Abstract

Metabolic diseases such as hypertension, excess weight, obesity, type-2 diabetes and vascular diseases, have become epidemic worldwide. In the last three decades, obesity has increased by two-fold, and diabetes by four-fold globally. In spite of the decline in cardiovascular disease (CVD) related deaths in industrialized countries, CVD has remained the number one killer for over a century. With scientific discoveries, it is recommended, that once the risks for metabolic diseases are recognized, the only choice we have, is robust management of observed risks. Metabolic risks usually develop as cluster of risks, act in concert to promote the pathogenesis of atherothrombotic state and contribute significantly to the premature mortality and co-morbidities. There is considerable debate in the scientific community, as to what metabolic risks constitute, “metabolic syndrome”. Furthermore, there is no clear-cut guidelines or guidance for the most effective management of metabolic diseases, and resulting clinical complications, more so in preclinical or subclinical states. In view of these observations, we are trying to validate various diagnostic tools, for the development of a noninvasive integrated platform, for the early diagnosis of cardiometabolic risks and management of observed metabolic and cardiac risks. In this overview, we describe the use of a novel integrated platform called, TM-Flow, put together by Dr. Albert Maarek and his team at LD Technologies (www.ldteck.com), Miami, Florida. The integrated diagnostic platform, uses time-tested devices such as, oximeter, photo and volume plethysmography, blood pressure monitor with central aortic systolic pressure, , and a galvanic skin response monitor, to elicit a variety of hemodynamic body signals, representing physiopathology of the test subjects, and a proprietary software which analyzes, computes, and correlates with clinical diagnosis of the various risks and cluster of risks, indicating the progression of metabolic and cardiac diseases. In this review, we will introduce this novel diagnostic tool, and discuss the advantages or usefulness of this system in the early diagnosis, risk stratification, guide to therapy and post-therapy management of the progression or regression of the observed risks and risk-clusters.