In Alamogordo, New Mexico, the Value of a Cardiac CT Scan

 The Importance of a Cardiac CT Scan in Alamogordo, New Mexico

In recent years, new technologies have developed to provide doctors with better information than ever before about the cardiovascular system. Including heart disease and its progression. While most of these tests require contrast agents and the use of radiation. Cardiac CT scans are pain-free, non-invasive, and inexpensive. For patients who want to know more about the presence, location. And extent of calcified plaque in their coronary arteries – the vessels that supply blood to the heart wall – a Cardiac CT Scan in Alamogordo can provide valuable information without undue risk or expense.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

At risk for coronary artery disease? A non-invasive cardiac CT scan is one of several tests to diagnose coronary artery disease. If you are at risk for heart attack or stroke due to blockages in your arteries. A cardiac CT scan may help you determine whether further testing or treatment is needed. Contact Dr Linda Smith today to set up an appointment at our Albuquerque office. We provide speedy and painless cardiac CT scans that deliver clear images with minimal radiation exposure (no more lying still on a heart scanner!) which makes it possible for patients who are nervous about having their heart tested or who cannot take blood thinners to have a stress-free test with us here at Eagle Valley Heart Institute & Imaging Center.

 Coronary Calcium Scoring

Dr Linda Smith explained how coronary calcium scoring is more meaningful than other non-invasive tests because it’s base on recent data that shows having calcified plaque present in your arteries affects your risk for future cardiac events. When you have coronary calcium at least 5%, your risk for subsequent cardiovascular problems doubles from 4% to 8%. If you have any calcification at all. She said it indicates an increase by 50% of developing another event like a heart attack or stroke. No matter where you live or what your income level is, getting screened for coronary calcium can help you take control of your own health and take steps toward lowering any risks associated with heart disease.

Why Alamogordo Residents Should Schedule a Nuclear Stress Test Today

The nuclear stress test is commonly used as part of an electrocardiogram (ECG) because it is more sensitive at detecting heart problems. The test uses radiation to produce images that allow your doctor to see blood flow through your heart, examine how well your heart muscle is working, and determine if there are blockages or calcium deposits in any of your coronary arteries. While most people have never heard of a nuclear stress test, many cardiac patients rely on them for preventive care on a regular basis. Some common questions about ECGs include: Why do I need to take my medications if my tests are normal? How much radiation will I be exposed to?

Patient Benefits

If you are 50 or older and have no history of heart attack or stroke, cardiac CT scanning may be an option for you. If you’re at risk for coronary artery disease (CAD), a cardiac CT scan can help determine if there is any calcified plaque in your arteries. A coronary calcium score indicates how much plaque is present and whether it poses any danger to your heart health. An annual cardiovascular evaluation with a cardiac CT scan offers several benefits to adults over age 50.

 Who is at Risk?

If you have multiple risk factors for coronary artery disease (or CVD), you are at higher risk for developing plaque and heart disease. The presence of a single risk factor does not mean that you will get heart disease but could indicate that it may be an important time to visit your doctor to discuss your risk. Risk factors include: age; male gender; family history; high blood pressure; high cholesterol or triglycerides; smoking or being expose to second-hand smoke early in life; obesity and sedentary lifestyle; diabetes or pre-diabetes (higher than normal blood sugar); low levels of good HDL cholesterol and elevate levels of inflammation markers.

What Are the Risks?

A cardiac CT scan for coronary calcium is non-invasive, painless and inexpensive. However, there are some risks associat with having a cardiac CT scan. These include: radiation exposure – particularly if you have additional tests to evaluate abnormal findings; allergic reaction – although rare; false-positive results; and an increase in health care costs. If you receive an abnormal finding on your exam, further testing (and its associat risks) may be need.

 Where Does Coronary Calcium Occur?

Coronary calcium can form inside arteries or on vessel walls. Spots that form on artery walls are called intimal calcifications, while those that form within artery lumen are called medial calcifications. Coronary calcium is more likely to occur in people who smoke and/or have high blood pressure (hypertension). Other risk factors include diabetes, high cholesterol levels and family history. Coronary artery disease often has no symptoms until damage has already occurred to heart muscle and other tissues. For instance, when a plaque ruptures it can cause blood clots to form that block vessels and reduce oxygen supply to heart muscle. This may lead to angina or even death if left untreated – both good reasons for being screen for coronary calcium early!

How do We Measure This Risk?

One way doctors can get an idea of how likely it is that you’ll have heart problems is to measure coronary calcium. Coronary calcium shows up on cardiac CT scans as white spots – or plaques – and indicates where and how much plaque has built up on your artery walls. If your arteries are 100% clear, you have no risk for heart attack or stroke; if they are clogged with plaque, you have a higher risk.

 Finding Relief from Anxiety

Are you suffering from anxiety? Do you have an important life event that’s quickly approaching? If so, Dr. Melissa Clancy has great news for you: A cardiac CT scan for coronary calcium is a pain-free, non-invasive and inexpensive procedure that provides information about the presence, location, and extent of calcify plaque in your coronary arteries – vessels that supply blood to your heart wall. Learn more about how stress can lead to anxiety and how a cardiac CT scan can provide relief from both by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Clancy today!

Cardiac CT Albuquerque

Cardiac Compute Tomography (CT) is a pain-free, non-invasive and inexpensive procedure that provides information about the presence, location, and extent of calcify plaque in your coronary arteries –the vessels that supply blood to your heart wall. Doctors have known for years that atherosclerosis – disease cause by changes to artery walls — plays an important role in many cases of heart attack. More recently, research has confirm what doctors have suspect: Atherosclerosis begins at least 10 years before symptoms appear or they begin having chest pain. A cardiac CTA scan can help detect early signs of calcify plaque build up and significantly reduce your risk for heart disease as well as other common cardiac diseases such as congestive heart failure.

Cardiac CT Santa Fe

Do you have heart disease? A cardiac CT scan for coronary calcium is an important screening tool for assessing your risk for developing heart disease. If you’re concern about your risk factors or are looking to monitor any existing conditions, contact our team at Cardiac Imaging Center. We offer affordable imaging services and follow-up reports that make it easy to understand your condition and treatment options. Book online today!

 Cardiac CT Alamogordo

Nearby cities that may be close to our hospital include Deming and Ruidoso. For more specific information please call our facility at (575) 457-4444. In certain situations patients can even qualify for free transportation through Lincoln General Hospital. With free parking and short wait times, people often come to Lincoln General Hospital as their first choice. Our facility has multiple testing options like cardiac CT Alamogordo for those looking for an accurate and affordable procedure.

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