Coronary heart disease

Coronary heart disease also referred to as coronary artery disease is a thinning of the small blood vessels which supply blood and oxygen to the heart. Symptoms of coronary heart disease can often be very blunt, but other times can go unnoticed. These symptoms usually include:

• Chest pain or discomfort- This pain normally occurs when the heart is not being supplied with enough oxygen or blood. Ones chest may feel heavy or like it is being pressed. The pain is generally felt beneath the breast bone but can be felt in the neck, arms, stomach, or upper back. The pain persists with activity or emotion but goes away with rest and some medications. Common symptoms are shortness of breath and fatigue with physical activity. If any of these symptoms arise be sure to see a cardiologist to better identify the problem.

Leading Los Angeles cardiologist may suggest that their patient take one or more medicines to treat blood pressure, diabetes and high or low cholesterol levels. These medication and instructions provided by the cardiologist should be followed closely in order to prevent the disease from worsening.

The most common cause of coronary heart disease is called atherosclerosis, which occurs when fatty material and plaque build up on the walls of ones arteries. This causes the thinning of the small blood vessels. Coronary hear disease is the leading cause of death of death in all United States for both men and women.

Increasing risk of heart disease

Men in their forties have an increased risk of having coronary heart disease but as many women hit menopause their chances almost equal that of men in their forties. Coronary heart disease is hereditary. If someone in ones family has or had coronary heart disease before the age of fifty then ones chances of having the disease increase with age. Other common causes include Diabetes, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, smoking, chronic kidney disease, alcohol abuse, lack of exercise and excessive stressing.

Coronary heart disease is often diagnosed with CT heart scans however some cardiologist suggest that their patients have a full body scan in order to identify any problems in the body and be able to target them all with medications and treatments. The proper treatment for coronary heart disease can stop death in its tracks by preventing the disease from going any further; however the best medicine is always prevention, so be aware of symptoms and behavior that can lead to coronary heart disease.

Test that identify heart disease

Heart disease and cancer is the number one killer in America. Symptoms of heart disease vary greatly. Women and men posses very different symptoms for heart attack, some symptoms can be those of a common cold and other symptoms can be very straight forward. Because it is so hard to tell who does and doesn’t have heart disease by only identifying symptoms there are several heart scans which can be done in order for Cardiologist to be able to identify what is going on is the persons heard and other parts of their body. Besides heart scans to identify cancers and other such illness Full body scans can be done as well. Cardiologist would rather do a heart scan in order to protect the patient from such high amounts of radiation although sometimes necessary.

• Cardiac computed tomography

• Echocardiogram

• Electron beam computed tomography

• Nuclear heart scan

• Cardiac catheterization

Computed tomography commonly known as a ct scan CT heart scan is an imaging test that uses ct technology with or without contrast dye to visualize the heart anatomy, coronary circulation, and great vessels.

Echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. It specifically pertains to the left ventricle of the heart and checks for certain abnormalities of the heart structure and valves. This procedure is noninvasive and one part of the exam can be done using the ultrasound probe on the patient’s chest. There is another part of the echo called the transesophageal echo this test is greatly useful for patients who are overweight or have very round chest. The cardiologist takes the ultrasound probe down through the patient’s esophagus. From here the cardiologist can see the back of the heart and examine.

Electron Beam computed tomography; this test is critical in the early detection of heart disease or heart attack risk before the patient ever feels symptoms. The test is usually done in radiology, where they use an electron ray to show pictures of the coronary arteries. Through this procedure it is visible if there is plaque hardening in the arteries. The test most commonly is repeated after a year.

Nuclear heart scans are extremely helpful for diagnostic purposes. Myocardial perfusion is used to look at the heart’s muscle and see if it is working properly and receiving the right amount of blood, if it is not this is generally evidence of occlusion somewhere in the artery. A second type of nuclear scan that is commonly done is done with the use of a treadmill. The nuclear stress test is done when a substance called radionuclide is injected in to the bloodstream, where it travels to the heart and makes it visible for the cardiologist to see how the heart is working under stressful conditions of exercise and if there has been previous injury. The next part of the test is done while the patient is resting.

