A Deep Dive into Cardiovascular Screening
Health & Fitness Expert, Clare Stobart visited Tomorrow Wellness in Knutsford to trial the ‘Ultimate Health Check’
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide for both men and women. Yet, it’s also 90% preventable. Conditions like heart attacks, strokes, dementia and aneurysms are linked to cardiovascular health, making it a cornerstone of overall well-being. Understanding your cardiovascular health is not just about tracking metrics, it’s about empowering yourself to live a healthier, longer life.
Cardiovascular screening is the ultimate health tracker. It offers unparalleled insights into your state of health, and Tomorrow Wellness in Knutsford is at the forefront of making this experience both comprehensive and luxurious.
Recently, I visited their Wellness Studio for the ‘Ultimate Health Check’. Here’s how it went:
“This visit wasn’t just a health check, it was an investment in my future.”
A Warm Welcome to Tomorrow Wellness
Walking into Tomorrow Wellness feels like stepping into the future of healthcare. I was welcomed by the CEO, David, in a vibrant, sleek reception area that exudes a sense of calm and sophistication. I was introduced to Dr. Lydia, who would guide me through the health screening process.
Dr. Lydia began by delving into my detailed health questionnaire, covering everything from physical activity and nutrition to medical and family history, sleep patterns and mental health. This holistic approach immediately reassured me of the clinic’s commitment to comprehensive care.
Next, I underwent a medical-grade body composition test. This measured my weight, BMI, muscle mass, water levels and body fat analysis in great detail.
Blood Analysis: A Deep Dive into My Health
In the Wellness Room, I had my blood drawn for a comprehensive analysis, covering over 30 tests. These included a full blood count, cholesterol profile, urea, electrolytes and glycated haemoglobin levels. Tomorrow Wellness focuses on uncovering any early indicators of cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol, hormonal imbalances and diabetes.
Vascular Imaging: A View Inside
The next step was vascular imaging with Gurdeep, a skilled and highly experienced Vascular Scientist. Using cutting-edge ultrasound technology, Gurdeep conducted scans of my neck, arms, abdomen, behind my knees and legs. Watching my blood vessels and surrounding fat on the screen was fascinating. Gurdeep explained every detail, including checks for narrowing blood vessels, weakened arteries and blockages. To my delight, my arteries showed an “extra phase form,” indicating excellent arterial health. It was a visual affirmation of the efforts I’ve put into maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test: A Challenge Worth Taking
Then came the part I was most curious about, the Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET). This test evaluates how well your cardiovascular system functions and identifies early signs of disease. I changed into activewear and was prepped with electrodes on my chest, a blood pressure cuff on my arm and a facemask to monitor my lungs.
The test started gently, pedalling on a specialised clinic exercise bike with low resistance. Gradually, the bike’s resistance increased, and I had to maintain a steady cadence of 60-70 revolutions per minute (rpm) throughout. This consistency was key to ensuring the most accurate and reliable data. It became progressively challenging and by the final minute, I was pushing my heart and lungs to their limits. Despite the effort, I found it exhilarating.
Dr. Lydia reviewed my results, explaining key metrics like my VO2 max (a key indicator of fitness) and overall heart performance. The VO2 max test shows how hard your cells can work at taking oxygen from the atmosphere and turning it into fuel for your muscles. The higher the score the better, and it involved working to 80% of my predicted maximum. It is an excellent indicator of fitness, and what elite athletes use to measure performance. Recently it has been shown to be the single strongest parameter to predict a long, high-quality life.
The CPET didn’t stop there, among the insights were my anaerobic threshold (which is the point at which your body has utilised as much oxygen as it can and needs to produce fuel without using oxygen), breathing reserve, oxygen pulse, fat burning efficiency and even detailed ECG readings.
The level of detail was astonishing and gave me a newfound appreciation for my body’s capabilities.
Hand Grip Strength Test
Grip strength is closely linked to your cardiovascular health measuring the muscle health of your hands and forearms, though this does also relate to your overall functional muscle strength. In some studies, it has been shown to be a stronger predictor to heart disease and stroke than high blood pressure. In other studies, having a weak hand grip strength indicated a much higher risk of death from any reason. It can also measure your levels of frailty, something which becomes very dangerous as you get older.
This test involved gripping a specialised dynamometer. The test was straightforward; I gripped the device as hard as possible, 3 times with my left hand and 3 times with my right. My dominant right hand performed slightly better, however the results for both hands were excellent.
Reflecting on the Experience
The staff and specialists at Tomorrow Wellness were knowledgeable, approachable and genuinely invested in my health. After the visit, I received a comprehensive report via email, complete with easy-to-read charts and graphs.
“Walking into Tomorrow Wellness feels like stepping into the future of healthcare.”
Overall Results
My personal medical history indicates that I have no evidence of established cardiovascular disease or any risk factors. They suggest I currently live a healthy life, though to optimise this further, I should concentrate on ensuring I have time for wellness and mindfulness; having down time from both my busy work and exercise life. Also, making sure I eat enough calories, in particular, protein for muscle recovery.
These results not only gave me a clear picture of my current health but also highlighted areas for improvement. It was an eye-opening experience that inspired me to refine my lifestyle to reduce the risks of heart disease and optimise my fitness. My body composition and functional muscle strength results showed as excellent and my blood analysis showed no abnormalities. My exercise test results were also excellent, achieving 123% of my predicted maximum level of fitness with no evidence of functional lung problems and my heart responded to stress appropriately.
This visit wasn’t just a health check, it was an investment in my future. I’m already planning my return next year to track my progress and ensure I stay on the path to optimal health. If you’re serious about understanding your cardiovascular health, I couldn’t recommend Tomorrow Wellness enough. Their holistic, cutting-edge approach is truly amazing!
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