Cardiovascular disease and heart disease are often used interchangeably. However, each one has its subtle differences. Cardiovascular disease encompasses the blood vessels and circulatory system as well as the heart. Meanwhile, heart disease refers to abnormalities found in the heart itself.
We all know poor eating habits can lead to weight gain and heart problems, and that high cholesterol in children is growing in the United States. While we, as adults, have the power to transform our lifestyle to include a balanced diet and plenty of physical activity, getting the whole family on board can be a bit more challenging. In fact, you may be wondering, “How on earth do I get my kids to eat more greens?”
According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women over the age of 35. Because of education and advances in treatment, fewer people are falling victim to the disease.
However, blocked arteries are still the number one cause of death in the United States. The risk is increased even more with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, inactivity and smoking.
Though your risk of high blood pressure increases with age, managing it with exercise can make a world of difference. This doesn’t mean you need to become a marathon runner or even join a gym. Consistency is key; it’s wise to start slow by adding more physical activity into your daily routine.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 102 million U.S. adults have total cholesterol levels at or above 200 mg/dL, which is one of the leading causes of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular conditions. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that’s created naturally by your body and increased by certain foods.
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States. In fact, about 1 in 23 men and 1 in 35 women will develop colon or rectal cancer some point during their lifetime.
A virtual colonoscopy uses CT scanning to obtain images of the interior colon (the large intestine) to look for polyps or other growths. Polyps that form in the inner wall of the colon may turn into cancer. This is why the American Cancer Society advises that men and women begin screening for colon cancer at age 50.
Colitis is a chronic digestive disease characterized by inflammation of the inner lining of the colon (large intestine). Infection, poor blood supply and parasites are a few of the potential causes of this inflammation. The most common symptoms experienced include abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, fever and fatigue. Because of the variance in these symptoms, treatment will largely depend on the source of the inflammation.
A virtual colonoscopy, also known as CT colonography, is a procedure used to detect abnormalities found in the colon such as bleeding, diverticulosis or colon cancer. It’s also used to locate polyps and growths of tissue on the inside lining that may be precancerous.
The best way to prevent heart disease is by understanding its symptoms and managing your level of risk. Monitoring factors like blood pressure and cholesterol can help determine if you need to make any lifestyle modifications or seek treatment for potential heart conditions.
In this ebook, we discuss our selection of scans and when it might be beneficial for you to schedule one. We outline our process and what you can expect for each option, including results and reports.