Cardiac Catheterization uses a catheter which the doctor usually inserts into the groin and then follows the blood vessel up into the heart. This test allows the cardiologist to measure fluid pressure in the chamber of the heart and collect blood samples to analyze the oxygen and CO2 content.
These are not the only test used to measure what is happening inside and to someone’s heart, although there are few there are several other accurate test ones cardiologist will decided which is best to perform on their patient.

Los Angeles cardiology :Cardiology an overview

Cardiology is the field of medicine that studies the heart and vascular system. The study of cardiology goes as far back as the ancient Egyptians and since then a great deal of advances have been made. Not only has technology improved greatly but there have been many discoveries that save lives everyday. New technology allows cardiologist to perform bypass, hear transplants and even use artificial hearts. Cardiology is a growing field in which requires the need for specialist more everyday. As a specialty cardiology has been around for a little more than fifty years. Cardiology itself does not date back to ancient times but studies of the heart did begin in ancient Egyptian times. The Egyptians made many discoveries about the heart through the process of mummification; however, the first successful heart surgery was made in 1896, the creation of the first artificial heart valve in 1950, and the first human heart transplant in 1967.

Cardiology alone is the specialty area of medicine that handles disorders of the heart and blood vessels. There is such a wide variety of disease and conditions that affect the cardiovascular system that it is critical to be checked by a certified Cardiologist when experiencing any changes or problems in this area. Most people fear going to visit cardiologist for pain and other changes but only if there is a problem can the situation be scary. Testing is usually simple for adults a CT heart scan and for children also a Heart scan with this most cardiologist speedily determine the problem. There are three specialist involved in this field of cardiology according to the patients need and type of situation. Cardiologist work with adults to identify, prevent and treat conditions of the heart and vascular system pediatric cardiologist do the same but for children as young as fetuses and as old as age thirteen. Cardiac surgeons are those trained in the specialty of surgeries on the heart, lungs and blood vessels.

Cardiology is a growing field because our population suffers from obesity, which triggers heart disease and diabetes. Recent studies have shown that almost forty percent of deaths are by cardiovascular disease. A large portion of that death number is from sudden heart attack. Heart attacks can be silent killers and most female patients have no prior signs symptoms of heart attack. While the demand for cardiologist and cardiac surgeons is rapidly increasing the amount of students who are studying in this field is just as rapidly decreasing. Physicians and researches and working together to increase the knowledge of the heart and vascular system to make more great discoveries everyday, but more physicians are required. Cardiology has come a long way and for the moment grave studies are being done to better identify methods to prevent and treat heart conditions many researchers are studying the affects of different diets and exercise on the cardiovascular system. In many places around the world and in Los Angeles cardiology studies have great potential and can unleash many secrets to living a longer and healthier life.

64 Slice CT scan-Heart attack and heart scans

Most people have no idea they can drop dead any second of a sudden heart attack and they depend on having a heart scan as they become of age for certain things. Truth is we should not wait till we hit a certain age or see symptoms to then have scans. Anyone can have a heart attack at any given moment and have demonstrated completely different symptoms. Women and men generally display completely different symptoms of heart attack, so women are most likely to have a heart condition which goes unnoticed. In some cases a woman can be having a heat attack and have no idea what is wrong until a doctor informs them. We should all be concerned with checking our hearts regularly especially if someone does not live a healthy life style.

A CT heart scan uncovers the exterior of the heart, position, shape and the coronary arteries on the surface of the heart. This image is a picture of the whole heart put together. Cardiologist say heart scans are essential for early heart disease detection. According to heart scan experts with a simple heart scan early detection the possibly of modifying the risk factors the potential for advanced heart disease can be significantly reduced and even reversed. A hear scan takes less pictures than a 64 Slice CT scan but they both have incredible findings. A heart scan is a painless scan which takes about ten minutes. The process is almost the same as taking an x ray of the body. The patient lies on the scanner table multiple images of the heart are taken. The physician then interprets the images of the heart and determines the amount of calcified plaque in the arteries.

