APEXCARDIOLOGY

64 SLICE CT SCAN - UNDERSTANDING YOUR HEART CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS

2012-01-23T21:47:00.000-08:00

Cardiology is the specialization in medicine that deals with the study of cardiovascular illness, the care of all things related to the heart. Cardiology also includes arteries and is used to diagnose and treat conditions like blockages. However, cardiologists shouldn’t be confused with cardiac surgeons who perform heart surgeries, while cardiologists perform tests and procedures like angioplasty. Cardiology researches, diagnoses and treats heart injuries and diseases as well as their causes. A cardiologist will treat ones’ heart problem while staying aware of other conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and other factors that risk damaging the heart. Some risk factors include a family history of heart disease, obesity, cigarette smoking, poor diet and a sedentary life style. Since cardiology is a specialized field of medicine, one should not necessarily rely on ones’ regular health care provider to care for ones’ heart. In fact, he or she may be able to deal with minor problems, but will usually refer a patient to a specialist if the symptoms appear to be serious. A specialist can inform ones’ doctor about new drugs or tests that may be beneficial to one, or he or she may request an ECG or blood tests and study the results. Los Angeles Cardiologists are talented and accredited cardiologists who have extensive experience in all aspects of cardiology.

Cardiologists use many diagnostic tests like ECGs and angiography to diagnose heart conditions. Until recently, the only way to confirm the presence of coronary artery disease was to get a cardiac catheterization or conventional angiogram. These invasive procedures require a lot of dye, large needle in the groin, bed rest for 6-8 hours and an overnight stay in the hospital. Today, by using the ultrafast, 64 Slice CT scanner physicians can image the heart and its blood vessels without blurring. Then, using advanced computer technology, the information can be reconstructed into 2-D and 3-D views of the heart and coronary arteries showing narrowing that can indicate early coronary artery disease. The 64 Slice CT Scan technology operates 4-64 times faster than other standard CT scanners. The 64 Slice CT scanner is a large round doughnut-shaped machine with a large opening. The patient lies on a comfortable table that will slide in and out of the round opening. The CT will obtain images from hundreds of angles that are reconstructed by a computer. Modern CT scanners are so fast that they can scan through the large sections of the body in just a few seconds. The 64 Slice CT Scan is less invasive and produces excellent imaging.

CT Heart Scan-ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS IN CARDIOLOGY

2011-12-25T20:54:00.000-08:00

Cardiology is that branch of medicine which deals with the diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases. Cardiologists investigate patients with suspected heart disease by taking a very careful, extensive history of the patient’s condition, and performing a complete physical examination. Nearly 5 million people today have had a cardiac event. Finding a physician who specializes in the treatment of heart disease is of utmost importance to those individuals who need treatment. Los Angeles area Cardiologists are dedicated to providing superior cardiovascular care. A board certified cardiologist, he and his team of qualified nurses and ancillary staff work together to provide the best possible treatment for their cardiology patients.

In order to provide appropriate treatment for their patients, cardiologists first need to accurately diagnose their patient’s conditions. ECG machines, x-rays, echocardiographs, cardiac catherization and many other diagnostic equipment have been providing accurate diagnosis for numerous cardiac conditions. New non-invasive imaging devices have shown enormous promise to diagnose a variety of cardiovascular abnormalities. Perhaps the most important such technology in cardiac diagnostics is the development of the 64 Slice CT Scan. The introduction of 64 slice cardiac CT allows nearly all patients to be scanned with very high resolution. Scan times are now of the order of several seconds; this means that even patients with severe pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure can hold their breath for the required length of time. Reduced time translates to minimal or no motion artifacts. Higher number of slices means higher resolution. Such high resolution allows visualization of the entire coronary tree with high accuracy and detail. Individual atheromatous plaques can be detected and characterized. Calcification can be visualized and used as an added variable in desease management.

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. A Heart Scan is essential for early heart desease detection. A heart 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 similar to taking an x-ray of the body. The patient lies on a scanner table and 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. Indications for a heart scan are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, history of tobacco use, family history of heart desease, obesity and high stress levels. Heart scans make it possible to early detect and prevent heart attack.

