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Is the Piedmont Advantage Right for Me?The Piedmont Heart Health Advantage is designed for anyone interested in learning more about their risk of heart disease or stroke. Family history or no family history. Symptoms or no symptoms. It is also designed for people who have been diagnosed as “low risk,” since many may have soft plaques (fatty build-up in the vessel wall) that can break free, block the artery and cause sudden cardiac arrest. With our unique approach, iCARE can provide more information about heart attack risk than is traditionally offered. How Does the Piedmont Advantage Work?Individuals will undergo a complete family history and genetic testing that will identify heart disease markers, including cholesterol, inflammation, high blood pressure and blood clotting. They will also undergo blood work including cholesterol screening, and imaging with either CT, MRI or Ultrasound. How is Piedmont Heart Health Advantage Different than other approaches?Many physicians use the Framingham Heart Study to predict the risk of developing a heart attack or death from coronary disease. The risk factors included in the Framingham calculation are age, cigarette smoking, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure measurement for hypertension (high blood pressure). The Framingham study does not account for genetic markers. That’s why we recommend several other more advanced state-of-the-art blood tests, genetic and metabolic testing and advanced imaging to determine increased heart disease risk. Indicators for which we screen have been shown in multiple studies to be associated with and better predictors for increased risk of developing heart disease. How Much Does it Cost?Tests are reasonably priced for self-pay patients, and some are covered by insurance. They include a comprehensive family history analysis, detailed genetic testing and the appropriate imaging techniques that will lead to an individualized prevention/treatment plan. iCARE provides an advantage in the fight against the number one killer in America – cardiovascular disease. How Can I Make an Appointment?Patients may self-refer or may be referred by their primary care physician or cardiologist. Call us at 404-605-5222 to schedule your appointment.
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