Cardiologist say a heart scan is appropriate for men thirty five or older and women forty or older with anyone of the risk factors. Anyone younger than the given ages should also consider having a heart scan. The Risk factors are as follows:

• High blood pressure

• High Cholesterol

• Diabetes

• History of tobacco use

• Family history of heart disease

• Obesity

• High stress levels

More than half of patients who have sudden heart attacks never notice symptoms of heart attack because some are very mild. Heart scans make it possible to early detect and prevent heart attack. Because having a heart attack can completely change their quality of life eating healthy, exercising daily, monitoring sodium consumption, quitting bad habits such as smoking, and watching that one is at a healthy weight will all prevent and even reverse set damages to the heart so that one can continue living healthy.

Heart attack symptoms in women

For most women symptoms of a heart attack are commonly diagnosed, because they disguise as many other common illnesses in which most people usually get over on their own. Studies show that heart attack symptoms in men and women differ, therefore making slightly easier for symptoms to go unnoticed in most women. For most women heart attack symptoms are generally overlooked even in the emergency room. Most women ignore heart attack symptoms themselves because they identify the symptoms as menopause or other signs of aging. Cardiologist say men and women should not take bodily change lightly. There is a reason for everything that occurs in the body and doctors should be asked questions about any sudden change.

If heart attack is in the family history that individual should have annual heart scans and take other prevention precautions. A CT heart scan can help identify early heart disease and ultimately save a life. If early heart disease is detected then a cardiologist will help to identify the foods one should eat and the kind of activity that one can do. Although it is essential to have these test such as heart scans and is some cases even a 64 slice ct scan test done if doctors cannot identify the problem with other ways if one is aware of the symptoms further damage and test can be prevented.

Women survivors of heart attacks share that they experienced a change in their life for up to a month before the heart attack occurred. More than 70% of women experienced sever fatigue. Sever fatigue entails shortness of breath and wheezing after activities that wouldn’t usually tire that person so easy. Over 50% of women noticed a significant change in sleeping pattern. The same positions were no longer comfortable, restlessness throughout the night and short intervals of sleep. Men and women heart attack survivors both report chest pain or pressure. Men reported the chest pain as being intense while women report it as uncomfortable and possibly feeling like a muscle strain because the pain travels to underneath the jaw line at times. 40% of women reported some type of change in skin tone and temperature. Most women say their skin was clammy and occasionally experienced cold sweats.

Most of the women in this heart attack study experienced flu like symptoms. Nausea, vomiting, chills, coughing, aching and sneezing. For a large amount of these symptoms most people don’t think to visit a doctor. Most of these symptoms will persist and that is when an appointment with a doctor or cardiologist should be scheduled if you experience a sudden onset of these please visit a local emergency room. Most of the time the symptoms will be over looked, so cardiologist suggest you ask the doctor attending if it is possible that you’ve had a heart attack?

Maintaining Americans’ Heart Health

Heart health care is a serious concern for millions of Americans. A CT scan is a very helpful and popular way for cardiologists to diagnose potential or current heart problems. A warm greeting and attention to detail can go a long way towards making the patient feel comfortable in what can be an uncomfortable situation. For this reason, it is very important for doctors and other staff to help a patient to feel more at ease when they visit the cardiologist

CT imaging is one of the best and fastest tools for studying the chest, abdomen and pelvis because it provides detailed, cross-sectional views of all types of tissue. Doctors can confirm the presence of a tumor as long as well as measure its size and precise location. In addition, they can note its proximity to vital organs in the body. Los Angeles cardiologists often perform CT scans, including full body scans because of its quick accurate results. Therefore, southern California residents can return to their day-to-day routine immediately! CT scans are not only beneficial for heart patients, they can diagnose and treat spinal problems and injuries because they can clearly show even very small bones as well as surrounding tissues such as muscle and blood vessels. CT scans have been compared to slicing a loaf of bread into very thin slices. When the image slices are reassembled by the computer software, the result is a very detailed multidimensional view of the body’s interior. The images are real-time so it is also a great tool for guiding minimally invasive procedures of many parts of the body, especially the lungs, abdomen, pelvis and bones.

