-sugar fruits, which are high in dietary fiber and nutrients.
- . Fresh and natural foods, avoiding processed and preserved foods.
- Plant-based protein sources, such as tofu, skimmed or low-fat milk, or yogurt.
- Healthy fats, such as almonds, avocado, coconut oil, rice bran oil, canola oil, and chia seeds.
Who should get a Carotid Doppler Ultrasound?
What is Carotid Doppler Ultrasound?
Benefits of the test
Because heart disease is worse than you think.
Coronary artery disease, heart attack, and arrhythmia can be detected early through screening and prevented or treated accordingly.
The causes of heart disease are diverse and can be categorized into various types such as coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, and valvular heart disease. However, research has shown that most cases of heart disease are caused by the accumulation of calcium or plaque in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart, leading to reduced blood flow and ultimately resulting in coronary artery disease and heart attack. Other important risk factors include dietary habits that are high in fat, spicy foods, and excessive weight gain, as well as a lack of regular exercise.
Symptoms of coronary artery disease:
- Chest pain or discomfort that may radiate to the left shoulder, arm, or jaw
- Tightness or pressure in the chest during physical activity or exercise
- Chest tightness or pressure, as if being squeezed or having something heavy placed on the chest
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity or exertion
- Fatigue and easy exhaustion, even without engaging in heavy physical activity.
Ways to prevent sudden heart disease:
- Avoid sugary foods and foods high in fat
- Avoid drinking alcohol
- Control your weight and avoid becoming obese
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid smoking
- Get regular health check-ups
- If you have a chronic condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, manage your blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
Foods that can help nourish the heart and blood vessels include:
* Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, legumes, nuts and seeds, berries, colorful vegetables, dark chocolate.
What is a CT calcium score?
A CT calcium score is a test that detects calcium deposits or plaques in the heart that can accumulate on the walls of blood vessels, heart valves, and the surrounding tissues using CT scan technology. A specialized x-ray machine, known as a CT scanner, is used by a trained physician to scan the heart’s blood vessels, which will reveal the level of calcium deposits that have accumulated. These deposits are composed of fats, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. They gradually develop and thicken over time, making them more visible and creating a clear image of the calcium deposits. The test result is presented as a numerical value, with higher values indicating an increased risk of heart disease.
The most concerning issue is the calcium deposits that attach to the walls of the blood vessels that feed the heart muscle. If left untreated, this can lead to the deterioration of the arteries and can result in heart disease. Additionally, individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, or who smoke cigarettes are at an increased risk of sudden heart attack or stroke if they have a higher calcium score.
Benefits of a CT calcium score test
The test helps to predict the likelihood of developing heart disease or dying from heart disease, heart attack, or sudden cardiac arrest. Additionally, it can assist in selecting treatment and preventive measures to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Who should consider getting a CT calcium score test?
Individuals who are over 50 years old and are at an increased risk of heart disease, those with a family history of heart disease, smokers, those with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity, those experiencing unusual symptoms such as shortness of breath, lightheadedness, chest pain, and palpitations, those who are physically inactive, and athletes or competitors who have a high heart rate.
Lung cancer can be cured if treated early.
Symptoms of lung cancer are often found in the advanced stages. If lung cancer is detected early, the chance of a complete cure is up to 90%.
Symptoms of lung cancer include:
- Chronic coughing and abnormal coughing, even without a cold
- Coughing up blood (dangerous! Seek medical attention immediately)
- Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing deeply, or breathing heavily
- Feeling more tired than usual and feeling tired all the time
- Hoarseness and a non-clear voice
- Losing weight, loss of appetite, and eating less
- Chest pain or complications.
Causes or risk factors of lung cancer include:
- Smoking or a history of smoking, especially in people over 50 years old
- Exposure to second-hand smoke from family members or close contacts who smoke
- Long-term exposure to pollutants and toxins in the environment, such as exhaust fumes from cars, industrial factories, dyes, asbestos, and radiation
- Family history of lung cancer
- Chronic coughing without a known cause
Can lung cancer be cured?
Currently, we have a technology called Low-dose Computed Tomography (low-dose CT) that uses a low amount of radiation and 3D imaging to detect lung cancer at an early stage. This can reduce the mortality rate of lung cancer by up to 20%, according to the statistics from the National Cancer Institute. In 2018, lung cancer had the highest mortality rate of all cancers, ranking second in the overall cancer group. This is partly because lung cancer often shows no symptoms in the early stage and is diagnosed too late, resulting in a high mortality rate of 8,000 deaths per year, accounting for 40% of all lung cancer patients.
How much does smoking or being close to smokers increase the risk of lung cancer?
Not only that! What’s even more alarming is that the statistics from 2018 revealed that among lung cancer patients, a high percentage of up to 10% did not smoke.Wouldn’t it be better if we get screened for early-stage lung cancer today using the new technology called Low-dose CT, which is easy to perform and provides quick results?
What is a Low-dose CT Scan?
It is a screening method for lung cancer that uses low radiation-dose computed tomography (CT) imaging technology. This type of screening provides more detailed 3D images than traditional X-ray scans, allowing for better detection of small lesions or nodules that may not be visible on a regular X-ray. This screening method helps to accurately detect lung cancer.
Benefits of Low-dose CT Scan:
- Provides more detailed images than traditional X-ray scans
- Offers more accurate results
- Reduces the risk of radiation exposure compared to traditional scans
- Allows for early detection of lung cancer through screening.
Low-dose CT Scan is a method of screening for lung cancer using a computerized tomography scan with low radiation exposure. This type of screening is more precise than regular X-rays, and can detect small nodules or abnormalities that may indicate early-stage lung cancer. The benefits of this screening include early detection and treatment of lung cancer, as waiting for symptoms or abnormalities visible on regular X-rays can delay treatment. Additionally, the amount of radiation exposure from low-dose CT Scan is comparable to that of a mammogram, and lower than that of a regular CT Scan, with evidence showing a significantly lower risk of radiation-induced cancer.
There is a 25% chance of finding nodules or abnormalities in individuals with a high risk of lung cancer during a low-dose CT Scan. While most of these nodules are small and benign, follow-up testing may be necessary, such as a biopsy or surgery for further evaluation. Screening for lung cancer may also lead to the discovery of other non-cancerous conditions, which can be beneficial but may result in additional testing and treatment. These factors should be considered before deciding to undergo screening. While low-dose CT Scan can detect nodules in the lungs, it cannot determine whether they are cancerous or not, and consultation with a physician may be necessary for follow-up and monitoring.
When preparing for a lung cancer screening
- There is no special preparation required, and it is not necessary to fast or withhold fluids, nor is there any need for radiation-blocking medication. You can take your regular medications as instructed by your doctor and let them know what medications you have taken before the screening. Please arrive at the CT scan department 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to prepare for the exam. You should change into a hospital gown and remove all jewelry and metal objects before the exam. If you have had a previous chest CT scan at another hospital, please inform your doctor. The actual scan usually takes about 2 minutes, but the total appointment time may take around 10 minutes.
After the exam, you can resume normal activities.
Your screening results will be sent to your referring doctor, who will inform you of the results and coordinate any necessary follow-up.
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Brain, Heart, Lung Examination Package
- Carotid Doppler Ultrasound
- CT Calcium Score
- CT Chest Low Dose
