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SHAPE-Certified Clinic
Traditionally,
screening for prevention of heart attack and stroke
has relied on assessment of cardiovascular risk
factors. This approach, set forth by the National
Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), identifies
high risk individuals solely based on age, blood
pressure, cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes.
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Taking
these factors into consideration should be the first step
but it does not adequately determine the high risk
individuals particularly those at risk of a near future
event, the vulnerable patient. These individuals have a high
burden of atherosclerotic plaques and may or may not have a
high burden of risk factors. Numerous studies have shown
that direct assessment of atherosclerosis is much more
accurate than assessment of risk factors of atherosclerosis.
In 2006, the SHAPE Task Force authored the SHAPE Guidelines
for screening asymptomatic population, which includes
specific recommendations for non-invasive detection and
treatment of subclinical atherosclerosis in middle-aged,
at-risk population.
As part of its mission to establish a responsible practice
of cardiovascular screening, SHAPE is initiating a
certification program under SHAPE Certified Clinic to help
ensure that patients receive a quality care that meets the
spirit of SHAPE namely prevention and ultimately eradication
of heart attacks. The SHAPE certification may be completed
through the following steps:
1) Obtain accreditation for coronary calcium score or CIMT
measurement.
2)
Review the SHAPE symposium educational presentations online.
3) Complete an online assessment which includes related case
studies.
4) Execute the SHAPE clinic agreement and compliance form.
All SHAPE Certified Clinics will gain access to educational
materials prepared both for medical professional who conduct
screening and consumers who undergo screening to inform them
on screening technologies, treatment options, and latest
related discoveries.
 
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Empower Your Practice with
SHAPE Certification
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