Managing Heart Disease Risks

Question 1

Cardiac CT Calcium Score

Answer

A cardiac CT calcium score, which can also be called a coronary calcium scan, is a quick, noninvasive CT scan that can define how much plaque is in your arteries. If your scan shows a build-up of calcium, we can actively work to reduce blood pressure, high cholesterol, or even more serious conditions.

Question 2

Stress Tests

Answer

Cardiac stress tests, or exercise stress tests, are used to measure how the heart responds to physical activity. Tests generally involves you walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike while we monitor your heart rate, rhythm and blood pressure. If you have a known or suspected heart problem, these tests can be used to monitor its severity.

Question 3

CT Angiography

Answer

Cardiac CT angiography is a type of computed tomography imaging procedure used to visualize the coronary arteries, the vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The scan can help diagnose blockages in the blood vessels leading to the heart as well as individual chamber sizes and abnormalities of the heart valves. It can also indicate if an angioplasty, a procedure designed to widen blocked arteries, is required.

Question 4

Echocardiogram

Answer

An echocardiogram is a diagnostic test that uses ultrasound to create an image of the heart. It looks at the size, shape, and movement of the heart's chambers and valves, as well as the rate of blood flow. It can help detect irregular heart rhythms, heart muscle weakness and other heart conditions. It's a painless, noninvasive procedure that can provide important information about how the heart is functioning.

Question 5

Cholesterol Testing

Answer

Cholesterol testing can include advanced lipoprotein analysis, which measures several lipoproteins and subtypes, as well as genetic cholesterol testing to identify variations in genes associated with high cholesterol levels. This testing can help to better identify risk factors, inform treatment decisions, and assess risk of developing cardiovascular or coronary artery disease.

Question 6

Carotid Plaque Testing

Answer

Carotid testing uses a noninvasive procedure that examines the fatty deposits in the neck’s carotid arteries. This test uses ultrasound imaging to visualize the structure and function of the carotid arteries. Plaque testing helps detect blockages and assess the risk for stroke or heart attack. It is a safe and widely used technique to diagnose and monitor cardiovascular risk.

Question 7

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Stress Testing

Answer

This testing determines how well the heart and lungs are working while you exercise. During testing, the heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels are monitored while you are asked to do an activity, such as walking on a treadmill. This information can help us identify any breathing problems that could be related to the heart.

Question 8

Ankle-Brachial Index

Answer

We use ankle-brachial index (ABI), a simple, noninvasive test, to check for vascular issues such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is a condition that occurs when blood flow in limited to the arm and/or leg. By comparing the blood pressure in the ankle or arm, we can determine if there are blockages or poor blood flow to the limb(s). During ABI, a higher index is indicative of normal blood flow and a lower index typically signifies a blockage or reduced blood flow, which could mean the possibility of peripheral artery disease.

Managing Heart Disease Risks

Preventive Cardiology Assessment and Diagnostic Services

Comprehensive Cardiovascular Risk Assessments

Diagnostic Services

Cardiac CT Calcium Score

Stress Tests

CT Angiography

Echocardiogram

Cholesterol Testing

Carotid Plaque Testing

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Stress Testing

Ankle-Brachial Index

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