Early detection of coronary artery disease is critical because it can be deadly if left untreated. This disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become blocked or narrowed, and if not caught early, it can lead to a heart attack. Symptoms of coronary artery disease can be subtle and easily missed, so it’s important to be aware of the risk factors and to see a doctor if you have any concerns.
What Is Coronary Heart Disease?
Coronary artery disease is when plaque builds up in the arteries, narrowing them and making it harder for blood to flow through. This can increase the risk of a heart attack. Many people with coronary artery disease don’t have any symptoms, so it’s important to get checked by a doctor if you think you might be at risk.
Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, is a common condition that can lead to coronary artery disease. Early detection of a problem and intervention before symptoms develop can often be the key to a successful outcome. Sometimes, it can even be a matter of life and death.
The Importance of Cardiovascular Screening
Cardiovascular disease is a general term for a wide range of diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease, heart attacks, stroke, and other conditions. Early detection and treatment of cardiovascular disease can help reduce the risk of these complications.
Cardiovascular disease begins when the body sustains damage from lifestyle factors like smoking, physical inactivity, and an unhealthy diet. Over time, this damage progresses and leads to the development of high-risk diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Heart-Healthy Screenings
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America. A stroke or heart attack causes one in every three deaths. Several tests can be done to check the health of your heart and see if there are any warning signs.
Your doctor will likely perform some basic screenings during your yearly physical exam. This may include checking your blood pressure, weight and Body Mass Index (BMI). Be sure to discuss any health concerns with your doctors, such as smoking, an inactive lifestyle or an unhealthy diet.
Several non-invasive tests can also help determine whether you’re at higher risk of heart attack or stroke, such as:
A comprehensive cholesterol screening is a test that measures the levels of triglycerides, glucose, good and bad cholesterol, and blood sugar present in your blood.
An echocardiogram is a test that uses ultrasound to create images of your heart. It can help your doctor evaluate your heart’s function and detect any problems with your heart muscle or valves.
Carotid artery screening is a medical procedure in which doctors use ultrasound technology to take images of the carotid arteries to assess how well blood flows through them. This information can be used to help diagnose and treat conditions that may be affecting the arteries, such as atherosclerosis.
Abdominal aortic screening is a screening test that checks for an aortic aneurysm, a dangerous bulge, or swelling in the blood vessel (aorta) in your abdomen.
Peripheral arterial disease screening is a medical test that helps doctors check for blockages or arterial narrowing. The test is called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). A special device is used during the test to measure the blood pressure in your legs and arms. The results of the test help doctors determine if you have the peripheral arterial disease.
Metabolic syndrome calculation tests for a group of disorders that can increase your risk for diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. By testing for these disorders, you can take steps to prevent or manage them.
Seeking Medical Assistance
Heart disease can be detected early through a variety of methods. These include physical examination, family history, and various imaging tests such as echocardiography and stress testing. Early detection is important because it allows for early intervention and treatment, improving the prognosis.
Craft Body Scan offers heart scans that provide a clear look at the heart, displaying much more detail than a traditional x-ray. Our CT heart scan is performed to identify heart problems as soon as possible and ameliorate its management moving forward. With a heart scan, you can help increase your chances of survival. This non-invasive, low-dose scanner can detect signs of silent killers like cancer, tumors, and heart abnormalities so you can act fast. Book an appointment now.
