By: Dr. Jennifer Paulson, DNP
What are the best cardio-vascular screening tests?
This is such a common question my patients commonly ask. I have asked myself this question over the years. Knowing I have a strong risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, having elevated Lp(a) and turning 51 this past year, I am vested in this topic for both my patients and my personal health. I have chosen CIMT testing, along with genomics and careful monitoring of my inflammation, metabolic markers, and visceral fat. This blog will break it all down for you. Unfortunately, the standard of care is missing the ball here. I am blessed to have studied from some of the best vascular surgeons and cardiologists whom I admire for their integrative and proactive approach. The standard of care uses a lipid (cholesterol) screening test. And stress tests.
Twenty years ago as an Emergency Room RN, I cared for many men having a heart attack in the wee early morning hours, who were on statins and “passed my stress test last week”. This was the starting point when I started to question the standard of care for heart disease.
There are many good tests available and I believe that combining more than one is best. This is a silent disease. You are good, until you are not good. Anyone over age 40 should consider starting screening with more than just a cholesterol panel.
Why Traditional Heart Screening Falls Short
Most people are told their cardiovascular risk based on a lipid panel (cholesterol test). While useful, this is only a small piece of the puzzle.
The reality:
You can have normal cholesterol and still develop plaque, or elevated cholesterol and no vascular disease at all.
That’s because:
- Cholesterol is a risk marker, not a direct measure of disease
- Cardiovascular disease is driven by:
- inflammation
- insulin resistance
- endothelial dysfunction
- plaque formation
What Matters More: Your Vascular Age
Your vascular age reflects the actual condition of your arteries, not just your lab values.
- Are your arteries flexible or stiff?
- Is plaque already forming?
- Is your risk higher (or lower) than your chronological age?
This is where advanced testing like CIMT becomes powerful.
CIMT is a non-invasive ultrasound that evaluates:
- thickness of the arterial wall
- early plaque formation
- vascular inflammation
- arterial aging
It allows us to determine your vascular age vs your actual age
Why This Matters
CIMT can detect early disease years before symptoms or events like:
- heart attack
- stroke
- significant blockage
This gives you time to:
✔ intervene early
✔ reverse risk factors
✔ personalize your treatment plan
In 2025, Aspire Wellness hosted Vasolabs for CIMT testing, we scanned nearly 20 patients and more than half of those patients had a vascular age higher than their biologic age. This allows us to address the early disease process, integrate treatment interventions, retest to ensure vascular age is going down, and prevent a future heart attack or stroke.
Comparing Cardiovascular Screening Options
Here’s how CIMT compares to other common tests:
Lipid Panel (Cholesterol Testing)
Pros
- inexpensive
- widely available
- helpful baseline
- often paid for by insurance
Cons
- poor predictor of actual plaque
- does NOT show vascular damage
- misses early disease
Bottom line:
Cholesterol ≠ cardiovascular disease
Advanced Blood Testing (Inflammation, Insulin, Lipoproteins)
Examples:
- ApoB
- sdLDL (small dense LDL)
- Lp(a)
- hs-CRP
- fasting insulin
Pros
- deeper metabolic insight
- identifies root causes
- fairly affordable (~$150)
Cons
- still indirect
- does not show plaque
Genetics Testing
Pros
- identifies inherited risk
- helpful for long-term planning
Cons
- risk ≠ disease
- cannot show current vascular status
CAC (Coronary Artery Calcium Score) CT Scan
Pros
- detects calcified plaque
- strong predictor of cardiac events
Cons
- radiation exposure
- only detects calcified (late-stage) plaque
- misses early soft plaque, *all plaque starts as soft, takes time to calcify and be detected on this test
CT Angiography
Pros
- detailed imaging of coronary arteries
- shows blockages
Cons
- higher radiation
- contrast exposure
- expensive (~$2K)
- typically used after symptoms develop
CIMT (Carotid Ultrasound)
Pros
- no radiation
- detects early + soft plaque
- measures arterial thickness
- provides vascular age
- ideal for prevention
Cons
- operator-dependent
- not yet standard in conventional medicine so cash pay investment
Why We Recommend CIMT As Part of Your Health Screenings
At Aspire Wellness, we prioritize:
👉 early detection + prevention
CIMT allows us to:
- identify disease before it becomes dangerous
- track progress over time
- personalize treatment (nutrition, hormones, metabolic care, etc.)
Who Should Consider CIMT?
- Age 40+
- Family history of heart disease
- High stress lifestyle
- History of:
- high cholesterol
- insulin resistance/pre-diabetes, diabetes
- autoimmune conditions
- Anyone wanting proactive health insight to focus on healthspan and longevity
Take Control of Your Heart Health
Don’t wait for symptoms.
Don’t rely on outdated markers alone.
Know your vascular age.
📞 Reserve Your Spot Today
Spots are limited and fill quickly.
Contact Aspire Wellness or book online to secure your CIMT screening: 208-607-3738
This information is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized care.
