The vascular risk foundation Varifo offers
complimentary exams to individuals over the age of 45. For our calculations
we are applying a validated and reproducible technique to determine the area of the total plaque area (TPA) in the carotids in combination with
our questionnaire and laboratory data from a fasting blood sample.
The data we collect is used to calculate your
post-test risk separately for either suffering a heart attack or a stroke in
the next 10 years. For your convenience we will send you a detailed report
which graphically and numerically shows your risk for a heart attack or
stroke and summarises your potential for reducing both of these risks.
The aim of the foundation is to broaden the use of
this technique by physicians since an adequate risk determination without
knowledge of possible plaques in the carotids would not reflect the exposure
of patients adequately. It is our goal to facilitate the proper allocation
of medical resources in time to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
In order to achieve this goal we are educating
physicians in Switzerland on how to properly use this method and hope that
it will find broad acceptance over time. The strategy of prevention is
pursued to minimise incidents and give patients the ability to influence
their risk by making positive lifestyle changes. For the treating
physicians the ability to identify, track and treat patients with an
elevated risk means that they can be actively involved in reducing the
possibility of unexpected coronary events for all of their patients.
