All About Proactive Heart Health Screening

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In this episode, Medcan Chief Medical Officer Dr. Peter Nord sits down with Dr. Beth Abramson, Medcan’s Director of Cardiology, to explore the latest innovations in cardiovascular screening. They discuss how two advanced assessments, ApoB and Lp(a), are transforming proactive heart health strategies, and how these tests are now part of Medcan’s Annual Health Assessment. Plus, Dr. Abramson shares lifestyle tips every cardiologist wishes their patients would adopt.

Highlights:

Why Heart Health Matters:

• Heart disease is the second leading cause of death in Canada.

• 1 in 12 adults aged 20+ are living with diagnosed heart disease.

• Early detection through proactive screening is key to reducing long-term risk.

What’s New in Screening Tools:

• ApoB: A direct, precise blood biomarker that provides a better risk assessment than LDL cholesterol.

• Lp(a): A genetically determined lipoprotein that only needs to be measured once—and can identify cardiovascular risk even in otherwise healthy individuals.

• Both tests align with updated Canadian Cardiovascular Society guidelines, though they are not yet widely adopted across Canada. Medcan is leading the way in their implementation.

How They Work:

• ApoB doesn't require fasting and is accurate even when LDL is low or triglycerides are high.

• Lp(a) is stable over time and can uncover hidden risks; early identification allows for better risk management and future intervention.

• New medications targeting Lp(a) are on the horizon, making this screening even more critical.

Takeaways:

Top Cardiologist-Recommended Lifestyle Tips for Heart Health:

• Prioritize regular physical activity

• Eat a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats)

• Maintain a healthy blood pressure and cholesterol level

• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption

These proactive steps, combined with Medcan’s expanded screening tools, can help individuals manage their risk and promote long-term cardiovascular health.

To learn more about how to support your heart, listen to the full episode.

For personalized cardiovascular guidance, visit www.medcan.com.