64 Slice CT Scan - Understanding cardiology and CT Scans

2011-10-22T01:08:00.000-07:00

Cardiology is the discipline that researches, diagnoses and treats heart injuries and diseases as well as their causes. A cardiologist will treat a heart problem while staying aware of other conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and other factors that risk damaging the heart. Some of these health factors include a family history of heart disease, obesity, cigarette smoking, poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. Timely evaluation and early diagnosis of individuals at risk for complex cardiac problems are extremely important in cardiology. In Los Angeles specialized Cardiologist focus on preventing, detecting and treating heart disease. After clarifying a disorders nature, extent and cause, he develops an individualized treatment plan. It’s the focus of Los Angeles Cardiologist to help each patient manage all facets of their condition, with recovery as the ultimate goal.

Proper therapy begins with an accurate diagnosis. In order to accurately diagnose critical acute and chronic cardiac illnesses like adult congenital heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, vascular disease, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and others, cardiologists apply various diagnostic test procedures and technology including stress tests, echocardiography, electrocardiography, nuclear cardiology, cardiac catherization and others. One of the techniques that has gained popularity in recent times is the Heart Scan. The heart scan is appropriate for men and women, 35 years or older, with any risk factor like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, history of tobacco use, family history of heart disease, overweight or obese or with significant emotional or job related stress. A heart scan doesn’t determine whether a person is going to have a heart attack. Instead, it detects calcified plaque in the arteries of the heart. Calcified plaque is an indicator of heart disease. The CT Heart Scan is a painless test that takes about 10 minutes. The process is similar to taking an x-ray of the body. An individual lies on the scanner table and multiple images of the heart are taken. Then a computer creates separate images of the body area, called slices. These images can be stored, viewed on a monitor or printed on film. A qualified physician then interprets these images to determine the amount of calcified plaque in the arteries. A CT Heart Scan is called a CT Angiography if it is done to look at the arteries that bring blood to the heart.

The introduction of the 64 Slice CT Scan allows nearly all patients to be scanned with very high resolution. Scan times are now of the order of several seconds (usually 5-13 seconds). This means that even patients with severe pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure can hold their breath for the required length of time. Furthermore, the higher number of slices means higher resolution. Such high resolution allows the visualization of the entire coronary tree with extremely high accuracy and detail. Individual atheromatous plaques can be detected and characterized. Calcification can be visualized and used as an added variable in disease management.

cardiologist - A Look into the Heart with innovative CT Scanning Techniques

2011-09-21T02:19:00.000-07:00

Cardiology is a medical specialty dealing with disorders of the heart. The field includes the diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease and electrophysiology. A physician specializing in this field of medicine is called a cardiologist. Cardiologists however should not be confused with cardiac surgeons, who perform cardiac surgery. Cardiologists investigate and treat a host of critical cardiac conditions like High Blood Pressure, Arrhythmia, Congestive Heart Disease, Coronary Artery Disease, Valvular Disease, Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Raised Cholesterol, Breathlessness, Fluid Retentions, Palpitations, Dizzy Spells and Blackouts. Screening plays a major role in identifying high risk individuals and introducing lifestyle modifications and, if appropriate, medication to reduce their risk of heart problems in later life.

Modern cardiology uses hi-tech medical equipment for diagnosis of anomalies. For evaluating coronary calcium in coronary heart disease, a CT Scan is often resorted to. A Cardiac CT is a painless test that uses an x-ray machine to take clear and detailed pictures of the heart. During a Cardiac CT Scan, an x-ray machine moves around the patient’s body in a circle. The machine takes pictures of each part of the patient’s heart. Subsequently, a computer puts the pictures together to make 3D pictures of the entire heart. CT Scans performed with a contrast injection are extremely useful for evaluating coronary blockage. Also diagnosable are aortic aneurisms and pulmonary embolisms.

