As a preventive medicine specialist and primary care physician, Dr. W. Logan Gladney prioritizes cardiovascular risk assessment as a crucial part of patient health in Boulder, Colorado, and the surrounding area. Early detection and proactive care are essential to avoiding severe conditions like heart attacks and strokes.
Why Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Matters
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Yet, identifying those at highest risk—especially before a significant event—remains challenging. Heart attacks and strokes often strike without warning, requiring emergency intervention and costly testing. By contrast, a preventive approach helps patients understand and reduce their risk well before a crisis.
Traditional risk calculators consider age, sex, race, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and cholesterol levels to estimate the 10-year risk for cardiovascular events. However, these models can miss important indicators like:
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- Family history of heart disease
- Inflammatory conditions (e.g., arthritis, bowel disease)
- Obesity and pre-diabetes
That’s why patients seeking a more comprehensive heart health evaluation in Boulder, CO, are increasingly turning to imaging-based risk assessments.
Advanced Imaging: CIMT and Calcium Score
Dr. Gladney uses two validated tools for patients in Boulder and the surrounding areas:
CIMT (Carotid Intima-Media Thickness)
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- A non-invasive ultrasound that measures artery wall thickness in the neck
- Identifies early signs of atherosclerotic plaque
- Helps determine your “vascular age”
- No radiation, and often lower cost (copays range $0–$300)
- Repeatable for ongoing monitoring
Calcium Score (Heart Score)
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- A CT scan that detects calcified plaque in coronary arteries
- Assigns a heart disease risk level: low (score of 0), moderate, or high
- Uses a small dose of radiation
- Copays can range from $100–$400. Check your health insurance plan.
These tests provide personalized insights for patients concerned about heart health, especially men over 40 or individuals with additional risk factors.
What Happens If Risk is Detected?
If CIMT or Calcium Score testing reveals significant plaque or accelerated vascular aging, Dr. Gladney may recommend additional tests, including:
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- Advanced cholesterol particle testing (e.g., NMR lipid analysis)
- Inflammatory and genetic markers
- Diet, lifestyle, or medication adjustments (e.g., statins)
This individualized approach to preventive cardiology can make a lifesaving difference.
💙 Take Charge of Your Heart Health
If you’re in the Boulder area and want a clearer picture of your cardiovascular risk, schedule a consultation with Dr. W. Logan Gladney.
📍 Serving patients in Boulder and nearby communities
🩺 Offering advanced cardiovascular screenings, including CIMT and Calcium Score
🔗 Schedule an appointment with Dr. Gladney