Siemens Medical Solutions expanded its portfolio of ultrasound applications: the syngo Arterial Health Package (AHP) calculates cardiovascular risks by measuring the carotid intima media thickness and determining the so-called vascular age - the relative age of the vessel. Together with other factors, such as cholesterol values and blood pressure, the physician can use the results of syngo AHP to better assess a patient's myocardial or stroke-related risk and establish an individual prevention and treatment plan. At the ESC 2007, the Congress of the European Society of Cardiology in Vienna from September 1 to 5, 2007, Siemens Medical Solutions will introduce syngo AHP for the first time in Europe.
The syngo Arterial Health Package (AHP) determines the vascular age, that is, the advance of atherosclerotic burden and displays it to the patient. Knowing the vascular age supports the physician in more accurately determining the personal risk of a patient to develop coronary heart disease, in rendering a prognosis, and in developing a prevention and therapy plan. The new ultrasound application provides a measurement of the intima media thickness of the carotid - the innermost layer of the carotid vessel wall. An abnormal widening of the intima media is considered evidence of threatening or already existing arteriosclerosis. In addition, syngo AHP takes into account the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) database to determine the risk index from the Framingham Heart Study using the relative vascular age rather than the chronological age of the patient. To date, cardiologists use the Framingham risk factors for cardiovascular risk determination. However, the combination of vascular age, Framingham factors and ARIC data allows a more accurate determination of the risk of heart attack or stroke for up to 60 percent of patients.
Syngo AHP is available on the ultrasound systems ACUSON Sequoia C512, Antares, X500, X300 and CV 70 from Siemens. Recently, it became also available offline on the syngo Ultrasound workplace.
Klaus Hambuechen, head of the Ultrasound division of Siemens Medical Solutions, explains the highly specific advantages of the new ultrasound application from Siemens: "Syngo AHP is a visual tool for the physician that allows him to display and explain to the patient the actual status of his vessels. As users in the USA reported, the tool proved to be highly advantageous in convincing patients to change their lifestyle."
Siemens completes its portfolio of innovate tools for cardiovascular risk determination with syngo AHP. Additional applications are shown at the ESC 2007: syngo Auto Ejection Fraction and syngo Velocity Vector Imaging (VVI). Used in combination, the ultrasound applications provide for automated workflows in fields such as heart resynchronization therapy and the evaluation of an coronary artery disease.
Background information about vascular age
The vascular age is closely related to the "biological age" affected by the status of the vessel system. Satisfactory blood circulation supplies the organs with sufficient oxygen and nutrients, ensuring proper performance. Depending on the risk profile of a human being, the thickness of the vessel wall will be increased. The vessel age can be determined by measuring the intima media thickness of the carotid with ultrasound. Modern ultrasound methods are able to visualize the age and determine the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Background information about the Framingham Heart Study
The Framingham Heart Study examines at regular intervals the risk factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease. The study is performed by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute located in Bethesda, Maryland in cooperation with Boston University. For additional information, please go to http://www.framinghamheartstudy.org/
About Siemens Medical Solutions
Siemens Medical Solutions of Siemens AG (NYSE: SI) is one of the worlds largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is known for bringing together innovative medical technologies, healthcare information systems, management consulting, and support services, to help customers achieve tangible, sustainable, clinical and financial outcomes. Recent acquisitions in the area of in-vitro diagnostics - such as Diagnostic Products Corporation and Bayer Diagnostics mark a significant milestone for Siemens as it becomes the first full service diagnostics company. Employing more than 41,000 people worldwide and operating in over 130 countries, Siemens Medical Solutions reported sales of 8.23 billion EUR, orders of 9.33 billion EUR and group profit of 1.06 billion EUR for fiscal 2006 (Sept. 30), according to U.S. GAAP. Further information can be found by visiting www.siemens.com/medical