Non-invasive imaging technologies continue to revolutionize every sub-specialty of medicine. Cardiology is no different; new imaging devices have shown enormous promise to diagnose a variety of cardiovascular abnormalities. Recent advances have allowed cardiologists to experience the next generation of extremely fast scanners that enable 64 Slice CT Scans in seconds. Combined with unparalleled resolution, a 64 Slice CT Scan has short scan times that allow the visualization of the heart and entire coronary tree within one breath. Now, a comprehensive evaluation of the health of one’s heart can be done in just a few minutes. One can simply walk in for a Non-invasive Coronary CT Angiography to identify any blockage in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. 64 Slice CT Scan is safe and is not an invasive procedure unlike conventional catheter angiography. Coronary CT Angiography is also extremely useful in evaluating patency of stents and the condition of the bypass graft post-CABG.

Heart Disease is the #1 cause of death and disability in the United States. As such, early detection and prevention of heart disease is extremely important. A CT Heart Scan is a simple non-invasive test used for early detection of heart disease. It is a painless test that takes about 10 minutes. The individual lies on the scanner table and multiple images of the heart are taken. A qualified cardiologist then interprets these images to determine the amount of calcified plaque in the arteries of the heart. Calcified plaque is an indicator of heart disease. The heart scan may be appropriate for men 35 or older and women 40 or older possessing any of the risk factors.

CT Scan - Scanning your health, how CT and Heart Scans can help you

2011-08-16T02:46:00.000-07:00

A CT Scan (computerized tomography) is a non-invasive medical examination used to diagnose and monitor medical conditions. It is a fast and highly effective tool which provides detailed cross-sectional views of areas of the body that are hard to reach. While a standard x-ray only sends out one beam to capture the image, in a CT scan several beams of x-rays are sent out at different angles. It then uses a computer to create images of the inside of the body. Highly detailed pictures in two and three dimensions are obtained. Bones, internal organs, soft tissue and brain can all be imaged in detail with CT scan. SC scans help to diagnose inflammation, cancer and other diseases and help in monitoring many other health conditions.

Cardiac Computed Tomography or Heart Scan is a painless examination that uses a CT scanner to take clear, detailed pictures of the heart. This common examination is used to look for problems in the heart. During a heart scan, an x-ray machine moves around the body in a circle. The machine takes pictures of each part of the heart. A computer then puts the pictures together to make 3D pictures of the entire heart. Sometimes an iodine based dye (contrast dye) is injected into one of the veins in order to highlight the blood vessels on the x-ray pictures. Heart scans are common for evaluating coronary heart disease, problems with heart function and heart valves, problems with the aorta, aneurysms, pulmonary embolisms and other heart diseases.

Los Angeles Cardiologist is a highly reputed cardiology consultant, known for his excellence and innovation in the diagnosis, investigation and treatment of patients with all forms of heart disease. He has extensive experience in all aspects of adult cardiology; in particular the prevention and treatment of heart attack, angioplasty and stenting. Los Angeles Cardiologist and his team are committed to providing an efficient service in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Cardiologist Los Angeles is keenly interested in cardiac risk assessment and screening, and offers an extensive range of investigations and treatment for cardiac conditions including high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, breathlessness, palpitations, dizzy spells, chest pain (angina) and all aspects of coronary artery disease.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.apexcardiology.com/
501 East Hardy St. Suite 200
Inglewood, CA 90301

CT Heart Scan – Monitoring Your Health

2011-07-17T23:08:00.000-07:00

The efficiency of a hospital is amplified by the addition of medical technology. One of the many machines that make life a little easier in an emergency is the CT scan. This procedure is used to diagnose a myriad of different conditions. The heart especially can easily be viewed by a doctor for heart disease or other health risks. Doctors can visit more patients and get more people home with the fast use of a CT scanner. Many hospitals have them, and you have probably seen them before on a television show or if you have needed a personal scan.

More commonly known as a CAT scan, the CT heart scan will take 64 complete images of the area the doctor is interested in. The machine rotates 360 degrees around the patient. This rotating motion allows the 64 images to be precise and even. Imagine being cut into 64 different slices, similar to a loaf of bread, and you will know what the images the CT scanner is producing look like. Doctors can see all the layers of the organ they are focusing on because each slice penetrates a little deeper into the patient's body, so finding a trouble area is much easier.

