Lifeline Screening

Lifeline Screening offers access to carotid artery ultrasound screening for arterial disease. It is a good service because it calls attention to arterial disease and other signs of cardiometabolic disease.   

But their common recommendation to monitor annually misses the best opportunity to reverse arterial disease when it is “mild.”   

Calling arterial disease “mild” is about as logical as referring to “mild cancer.”   

Even if the disease is advanced and they suggest referral to an interventional specialist, you should consider the option of The CureCenter. 

If you have a Lifeline Screening report, register at CureCoach.App, scan and upload the report to the message thread. Or fax it to 866-594-7830 or mail a copy to The CureCenter for Chronic Disease, 2131 W. White Oaks Dr. Suite A, Springfield, IL 62704. Include contact information (mobile phone and email) so we can reach out to you. Or register for a Discovery Call.

We will review it and use it to advise you how it can support efforts to reverse your disease and get rid of the threat of stroke and heart attack by finding and addressing your specific root causes with a CurePlan. 

What is Cardiometabolic Disease?

Cardiometabolic disease, also known as atherosclerosis (arterial disease) dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome, refers to a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. It is characterized by a combination of risk factors that affect the metabolism and cardiovascular system. These risk factors include obesity, high blood pressure (hypertension), high blood sugar levels (insulin resistance or diabetes), and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. 

The exact cause of cardiometabolic disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic factors, poor lifestyle choices, and environmental influences. Sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet (high in processed foods, starch and sugars), smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and chronic stress are among the contributing factors. 

When a person has cardiometabolic disease, they are at a higher risk of developing serious health complications, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. These conditions can lead to significant disability and mortality rates if not properly treated. 

The diagnosis of cardiometabolic disease is typically based on the presence of specific criteria, including abdominal obesity (measured by body composition or waist circumference), elevated blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, elevated triglycerides, and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. 

Treatment and management of cardiometabolic disease includes lifestyle modifications, such as adopting a healthy diet, regular physical activity, weight loss, and smoking cessation. Medications may also be prescribed to control blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol. Supplements are recommended to treat identified deficiencies like vitamin D and folic acid to reduce homocysteine.

Preventing or reversing cardiometabolic disease requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying risk factors. It is important to promote a healthy lifestyle, educate individuals about the risks associated with cardiometabolic disease, and provide appropriate medical interventions to reduce the impact of this condition on individuals' health and well-being by putting it into remission. 

For more information, and to begin the process of reducing your threat from cardiometabolic disease, request a complimentary discovery call with Dr. Backs.

My ultrasound did not reveal atherosclerotic plaque/atheroma. What are my next steps?

If your carotid ultrasound did not reveal atherosclerotic arterial disease (shown as “plaque,” or atheroma/inflammation in your artery wall), that provides some peace of mind. However, there may be disease in your coronary (or other) arteries.

The next step in searching for arterial disease is Coronary Artery Calcium Score (CACS). If you’ve already had this test, we would be happy to review your results. Coronary Artery Calcium Score above zero means you have calcified atherosclerotic plaque/atheroma in your coronary arteries. Non calcified or homogeneous plaque/atheroma is not detected by this test.

If you want a CACS, do a Google search for “Coronary Artery Calcium Score near me” online.  We are  happy to help you get scheduled. Call our office at 217-321-1987 or request a Discovery Call with Dr. Backs to get started.

What does a CureScreen with plaque/atheroma vs. no plaque/atheroma look like?

Click here to see a CureScreen with plaque.

Click here to see a CureScreen with no plaque.