Cardiovascular risk evaluation.

Evaluating the risk

The purpose of these measurements is to evaluate an individual’s cardiovascular risk compared to his or her peers. Various examinations are carried out.

Participants come for two visits at the Icelandic Heart Center Clinic. On the first visit, fasting blood is drawn, a short questionnaire related to health, family history of cardiovascular diseases and lifestyle is administered an electrocardiogram and blood pressure, height, and weight measurements are performed using rigorous protocols. All participants meet a trained nurse who reviews attendant’s symptoms and reason for coming to the clinic. The second visit is for an appointment with a physician. In this visit, the physician reviews the results from test in the previous visit with the individual. Possible symptoms individuals might have are discussed and issues like family history, general health and lifestyle are revealed. Limited physical examination is performed. A risk calculator, based on Icelandic Heart Association population studies, automatically calculates the individual risk of getting a coronary heart disease in next 10 years, and compares it with the risk of the population. All results, including the risk calculation are discussed and reviewed by the physician. In some instances individuals might need further medical attention. For example, medical supervision might be required if tests demonstrated high cholesterol, high blood pressure or high blood sugar levels or a need for an exercise stress test might be indicated, or ultrasound examination of the heart is needed based on the EKG results, individual symptoms or abnormal physical examination. . The physician and attendees make together future plan for follow-ups and additional examination if necessary.

Measurement performed include:

• Total blood cholesterol
• HDL-cholesterol (good cholesterol)
• LDL-cholesterol (bad cholesterol)
• Triglycerides
• Fasting blood sugar
• Creatine
• Blood count l:.
• Blood pressure
• Electrocardiogram
• Height and weight (Body Mass Index is calculated).