Worried about stroke? See where you stand with this test

Have you lost loved ones to heart attack or stroke?

Heart problems are one of the biggest killers in my family, so much so that I am especially vigilant to guard my heart health. That’s why I spend a lot of time researching ways to do that.

Many, even without a family history, worry about these risks too. But most people aren’t sure how to determine risk level beyond the basics of checking blood pressure and looking out for symptoms.

That’s why I wanted to tell you today about an incredibly easy, completely non-invasive test you can ask your doctor to order that could just save your life.

Build-up hiding in your carotid arteries

The test is called a carotid artery MRI and it looks for build-up of plaques in the large arteries in your neck.

The reason it’s important is that it’s long been known that certain arterial plaque is more dangerous because it ruptures more easily. The plaque in your carotid arteries is a perfect example. And, if it ruptures it can cause those dreaded strokes and heart attacks.

Because of this, researchers from the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD, set out to determine whether or not the presence of plaques in those arteries could accurately predict whether or not you would suffer a heart attack or stroke down the road.

They studied close to 950 people, who at the onset of the study, did not have a  history of cardiovascular disease and followed them for about 5 years.  Over the years, imaging results were compared with cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke and death.

They found that plaques with lipid (fat) cores in the carotid arteries on MRI were 50 percent more common in people that ended up suffering a cardiovascular event.

So, if you have an MRI of your carotid arteries that shows you have these types of plaques, you’ll know not only that your risks are higher, but that it’s time to get serious about reducing them.

Prevention is primary

Anyone who’s suffered a heart attack, has surely heeded that wake-up call.  There are lifestyle changes that go hand-in-hand with survival following one. The sad thing is, if more people followed these healthy guidelines to begin with, perhaps they would never have experienced one in the first place.

The possibility of stroke is no different in that respect. Starting now, doing everything in your power to promote health should be at the top of your list, including…

#1 – No smoking

Smoking actually damages the lining of your arteries, making you prone to that plaque buildup so kicking the habit is one of the best things you can do to decrease your risk.

#2 – Eating a Mediterranean diet

According to Harvard doctors, a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil, fatty fish, fruits and veggies can reduce your heart disease risk by 30 percent.

#3 –Moving

Exercise can help to raise your good cholesterol (HDL) and lower your bad cholesterol (LDL) that contributes to the plaques so shoot for 150 minutes each week of moderate-intensity activity.

#4 – Promoting healthy blood vessels

Taking certain foods and nutrients that are good for arterial health. These include:

Vitamin K2 – Vitamin K2 is necessary for elastic, pliable arteries that support blood flow.

Nitric oxide – a compound that helps blood vessels to relax to promote healthy blood flow. You body can produce it but requires nitrates to do so. Certain foods, like beets and dark chocolate, contain nitrites your body changes to nitric oxide.

Nattokinase – a fermented cheese-like Japanese food staple, has been researched for its ability to dissolve fibrin, which promotes healthy blood flow. Numerous scientific studies – including human trials – performed in Japan as well as in the U.S. – show how nattokinase affects circulation-related health problems.

Sources:

1. Carotid artery MRI helps predict likelihood of strokes, heart attacks — Radiological Society of North America
2. Can we reduce vascular plaque buildup? — Harvard Health