Advanced Heart Screenings
See Beyond the Standard Checkup
Advanced Heart Screenings for Early Detection and Long-Term Health
Heart disease often develops silently, sometimes for years, before symptoms ever appear. That’s why advanced heart screenings are so important, going beyond a routine physical or basic cholesterol test to provide a deeper look at your cardiovascular health. Using specialized imaging and advanced blood markers, these non-invasive screenings can help detect early signs of plaque buildup and hidden cardiovascular risk long before serious problems develop.
An advanced heart screening at thriveMD is designed to help you take a proactive approach to your health, especially if you have a family history of heart disease, elevated blood pressure, borderline cholesterol, or other cardiovascular concerns. The earlier potential issues are identified, the more opportunities you have to make meaningful changes that support a longer, healthier life.
Benefits of Advanced Heart Screening
- Earlier Detection: Ability to identify disease long before symptoms develop, even with “normal” routine labs.
- Motivation for Lifestyle Change: Objective imaging often results in lifestyle interventions being taken more seriously.
- Personalized Prevention: Treatment is personalized, not generic, for more precise care.
- Potential Reduction of Future Risks: Helps reduce chance of risks like heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.
- Peace of Mind: Know your heart is healthy by ruling out potential risks and lifechanging events.
What Does a Heart Screening Look For?
Unlike traditional cardiology, which often focuses on diagnosing existing diseases, an advanced heart screening at thriveMD is more proactive and preventive. It checks for:
- Plaque buildup in arteries
- Hidden inflammation
- Genetic or metabolic risk factors
- Reduced vascular flexibility
- Silent coronary artery disease
- Future risk of heart attack or stroke
Components of an Advanced Heart Screening
Your advanced heard screening is designed to be as in-depth as possible in order to create a fully customized treatment plan based on your unique needs. Components may include:
Bloodwork & Biomarker Tests
These tests measure specialized biomarkers and can uncover risks that a normal cholesterol panel may miss. Advanced labs check:
- Standard cholesterol panel
- ApoB (apolipoprotein B)
- Lipoprotein(a) / Lp(a)
- Insulin and glucose markers
- HbA1c
- Omega-3 levels
- Homocysteine
- Kidney and liver markers
- Hormone and metabolic panels
Coronary CT Angiography (CCTA) Scan
A CCTA scan is an imaging test that uses a CT scan to visualize coronary arteries and assess for blockages or plaque buildup. This is one of the most common longevity-focused heart tests. Additionally, thriveMD patients have access to an AI-powered platform that analyzes CCTA images and generates a detailed 3D map of your coronary arteries, identifying, categorizing, and quantifying plaque before symptoms ever appear.
Meet Our Providers
thriveMD is proud to offer exceptional service by leading practitioners in the field of regenerative and longevity medicine. Their extensive and diverse experience in multiple areas of medicine allows them to quickly adopt newer, ever-evolving, technology-rich treatments to identify and treat health concerns using the most advanced therapies available today.
Learn more about our doctors who are dedicated to helping patients not just feel better, but stay healthier, longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take the first step toward feeling your best.
What’s the overall process for a heart screening?
Your screen begins with an intake appointment, during which time we review your family and health history, lifestyle, nutrition, and other important factors. This is followed by lab testing, such as bloodwork, imaging, scans, ultrasounds, and functional testing.
Once this is complete, your thriveMD provider will review findings with you and create a personalized plan forward. This treatment plan may focus on nutrition, exercise, sleep, supplements, and medication or follow-up testing if needed.
How do I prepare for my heart screening?
To start, thriveMD will place the order for a CCTA via our vendor, then you will schedule the screening. Prior to your test, it’s important to follow all instructions provided by your clinician to ensure clear images and accurate results. This includes:
- Informing your doctor of any medications in case they interfere with the exam
- Avoiding erectile dysfunction medications 72 hours before the exam
- No caffeine and tobacco 12 hours before the test, as these can increase your heart rate.
- No food or drinks (except water) 4 hours before the test
- Arrive 30-60 minutes before the test for any required prep
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing, but avoid metal on the upper body
After the test, you will meet with your provider to review results and find the best path forward.
Schedule Your Advanced Heart Screening in Denver or Vail, Colorado
If you have known risk factors for heart disease, or you want a more complete understanding of cardiovascular aging and risk, the advanced heart screening may be right for you. Contact us today to get started.