by A. Ghosh
The population of the UK includes more than 4.5million people of South Asian descent, most of whom are first or second generation migrants originating from the Indian subcontinent.
South Asians living in the UK (Indians, Bangladeshis, Pakistanis %26 Sri Lankans) have a higher premature death rate from coronary heart disease (CHD) than the UK average.
The rate is 46% higher for men and 51% higher for women compared to white Europeans.
South Asians also have a five-fold increased prevalence of diabetes, which contributes to their increased risk of heart disease.
The Cardiac Imaging and Research Centre in the Wellington Hospital has invested over %A32.8million in a “state-of-the-art” heart-scanning unit.
EBCT scanning or Heart Scan is the only currently available non-invasive method of detecting calcium, which represents hardening of the blood vessels of the heart. The extent of coronary calcium deposition is related to the risk of developing future coronary disease.
By having a Heart-Scan you can determine whether or not you have coronary disease long before you feel any symptoms. The scan is completed in a single breath hold. No preparation is required and no injection is necessary.
Fortunately, coronary disease can be treated and even reversed if diagnosed in time.
Heart-Scan benefits not only those who have had a previous cardiac event but more importantly those who may haverisk factors such as family history, high cholesterol, overweight, diabetes and hypertension.
The Cardiac Imaging %26 Research Centre at the Wellington is carrying out important ground breaking research into the early detection of heart disease in South Asians, providing valuable insight into the reasons for excess heart disease in South Asians living in the UK.
If you would like to find out more about Heart Scan London UK and the important research we are carrying out, please call on 020 7483 5062 where we will be delighted to give you all the information you need.
Your Heart……… Your Future
About the author:
Research Assistant, Heart-Scan
