BACKGROUND
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Western countries, taking a toll of more than 1 million deaths in the United States, and coming with an enormous economic price tag of more than $400 billion in the Unites States, double what is was in 2003.

 

In recent years physicians have come to recognize that dysfunction of the endothelium (a thin layer of cells lining the arteries) is an important "common pathway" risk factor in the progression of CVD from its early phases of arteriosclerosis, its role in complications caused by diabetics and metabolic syndrome, to advanced conditions such as chronic heart failure. It is now well established that detecting endothelial dysfunction (ED) early, treating it properly, and monitoring it diligently can reduce significantly the risk of sudden heart attack or stroke due to CVD.

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a common condition that is now the leading cause of hospitalization in people over age 65 in the United States. It poses a $38 billion financial burden in medical expenses alone. It is well known that monitoring and treating ED in CHF patients will substantially reduce mortality, complications and costly hospital admissions, and improve the quality of life.

Thus, better methods of ED detection are essential. In the last decade, researchers have made giant strides in understanding the role of the endothelium in all stages of CVD and how it leads to heart attacks and strokes. Endothelial function is impaired by all the known cardiac risk factors such as genetics, stress, cholesterol, obesity, diabetics, high blood pressure, and others. ED is reversible and if detected early can be restored by simple means to arrest the progress of CVD.

This understanding has accentuated the need for a simple, low-cost test that can accurately detect telltale changes in the endothelium in order to prevent and monitor CVD and stroke.

TECHNOLOGY
Cardiatec's endothelial function testing device offers a cost-effective way to measure and assess endothelial function that is as easy as a blood pressure test. The very simple non-invasive procedure uses Cardiatec's proprietary algorithm-based software and unique sensors. It is easy to use and appropriate for both clinical and pre-clincial screening populations.

The ease of use and quick acquisition of results, which are readily understood by the layperson, make the Cardiatec device a very attractive solution. For patients testing positive for ED with the Cardiatec's device, the device enables their doctor to prescribe a more accurate treatment path (through medication or other therapies) and encourage compliance through regular monitoring that can be performed inexpensively at a clinic or in the office. 

Cardiatec's clients include cardiology departments as well as professional and community clinics that treat patients with CHF, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

TEAM
Lavi Cardiatec is led by a group of experienced medical and business professionals.