At Southdowns Private Healthcare we can carry out a Cardiac Risk Screening for Cardiovascular Disease. In your screening with our private doctor, we will ask about your medical and family history, complete a blood pressure check and assess your cholesterol levels and BMI. We can also order a Cardiovascular CT scan which is 97% accurate and utilises the Aquilion 1 CT scanner which is one of the most advanced scanners in the world. This evidence-based screen highlights early cardiovascular disease by identifying raised calcium levels and early hardening of the arteries. Treatment and preventative actions can be taken to avoid this serious and potentially life-threatening disease progressing. This scan is carried out at the St Richard’s Hospital, Chichester.

What is Cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease is associated with the build-up of deposits within the arteries, thus blocking or reducing the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. It can lead to various conditions including stroke, angina, heart attacks or heart failure as well as affecting other parts of the body. Early detection is vital in the management of this disease.

What is Coronary Heart Disease?

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the biggest killer in the UK today with over 7 million people Iiving with the condition. CHD caused by a build-up of fatty substances in the coronary arteries. This is caused by Atherosclerosis and the fatty deposits are called atheroma. CHD can be caused by smoking, high-cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, other conditions and lifestyle factors. CHD can lead to heart attack, heart failure or a stroke.

What are the symptoms of a Heart attack?

If you are concerned call 999

Heart attacks need rapid medical intervention and so if you are concerned that someone is experiencing a heart attack call 999 immediately. It is also useful to be aware of where Public Access Defibrillators PADs are stored in your location. Most councils have a list of their locations. For example, a list for Portsmouth can be found here: https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/ext/health-and-care/health/defibrillators

Symptoms of a Heart Attack can include:

• chest pain - a sensation of pressure, tightness or squeezing in the centre of your chest
• pain in other parts of the body - it can feel as if the pain is travelling from your chest to your arms (usually the left arm is affected, but it can affect both arms), jaw, neck, back and abdomen
• feeling lightheaded or dizzy
• sweating
• shortness of breath
• feeling or being sick
• an overwhelming sense of anxiety (similar to having a panic attack)
• coughing or wheezing

Although the chest pain is often severe, some people may feel only minor pain, similar to indigestion. In some cases, there may not be any chest pain at all, especially in women, the elderly and people with diabetes.

Source: NHS Choices

Don’t delay getting your health checked. Give us a call on 01243 766 447

It can feel embarrassing talking about your bowels, but not talking about them could prove deadly.

It is not the easiest subjects to discuss, but rest assured your doctor will be more than happy to hear from you if you have any concerns.

It is now more important than ever to be screened for this potentially fatal disease because with prompt treatment the survival rates are good, but without detection, it can kill you.