FAQS

What aorta know! (What I ought to know!)

1. Why is The Heart Centre different from most practicing clinicians?
Treatment of hypertension is based on simple non-invasive measurement of brachial artery blood pressure. Unfortunately, peripheral systolic blood pressure does not always correlate with the CASP. Two people can have the same BP but one has a high CASP score, the person with the high CASP score will have a significantly higher risk of a coronary event. Practicing clinicians may not identify the risk.

2. I don’t have any symptoms, can I still have heart disease?
Heart disease is a hidden killer because it is difficult to detect. About 20% of people who get heart disease, their first evidence of the disease is a fatal heart attack without any symptoms.

3. What is the CASP test?
A test to measure the Central Aortic Systolic Pressure which research demonstrates is a better indication of the likelihood of developing heart disease or indicating you may have it.

4. Do I need to fast before the test?
No, there are no special requirements prior to having the test.

5. What happens after I have my results?
Based on the results the consultant will clarify the results from the test and discuss the implications.

6. How much does it cost?
A single test costs $60 whilst a 2 test program will cost $100.
There are other prices for couples who wish to meet with the consultant together.

7. Is there any medical rebate?
No. Not with The Heart Centre at this stage.

8. Why have I not heard of this test before?
The equipment that The Heart Centre uses only recently arrived in Australia. It was developed in Singapore and has recently received TGA approval.

9. What is the main cause of cardiovascular disease?
Atherosclerosis, or thickening of the arteries. It is a natural process of “ageing”.

10. What are the traditional risk factors?
Obesity, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, poor dietary habits, family history of coronary heart disease, increasing age.

11. What is a heart attack?
Once plaque becomes large and brittle, they can crack, rupture and become dislodged from the arterial walls. The body may respond by causing blood to clot and when a clot occurs in the arteries that leads to a heart attack or stroke.

12. What are the typical medications for cardiovascular disease?

  • Aspirin: anti-inflammatory drug
  • Statins: reshape and stabilize plaque to prevent it from fracturing. They help both to drain the cholesterol core and promote a thicker, more stable cap while decreasing inflammation.
  • Statin boosters
  • Other cholesterol lowering drugs
  • ACE inhibitors which stabilize plaque
  • Diuretic or beta-blockers to control blood pressure
  • Angioplasty procedure (balloon-tipped catheter is threaded into an abstracted artery where it compresses the plaque and opens the artery.
  • Coronary by-pass surgery