Digital Arterial Pulsewave Analyzer FAQ's
What is involved in a DPA appointment?
Basically you visit our clinic. When you arrive there is a form to complete. We then warm your test hand for about 10 minutes, and then we will seat you in a comfortable arm chair. A trained DPA technician will clip a fingertip light sensor to your left index finger. The DPA device will then conduct a 3 minute scan of your pulse wave and then print the results. We then review your results with you who will include a presentation on how you can improve and maintain your arterial health.How should I prepare for my DPA test?
First of all we ask that you arrive about 10 minutes early so that you are feeling relaxed before the test. Our goal is to optimize all the factors involved in your test so that you receive the best results possible. In order to obtain an optimal test result please:-
1) Arrive well hydrated
2) Avoid caffeine 2 hours before your appointment
3) Avoid nicotine before arriving
4) Do not exercise heavily prior to your appointment
5) Preferably arrive without nail polish or acrylic nails
6) Do not consume a heavy meal before your appointment
How long does a DPA appointment take?
The average appointment will take approximately 30 minutes total from the time you walk in the door, including review of results.Who should be tested?
It is beneficial for all adults to be tested on a semi-annual or annual basis to check for very early signs of plaque build up. Why, because 300,000 people die every year without any prior warning signs. Thus it really should be viewed in a similar manner as visiting the dentist. We go to the dentist two times a year to remove plaque before it creates a cavity. The same is true with our arteries. The goal is to catch plaque build up early enough so that it can be easily reversed through specialized proven supplementation. If you have ANY of the following early warning signs get yourself tested immediately;-
1) Fingers and/or toes often go cold
2) Numbness or heaviness in the arms or legs
3) Arms or Legs often go to sleep
4) Tingling sensations in lips or fingers
5) A sharp diagonal crease in the earlobe
6) Going for even a short walk causes cramping or pains in the legs
7) Short term memory not as good as it used to be
8) Ankles swell in the late afternoon or evening
9) Nagging persistent cough you just can not shake
10) Breathless even when lying down or with slight exertion
11) Getting up more then twice at night to urinate
12) A whitish ring in the eye under the outer part of the cornea
13) High blood pressure
14) Chest and or arm pain after physical exertion or from emotional stress
Why should I have a DPA screening?
One purpose of this screening is to prevent disease before symptoms occur. Unfortunately in Canada, government funded access is only available to individuals who have already been diagnosed with a cardiovascular disease, which most frequently is diagnosed because of a past cardiovascular episode. Next, the issue of wait time and access to equipment. With this new local clinic, you have immediate access with out having to first experience a heart attack.Why is early DPA detection so vital?
In most cases early DPA detection of vascular disease can be treated very effectively at home. The DPA test is a very simple screening test that is non-invasive and absolutely painless and it may detect potential problems at their earliest stages. The tests do not produce any risk or discomfort for patients, and can be done in a matter of minutes.What does it mean if I test "normal"?
It is a very wise choice to get tested early before you ever experience any type of cardiovascular problem. When a result is normal, it not only helps rule out disease, but is also establishes a baseline for what is or was "normal" for you. A person's own result is the absolute best baseline for monitoring any change that may take place in the future as we age. And while most of us have a basic knowledge about heart disease and the symptoms associated with it, please realize that the average person knows very little about vascular disease outside the heart and the potential it provides for very early detection.There are several specialized supplements in particular that can help. Some are based on Nobel prize winning technology that can reverse arterial age quickly. Others supplements will help you maintain your nutritional levels over the long term. Our staff will be happy to introduce and discuss these products with you after your initial DPA screening.
Will you work with my family doctor?
Yes.What the DPA Tests:
- Pulse Rate
- Left Ventricle Ejection Time (Etc)
- Pulse Height (PH), Pulse amplitude Hydration levels
- Ejection Elastic Index (EEI), Left Ventricle ejection & elasticity of large arteries
- Dicrotic Dilation Index (DDI), indicator of small artery compliance
- Dicrotic Elastic Index (DEI), peripheral vessel elasticity (arterioles to veins)
- Overall Artery flexibility vOverall cardiovascular health