by Robert T. O’Sullivan, D.O., FACC, a cardiologist with the Cardiology Consultants
of Philadelphia in Lansdale, PA.
Coronary heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. If you are at risk for developing heart disease due to age, family history or lifestyle choices, you can take steps now to reduce your chances of having a heart attack or stroke. Talk with your doctor about your heart health. You may need tests done to diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD).
CAD occurs when accumulations of fat and calcium called plaque build-up in the arteries. Plaque can cause the vessels to narrow and reduce the amount of blood flow to the heart. People with CAD may experience chest pain or even a heart attack if plaque blocks the arteries completely.
Coronary angiography is the best way to detect heart disease. During this procedure, a long, thin tube is put into a blood vessel in the arm, groin or neck. The tube is then threaded into the heart and a dye is released into the bloodstream. Special X-rays are taken to measure blood flow and pressure in the heart, and to see if the arteries are blocked.
A cardiac ultrasound, or echocardiograph, uses sound waves to evaluate the heart’s function and structure. This test provides a moving picture of the heart so doctors can look at how blood is flowing and how well the valves are working. The test is painless and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.
An electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG or EKG, is another painless, non-invasive test. During this procedure, doctors look at the electrical activity of the heart to evaluate heart rhythm and muscle, as well as size and function of the heart chambers. No special preparation is required for this test.
A specialized type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is now being used that has shown to be successful in diagnosing CAD. A cardiac MRI allows doctors to “see” inside the heart, including the chambers and valves. Doctors can watch the heart beat in real time without the patient having to undergo cardiac catheterization. This technology has developed over the last several years as stronger magnets, more powerful computers and new software have become available.
A blood test measures C-reactive protein (CRP), a substance produced in the liver. An elevated CRP level may be an indicator of increased risk of heart attack, stroke or other heart problems for people who are otherwise healthy. A more sensitive type of test called high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), which is now available, gives doctors a better indication of your risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that people with a CRP level of 3 milligrams or higher per liter of blood run the highest risk (1 milligram per liter is considered lowest risk).
An initial diagnosis of heart disease can be made by your doctor as he or she listens to your heart through a stethoscope. If you have valve disease, your doctor could hear distinctive clicking sounds or murmurs. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may order one or more of these tests. For additional information about detecting heart disease, check with your doctor or call 267-663-5026 to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist.
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