Cardiologists can now use cardiac CT imaging to perform a non-invasive coronary angiogram. This advanced procedure can create a non-invasive image of the beating heart. It allows you to obtain detailed information about the structure of a patient’s heart and coronary arteries. CT heart scans have been known to save many lives because cardiologists can discover arterial problems to prevent a heart attack or even death! Many hospitals can perform these tests and obtain results within 24 hours.

Detecting Heart disease

If you’ve never thought you were at risk for heart disease think again. 50 percent of men and 64 percent of women who died suddenly from heart disease had no previous symptoms, and every 60 seconds an American dies from a coronary event. This is why it is important to be aware of the symptoms and procedures that can be done to detect heart disease. If you’ve had previous infections, cancers or other health problems and this has made it difficult for doctors to pinpoint the source of your problem you might want to suggest a full body scan which allows a transparent view of the body and may show many different malignancies inside one’s body. Doctors then have a clear picture in order to run tests on what they have found.

Other times there isn’t a need for a full body scan because doctors can clearly see the symptoms you are dealing with, such as shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, swollen legs, feet and hands, lack of appetite, confusion and lethargy. These area all signs of heart failure and will prompt your cardiologist to perform a CT heart scan so he can have a closer look at your heart and be able to give you a full diagnosis.

Although this CT heart scan works great, Los Angeles cardiologists have enhanced their technology and are now using a 64 slice CT heart scan which works 4 to 64 times faster than the standard CT heart scan. The 64 slice CT scanner improves the precision of diagnosis and takes images faster and clearer than the standard CT scanner. If you are experience any symptoms of heart disease, have family history of heart disease, or simply want more information on the latest technology in CT heart scans, contact your local Los Angeles cardiologists and schedule an appointment today.

Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease

Coronary heart disease is the single leading cause of death among American men and women. The risk factors for cardiovascular disease in women are well documented and compelling, from medical studies and clinical trials done by cardiologist to largely preventable treatments. One of the more obtainable ways of preventing cardiovascular disease for both men and women is by exercise and to quit smoking.

Another way to treat and detect cardiovascular disease is with the use of full body scan machines. These machines have been further enhanced as technology all around us enhances as well.

One of the more notable modern full body scan machines is the Phillips 64 slice CT scan. This medical machine is not just a newer version in medical technology, but a machine that turns the inside of the body nearly into art. The technology of the 64 slice CT scanner is particularly suited for studying the functions of the beating heart. The new CT scan medical machine can provide high resolution images without the need of surgery.

For experienced Los Angeles cardiologist the use of the advanced 64 slice CT scanner has further propelled their practice in order to better diagnose and for better treatment of cardiovascular disease in both women and men. The scanner features four times more detectors then a typical CT scanner and can deliver high quality 3-D images of any organ in the body, including the heart and blood vessels.

If you no longer have the option of preventing cardiovascular disease and need treatment from a specialist, modern technology in the hands of an experienced cardiologist will do all in their power to provide the best possible medical care. Talk to your doctor about the options you have to treat your cardiovascular disease or talk to a specialist if you need a second opinion.

11 Second Scan can Save Your Life | Cardio Health

A full body scan can be performed in just under a minute but the results it provides can mean the difference between a healthy life or surgery. Computed tomography, commonly known as a CT scan, is a heart-imaging test that uses CT technology with or without intravenous dye to determine your heart’s health, coronary circulation, and vessel wellbeing includes the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries.

A cardiologist will enlist the CT scan to diagnose heart disease including calcium screening, coronary angiography and a total body scan. Currently advances are being met to combine PET scanning with CT scan to better detect cardiovascular disease.

Los Angeles cardiologist use the PET scan a radiologist to examine the biological functions of your body including blood flow and glucose metabolism of the heart. CT scans show the heart’s shape and volume to determine a heart diagnosis. Always consider the expertise and training of the doctor performing these procedures, as the number of adequately trained doctors is limited.

When you make your appointment for your scan your doctor will provide specific instructions on how to prepare for your test. It is common for you to need an IV and related lab tests prior to your CT heart scan. Do not drink caffeine products including chocolate and soft drinks 24 hours before your test as caffeine can cause increased blood pressure. Always talk to your doctor about any and all medications you are currently taking as this may interfere with results. You may however, drink clear liquids the night before your test including clear broths, plain gelatine and ginger ale.

