Written by
Louise W Lu, PhD, MPH, BMLS
Written/Reviewed by
Alexandra V Goldberg, Registered Dietitian
Cardi Action Early Arteriosclerosis Screening: Real-Life Case Study and Health Recommendations
Many people think high blood pressure is just two numbers on a cuff. In reality, blood pressure is only the tip of the iceberg—the true determinants of heart–brain vascular health are your arteries’ elasticity and stiffness.
In August, Ms. L, 59, underwent a Cardi Action early arteriosclerosis screening. In just ten minutes, she not only learned her blood pressure was 151/97 mmHg, but also saw—for the first time—professional metrics like “central systolic pressure,” “augmentation index,” and “ejection duration.” These numbers are like an early health alert from deep inside the arteries, revealing the risk of arterial hardening before symptoms appear.
“I’ve never seen a report like this before. Could you walk me through what the Cardi Action early arteriosclerosis screening actually is, and what each of these numbers means?”
In this article, using this student’s real report as an example, we’ll decode the complex metrics with the everyday analogy of a water pipe and pump, so even readers without a medical background can follow along!
Early detection, early reversal: turning a “hard-to-read report” into a “doable action plan” is the true value of screening.
Now, let’s take a closer look at what the Cardi Action early arteriosclerosis screening is and what each metric actually represents.
Quick Navigation:
- What is the Cardi Action Early Arteriosclerosis Screening and How Does It Differ from Routine Checkups?
- Ms L Report Analysis: Blood Pressure and Central Systolic Pressure
- Ms L Report Analysis: Pulse Pressure, Augmentation Pressure & Augmentation Index
- Ms L Report Analysis: Ejection Duration & SEVR
- Ms L What Do These Metrics Reveal About Health Risks?
What is the Cardi Action Early Arteriosclerosis Screening and How is it Different from Routine Checkups?
Answer from LOLU Registered Nutritionist:
Cardi Action is a non-invasive, fast vascular health screening. It doesn’t just measure blood pressure — it also assesses arterial elasticity and hardening level. The screening provides key metrics such as central systolic pressure, augmentation pressure/index, pulse pressure, ejection duration, and SEVR, giving you a fuller picture of your vascular condition.
Unlike routine checkups, which only look at whether the “water pressure” is high, Cardi Action examines whether the “pipes” themselves have hardened and whether the “pump” is overworked. These changes can often be detected years before symptoms appear.
The process requires no blood draw or injections, takes just a few minutes, and produces a clear, visual report. Screening is recommended for those aged 35+, with a family history of cardiovascular disease, fluctuating blood pressure, or high stress levels.
Summary: Cardi Action lets you see the true condition of your arteries in advance, giving you a window to make reversible improvements.
Ms. L’s Report Interpretation: Brachial Blood Pressure & Central Systolic Pressure
Brief Interpretation by LOLU Registered Nutritionist:
Brachial Blood Pressure: 151/97 mmHg — Systolic pressure = the highest pressure when your heart pumps blood; Diastolic pressure = the lowest pressure when your heart relaxes. Both being high suggests increased peripheral resistance (like blood flowing through a “rough pipe,” making it harder to move forward). It’s recommended to see your GP promptly and monitor at home morning and evening for one week. For standard ranges, see: “Is 130/80 High Blood Pressure? The Truth About Blood Pressure Guidelines Around the World”.
Central Systolic Pressure: 145 mmHg — Measured near the aorta, this is like the “pressure at the pump outlet” and reflects heart workload more directly than arm readings. A high value suggests arteries are stiffer and less elastic.
- Why it matters: High central pressure = the heart works harder with each beat, increasing long-term risk of left ventricular hypertrophy and cardiovascular events.
- What to do now: Reduce salt, limit refined carbs, aim for ≥150 minutes of aerobic activity per week; consider celery seed extract to help reduce fluid retention (Read “Celery Seed & 3nB — The Science Behind Its Blood Pressure-Lowering Effects”); and discuss with your doctor whether medication and follow-up are needed.
Summary: High blood pressure = “high water pressure,” high central systolic pressure = “harder pipes, more strain on the pump.” Both being high requires timely action.
Ms. L’s Report Interpretation: Pulse Pressure, Augmentation Pressure, and Augmentation Index
Brief analysis from LOLU Registered Nutritionist:
Augmentation Pressure (AP): 24 mmHg — Think of it as the “rebound force” when water flow hits the end of a pipe and bounces back, further raising the outlet pressure. Medically, AP is the extra pressure added to systolic pressure when the reflected wave returns to the aorta. This value is above the blue normal range, indicating reduced arterial compliance and faster pulse wave velocity, which suggests increased arterial stiffness.
Pulse Pressure: 50 mmHg
Similar to the difference between the highest and lowest water pressure in a household pipe — if the gap is too large, the impact force on the pipe wall is stronger, causing more wear. Medically, pulse pressure = systolic pressure − diastolic pressure, with normal values typically 40–50 mmHg. Her value is at the upper edge of the blue normal range. Higher readings often indicate reduced arterial elasticity, vascular wall stiffening, or aortic valve dysfunction.
