An in-depth history and physical examination
A comprehensive blood test, including cholesterol
triglycerides, HDL, direct LDL, metabolic profile (kidney and liver
function, potassium calcium
and other electrolytes plus evaluation for diabetes), thyroid function,
homocysteine, C-reactive protein, sedimentation rate, hemoglobin and
hematocrit. For males, a PSA determination for prostate cancer
detection is included.
Cardiac Evaluation, which includes an Electrocardiogram,
a Duplex Echocardiogram and an Echocardiogram Stress Test. No
radioactive exposure or injections are necessary for this safe, non-invasive
and accurate stress
test. An arterial pulse oximetry test is also performed which
indicates the oxygen saturation percentage in the arterial blood, a
measure of
respiratory function.
A Carotid Doppler examination. This procedure
evaluates the patency and blood flow of the main arteries supplying blood
to the brain and
is important in a stroke prevention study. No radioactive exposure
or injections are involved.
Abdominal and Retorperitoneal Sonography. These non-invasive
ultrasonic examinations screen for diseases of the abdominal organs and
kidneys. They also detect aneurysms of the abdominal aorta.