Immediately after your scan you can continue normal activities and eat as usual. Your results will be reviewed by a team of cardiovascular specialists, including your doctor and a cardiovascular imaging specialist and the results will be presented to you within a few days.

11 Second Scan can Save Your Life | Cardio Health

A full body scan can be performed in just under a minute but the results it provides can mean the difference between a healthy life or surgery. Computed tomography, commonly known as a CT scan, is a heart-imaging test that uses CT technology with or without intravenous dye to determine your heart’s health, coronary circulation, and vessel wellbeing includes the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries.

A cardiologist will enlist the CT scan to diagnose heart disease including calcium screening, coronary angiography and a total body scan. Currently advances are being met to combine PET scanning with CT scan to better detect cardiovascular disease.

Los Angeles cardiologist use the PET scan a radiologist to examine the biological functions of your body including blood flow and glucose metabolism of the heart. CT scans show the heart’s shape and volume to determine a heart diagnosis. Always consider the expertise and training of the doctor performing these procedures, as the number of adequately trained doctors is limited.

When you make your appointment for your scan your doctor will provide specific instructions on how to prepare for your test. It is common for you to need an IV and related lab tests prior to your CT heart scan. Do not drink caffeine products including chocolate and soft drinks 24 hours before your test as caffeine can cause increased blood pressure. Always talk to your doctor about any and all medications you are currently taking as this may interfere with results. You may however, drink clear liquids the night before your test including clear broths, plain gelatine and ginger ale.

Immediately after your scan you can continue normal activities and eat as usual. Your results will be reviewed by a team of cardiovascular specialists, including your doctor and a cardiovascular imaging specialist and the results will be presented to you within a few days.

Knowing Your Heart, Knowing The Risks

CNN recently reports that Jennie Garth, an actress known for her “Kelly” role on Beverly Hills 90210, found out in 2000 that she has a heart condition. One in three women has some form of cardiovascular disease. Even though it is largely preventable by visiting a cardiologist, one woman dies from heart disease almost every minute. In fact, more women die of cardiovascular disease than the next five causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer.

Having had her father suffer a heart attack and diagnosed with arterial sclerosis at age 37, when Garth turned 30, she chose to see a cardiologist for a CT heart scan.

She committed to going every year for a checkup even though she was convinced she’d be the exception to the family gene pool. Instead, she found out that she had a leaky heart valve. It wasn’t a serious condition, but it reminded her how important it was to stay in tune with her body.

Between working and raising her three daughters, she says it can be easy to forget to take care of herself, but the reality is that 80 percent of cardiac events in women are preventable if they make the right choices for their hearts. Incorporating a healthier diet, more exercise, refraining from smoking, and scheduling a full body scan can make all the difference.

Here are ways you can choose to commit to your heart and the hearts of your family: make a doctor’s appointment every year, perhaps around your birthday. When you go to see your Los Angeles cardiologist, be prepared with a list of questions and ask about your numbers, like cholesterol and blood pressure. Also, it is important to stay active for your heart and make physical activity a family affair. Spend time together walking the dog, gardening, or even playing tag. Commit to planning balanced meals and teaching your family about healthy food choices. By teaching them these lessons now, you can prepare your children for a lifetime of healthy food decisions. Choose to breathe clean, fresh air. Kick the smoking habit once and for all. Most women don’t know that the heart is a very forgiving organ. Even if you have abused it by smoking, eating poorly, or by not exercising, you can start right now to repair it by making the right choices. For more information about heart disease prevention, contact your local cardiologists for more information.

Tumor Size Often Determines How Likely Cancer Will Spread In Lungs

Smaller tumors in lung cancer are less likely to spread into cancer, according to an Archives of Internal medicine study that reported that the earlier the detection, the better chance for successfully treating lung cancer.

Early screening using a 64 slice CT scan provides early detection of lung cancer even when a person is not aware of having cancer. The CT scan finds tumors that are very small in size; tumors less than 30 millimeters in diameter are classified as stage IA, while the IB tumors measure larger than 30 millimeters in diameter. Because of the use of CT scans, the size rating of stage I cancers now have two size categories; IA, and IB. There is some relationship to tumor size and the prognosis of surviving lung cancer for most patients.