Augmentation Index (AIx): 49% — This represents the proportion of outlet pressure at the “pump” that comes from the rebound wave. A value above the blue normal range means the heart not only has to overcome forward resistance but also endure backward push. Clinically, AIx reflects the percentage contribution of the reflected wave to overall systolic pressure. In young, healthy individuals, AIx is usually low; elevated AIx is often linked to arterial stiffness, increased peripheral resistance, and higher cardiac workload.
- Why it matters: High pulse pressure + high AIx means your arteries are like “stiffer pipes” — not only are pressure fluctuations larger, but rebound waves continuously strike the heart’s outlet, increasing left ventricular strain.
- Action now: Maintain a mix of aerobic and resistance training (to improve arterial elasticity), reduce high salt and sugar intake while adding sugar–fat blockers (click), increase potassium- and magnesium-rich fruits and vegetables, and consult your doctor about nutritional or medical options for lowering blood pressure and improving vascular compliance if needed.
Summary: Pulse pressure = amplitude of pressure fluctuations; AP and AIx = rebound impact strength. When all three are high, it’s a “double alert” for both arterial stiffness and cardiac strain.
Ms. L’s Report Interpretation: Ejection Duration and SEVR (Subendocardial Viability Ratio)
Brief interpretation by LOLU Registered Nutritionist:
Ejection Duration (ED): 32 (Normal)
Just like a water pump operating steadily for a set period once it’s turned on, this indicates that the heart’s pumping rhythm is within the normal range. A normal ED means that during each heartbeat, blood is propelled forward for a sufficient duration, helping to maintain stable cardiac output and proper organ perfusion.
SEVR (Subendocardial Viability Ratio): 203 (Normal)
Imagine the heart as a pump that runs continuously— a higher SEVR means there’s enough “rest time” after each contraction to replenish oxygen; a lower SEVR means barely any rest, increasing the risk of fatigue or oxygen shortage. Medically, SEVR measures the balance between myocardial blood supply and oxygen demand during diastole. A value of 203 falls within the normal range, indicating that the heart muscle receives adequate oxygen supply during the relaxation phase.
- Why it matters: Normal ED + normal SEVR (adequate blood supply) shows that the heart’s pumping rhythm is stable, with enough diastolic time after contraction to recover and re-oxygenate; under the current workload, oxygen supply and demand for the heart muscle are well balanced.
- Action now: Maintain stable blood pressure and heart rate (regular aerobic exercise, adequate sleep, reduced caffeine), eat more potassium- and magnesium-rich foods, reduce high-salt and high-sugar intake while taking Sugar & Fat Blocker (click); have regular follow-up check-ups to ensure this balance is maintained.
Summary: Ejection Duration = “working time” of the heart per beat; SEVR = balance between work and rest (blood supply vs. oxygen demand). Both are in the normal–optimal range, showing that at the current pressure level, the heart’s output efficiency and recovery capacity are good.
What Do These Indicators Reveal About Your Health Risks, and How Should You Intervene?
Comprehensive Interpretation by LOLU Registered Nutritionist:
This assessment shows that Ejection Duration (ED) and Subendocardial Viability Ratio (SEVR) are both within the normal range, indicating that at the time of measurement, your heart’s pumping rhythm is stable, diastolic blood supply is sufficient, and the short-term risk of myocardial ischemia is low. However, when combined with other waveform and hemodynamic indicators, there are still potential issues to watch for:
- Peripheral Vascular Resistance and Blood Pressure Waveform: If peripheral resistance remains elevated over the long term, even with a normal SEVR, it can increase the burden during cardiac systole and raise the risk of left ventricular hypertrophy.
- Arterial Elasticity and Reflection Waves: Premature return of reflection waves can shorten the effective diastolic period, potentially affecting coronary perfusion over time.
- Metabolism and Microcirculation: If accompanied by abnormal lipid, glucose, or inflammatory markers, the likelihood of vascular endothelial damage increases, accelerating arterial hardening.
Nutritional and Lifestyle Intervention Recommendations:
- Maintain normal blood pressure and heart rate: engage in regular moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling), and avoid sudden high-intensity bursts.
- Improve vascular elasticity: consume more potassium- and magnesium-rich foods (dark leafy greens, nuts, bananas) and reduce high-salt, high-sugar diets.
- Control inflammation and oxidative stress: consider supplementing with high-purity EPA fish oil, antioxidant polyphenols (such as dark berries), ensure adequate sleep, and reduce caffeine and alcohol intake.
- Support cardiac energy: consider daily supplementation with reduced-form Coenzyme Q10 to enhance mitochondrial energy production and myocardial endurance.
- Regular monitoring: recheck blood pressure, arterial elasticity, and cardiac ultrasound every 6–12 months to detect functional changes early.
Summary: Your current cardiac blood supply and pumping rhythm are healthy, but the condition of your peripheral blood vessels, metabolic health, and lifestyle habits will determine whether this balance can be maintained over time. Early intervention and continuous monitoring are key strategies for preventing cardiovascular disease. Curious about your specific results and nutritional intervention plan? Leave a comment below!