Lung cancer specialists classify tumors as either small cell or non-small cell along with their sizes at the time of diagnosis, as cardiologists do with irregular cell growth in the heart.

They make a note of cancer cells that metastasize or spread. The patient’s tumors are determined if they were solid, nonsolid or part-solid. In the study, among the 464 lung cancer patients observed, 28 patients had small cell cancer, and the tumors associated with this type of cancer were at a higher risk for spreading.

In addition to finding tumors of the lung, using computed tomography CT heart scan and advanced computer software, cardiologists can obtain a non-invasive image of the beating heart. This allows for the obtaining of detailed information about the structure of a patient’s heart and coronary arteries, which until recently, was only available by an invasive coronary angiogram. The extent of arterial calcification can also be determined using a full body scan and is an important early indicator of the presence of coronary artery disease. These discoveries may lead to earlier treatment that will prevent a heart attack or possible death.

Shortage Of Cardiologists In The United States

Supply and demand for US cardiologists is upside down and the Journal of the American College of Cardiology forecasts this shortage will call for the number of cardiologists to double by 2050 to meet the increasing demands of an aging baby-boomer population, epidemics in obesity, and growing rates of diabetes mellitus. At the time of this report, there is a shortage of more than 1,600 general cardiologists and almost 2,000 interventional cardiologists in the country. And with more patients with chronic heart disease are living longer and needing CT scans, the demand for cardiologists in America is expected to continue so that if these trends persist, the US may be short approximately 16,000 cardiologists in forty years.

Current statistics are not keeping up with increasing demand for more cardiology specialists qualified to perform proper 64 slice CT scans for patients

The study revealed that only 750 to 800 new cardiologists graduate from training programs each year, and that internal-medicine residents looking to do a cardiology fellowship don’t always get the chance to become cardiologists because of the strong competition for these positions. To worsen matters, many institutions say they lack the funding to take on any more cardiology fellows.

The research suggested that the current shortage is partially due to the significant shortages in the number of women and minorities in the field of cardiology. While there are an equal number of women and men in medical school, only 12% of the current cardiology workforce is female. Also, African Americans and Hispanics represent just 6% of cardiologists in active practice while constituting 25% of the total US population. In addition, in 2006-2007, black and Hispanic fellows represented only 13% of internal-medicine residents and 10% of cardiology fellows. In addition, more than 43% of US cardiologists who perform full body scans for heart conditions are currently older than 55 years, and there are concerns that these doctors might retire early, especially with the proposed cuts to cardiology payments in the Medicare physician fee schedule for next year.

Comprehensive CT Scan May Give Clearer Picture Of Heart Disease

A recent Science Daily article reports a team of researchers led by Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) radiologists has developed a computed-tomography-based heart scan protocol that identifies both narrowing of coronary arteries and areas of myocardial ischemia – restricted blood flow to heart muscle tissue – giving a better indication of clinically significant coronary artery disease. This is among the first demonstrations of the use of cardiac CT [computed tomography] to detect both coronary artery stenosis and resulting myocardial ischemia simultaneously in a single examination, according to a cardiac imaging specialist at the MGH Heart Center.

A CT scan uses conventional X-rays to produce cross-sectional images of anatomic structures and can detect plaques in coronary arteries. But the appearance of plaques on CT images may not indicate whether or not they actually compromise the heart muscle’s blood supply.

More detailed full body scan images obtained via invasive cardiac catheterization give a better picture of how obstructive a plaque may be

Perfusion studies utilizing technologies such as MRI scans or the nuclear medicine technologies SPECT and PET reveal areas where limited blood flow has damaged the heart muscle, information that can determine whether a patient can be treated with drugs or requires surgery.

Previous studies showed that CT heart scans can identify areas of restricted coronary blood supply in resting individuals. The MGH-led study was designed to see whether a comprehensive cardiac CT examination could incorporate myocardial perfusion studies in both resting and stress situations provided by CT imaging.

CT-based perfusion imaging’s accuracy in diagnosing coronary artery narrowing that significantly affected myocardial perfusion was virtually the same as SPECT stress imaging, and the results of coronary CT angiography also compared favorably to those of cardiac catheterization. The radiation dose of the three CT scans did not exceed the dosage involved in the SPECT stress perfusion study because the cardiologists in the study used new radiation-dose-reduction techniques.

Nuclear perfusion, while providing imaging information that can help guide patient treatment, has limitations that can lead to either false negative or false positive findings. The ability to acquire anatomical visualization of coronary artery stenosis together with physiological assessment of myocardial perfusion in a single study could improve diagnostic accuracy while potentially reducing costs and radiation exposure. The study was relatively small, and further tests must be conducted a larger multicenter trial to investigate the additional value of CT perfusion studies.

Ask The Important Questions: Heart Disease

Since 2007, heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States, England, Canada, and Wales, killing one person every 34 seconds in the United States alone. With more people around the world having to go in for CT scans than before for heart-related symptoms, it is very important to have the right information before receiving the correct treatments for heart disease. A Press Release Newswire article provides the most potent antidote for fear: knowledge. From preparing for the exam to receiving treatment and understanding how doctors proceed from intake to diagnosis, patients must be aware of matters of the heart and learn how to work closely with their cardiologists to prevent heart disease and even death.

Important questions to have answers to include:

– How do I know if I’m having a heart attack?

– Why do I need a cardiologist, and how do I choose the right one? — Which important details does my cardiologist need to know about me? — What does a heart scan tell my cardiologist about my condition?

– What are my medications for, and how do they work? — Can I trust information from the Internet?

– Do I need a full body scan? — What if I need heart surgery? — Will my life ever be normal after my heart attack?

A visit to a cardiologist may be less stressful for patients when they are familiar with the crucial information they need to make conscientious decisions about heart disease. To find out more about addressing heart disease, please contact your local cardiologist’s office.

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.

Depression May Have Connection To Cardiac Death In Women Without Previous Heart Disease

Medical News Today reports that new data published in the March 17, 2009 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggest that relatively healthy women without previous heart conditions suffering severe depression are at increased risk of cardiac events, including sudden cardiac death (SCD) and fatal coronary heart disease (CHD). Research suggested that much of the relationship between depressive symptoms and cardiac events was mediated by cardiovascular disease risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking.

“It’s important for women with depression to be aware of the possible association between depression and heart disease, and work with their health care providers to manage their risk for coronary heart disease,” says William Whang, M.D., M.S., Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Medical Center. The research studied 63,469 women from the Nurses Health Study who had no evidence of prior heart disease or stroke during follow-up between 1992 and 2004. Self-reported symptoms of depression and use of antidepressant medication were used as measures of depression. To best identify those with clinical depression, researchers specifically examined women with the most severe symptoms defined by a validated 5-point mental health index score of less than 53 or regular antidepressant use.

The study concluded that women with more severe depressive symptoms or those who reported taking antidepressants were at higher risk for SCD and fatal CHD. In particular, women with clinical depression were more than twice as likely to experience sudden cardiac death. Plausible explanations for the link between depression and SCD may include autonomic dysfunction, higher resting heart rates and reduced heart rate variability, according researchers.

These study findings reinforce the need for patients with depression to be monitored closely, by means of a CT heart scan if necessary, for risk factors for coronary heart disease, since management of these risk factors can reduce the risk for coronary heart disease and sudden cardiac death.

Recognized as providing the best Los Angeles cardiology services for the community, Apex Cardiology offers a full range of diagnostic testing and interventional procedures, and is dedicated to improving the cardiovascular health of our community by focusing on the individual needs of each patient by continuously increasing their knowledge base and expanding their technology.

With the addition of the GE LightSpeed 64-slice Cardiovascular CT, Apex Cardiology furthers its commitment to being at the forefront of diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (with the advent of subsecond rotation combined with a multi 64 slice CT scan, high resolution and high speed can be obtained at the same time allowing excellent imaging of the coronary arteries). This breakthrough technology reveals the earliest signs of coronary artery disease without performing an invasive angiography procedure.

The focus of every activity at Apex Cardiology is on quality care. Patients will experience a level of personal attention that treats them as valued and invited guests, not only meeting but exceeding their expectations. For more information, please contact Los Angeles cardiologist Dr. Chesne and his colleagues at www.apexcardiology.com.

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.

Finding the Best Cardiologist

Seeking a cardiologist in Los Angeles that can fit your specific needs is crucial to taking the next step towards treating your heart condition. Aside from a referral from your general physician, you might want to trust in recommendations from friends or family. Still, there are several factors to consider in choosing the best cardiologist for you.

One way to seek out a good cardiologist is by looking online. To find a cardiologist in Los Angeles, you simply can type in Los Angeles cardiologist in any search engine and find endless amounts of information on local heart specialists along with their credentials and certifications. Most hospitals also offer directories on their websites that allow patients in search of a doctor to look through the credentials, certifications, subspecialties, education, training and possible malpractice information, in addition to other medical history.

It is also important to choose a cardiologist that is associated with a credible hospital or medical center. Whether big or small, hospitals that have a good reputation have acquired such because of the excellent care they provide. Do some research and don’t just settle on the biggest hospital, smaller hospitals can be recognized as well.

Another critical factor to look at when selecting a cardiologist, especially in seeking treatment, is his or her experience in the field. If you are required to undergo a particular surgery, make sure your cardiologist has performed the procedure many times with consistent results, so that you can trust and feel comfortable in their hands. Just as well, their facilities should be up to date and able to handle any type of treatment needed. For example, in ordering a cardiac CT scan, the facilities should have the best, most reliable equipment available, to reduce the risk of error or complication.

Last but definitely not least, the cardiologist you choose should be one you are able to actively communicate with. Your doctor should be able to answer any questions you may have about your treatment, procedures like an angiograph or CT heart scan, general care, or any other question you may have, and do so in a way that you can understand. Some doctors are only interested in the medical side of things, but you should find one that is interested in both the quality of the medical care they are providing, as well as the concerns of you as a patient. Overall, it is important to feel comfortable with the doctor you have chosen and be able to talk to him or her about anything related to your medical care.

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.

Are CT Heart Scans the Best Way to Detect Clogged Arteries?

There is much debate in the medical field whether a CT heart scan is indeed the best way to detect coronary blockages. Some researches say that it is typically the least complicated way, although its accuracy cannot yet replace the gold standard for finding clogged arteries, which is the angiogram. An angiogram requires running a catheter into the groin area and up through the arteries near the heart. It is considered a surgical procedure, and so it carries potential risk of complications, as well as some recovery time, as with any surgery. The procedure takes around 30 to 45 minutes, requires one hour of recovery, and carries the risk of very rare complications such as heart attack and stroke.

On the other hand, a CT heart scan takes literally just a few seconds. Using a number of CT scanners, doctors can get a detailed picture of the heart. Because it is not surgical, there is no anesthesia or recovery time required. The higher the number of detectors, the more detailed the image is. For example, the 64 slice CT scan gives a much more detailed image, and therefore much better results, than the previous “16 row” machines. Although the downside of this procedure is that they expose the patient to a certain amount of CT radiation.

A recent study by a group of medical researchers from Johns Hopkins found that of the 291 at risk patients for blocked arteries, 56% did indeed have angiogram-demonstrated coronary artery disease. The researchers found that the CT scans detected blockages 85% of the time, and 90% of these blockages were further detected by angiography. On the other hand, 13% of the patients were misclassified after the initial CT scan.

These findings have lead the researchers to conclude that at its present state, the CT angiography cannot replace conventional coronary angiography for patients. Rather, CT scans should serve as an “alternative diagnostic tool” which can help doctors like Los Angeles cardiology specialists identify blocked arteries, especially when patients are unable to undergo other tests.

More research and development on the CT heart scan is necessary in order to define its effectiveness and consider it a necessary role in patient care. You can schedule a consultation with a nearby Los Angeles cardiologist in order to discuss the best testing options for you by calling (310) 672-3900 or by visiting www.apexcardiology.com.

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.

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