There are several other tests that can be run and performed to determine what is wrong with a patient, but generally the lab is backed up and processing will take time. The patient would need to be admitted to the hospital, and have to wait for the doctor's diagnosis without the use of this scanner. There is even some danger involved if the patient is high risk for heart attack and they come in complaining of chest pain. With a quick Heart scan both doctor and patient can relax knowing what the diagnosis is, and what can be done to make things better.

Sometimes diagnosis still requires laparoscopy or other invasive procedures that take time and cost both hospital and patient a lot of money. This is only necessary when the CT scan does not yield conclusive results on what the doctor is seeing. The difference between a malignant tumor and a harmless one is virtually indistinguishable with just a picture. Doctors love using CT scan to diagnose their patients because it is faster and more affordable for everyone. Spending less time diagnosing the problem means more time can be spent making the patient feel better and fixing the problem they are having.

CT Heart Scan – Look Into Your Heart

2011-06-13T02:39:00.000-07:00

It's widely known and understood that heart disease is still the number one cause of death in the United States. Heart disease can take many forms, whether it's a coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, cardiovascular disease, ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, hypertensive heart disease, inflammatory heart disease, or a valve disease. The heart is responsible for pumping blood to the rest of the body, so it's easy to see that, if there's something wrong with your heart, it's bound to affect the rest of your body. If you want to catch heart disease before irreparable damage is done, then you should consider getting a CT heart scan.

X-ray computed tomography (CT) is a method of getting an image of the interior of the heart in a non-invasive way. If you live near the 405 freeway between the 91 and the 10, then you're probably looking for a Los Angeles cardiologist that can order this scan for you so that he can take a closer look at your heart health. A good, experienced cardiologist will not only order a CT and any other tests or scans that will help to determine the state of your heart health, but will also know what further measures to take to make sure that your heart stays in good health.

There are many doctors that practice Los Angeles cardiology, but your heart is a vital organ, so you want to be sure that you're in the very best care. You want to be sure to do your research before selecting a cardiologist to take good care of you and your heart. You can try looking online for reviews of different doctors. You can also ask family and friends for recommendations. In any case, you're going to have to do the research if you want to be sure to get the best care.

And when it comes to your CT, you should know that a 64 slice CT scan should be the bare minimum standard for your CT. They have machines that can take as minute as a 320 slice CT, but a 64 slice should be enough to at least ascertain the basic state of your heart health. Your heart is vital to the proper function of your body. You shouldn't wait until something goes wrong before having a cardiologist take a look and see what the matter is. Be good to your heart, and it'll be good to you.

full body scan - Identifying Heart Disease at an Early Stage

2011-05-20T21:18:00.000-07:00

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. However, advances in medical technology have made it increasingly possible for doctors to diagnose patients at an early stage and provide adequate treatment. When used in combination with other heart and lung scans, a full body scan, can help physicians more accurately identify the problem at hand. When caught early, heart disease can be treated. Following guidelines from a physician and making simple lifestyle changes can help lower risk of cardiovascular disease and improve one’s health. Factors that increase risk of heart disease include diet, alcohol, physical, inactivity, obesity and tobacco use.

If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back, irregular heartbeat, or dizziness it is recommended that you visit a cardiologist. The cardiologist will recommend appropriate testing and give helpful information on how to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.. Regular checkups are recommended for anyone with a family history of heart disease. Other high risk patients are those with High blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.

Los Angeles is internationally known for its culture, popular entertainment, media, tourist attractions and successful business. Los Angeles is the biggest city in California and, for years, it has been home to a diverse community of people. Residents of the Los Angeles area have noticed a tremendous growth in their population. Along with this population growth, came an increase in obesity and heart disease. Some unhealthy lifestyle habits have tremendously affected the health of Los Angeles residents. It is important that residents take advantage of advances in Los Angeles cardiology. Non-invasive tests have become more and more available to help cardiologists diagnose heart disease.

Scans are critical for patients who have higher risks of cardiovascular disease and those who have experienced common symptoms. Since many symptoms can be confused with those of other illnesses, most people are not getting tested. It is recommended that adults in their mid-40s consult a Los Angeles Cardiologist to have proper scans for heart disease so that problems can be detected early. Although scans increase the probability of detecting heart disease, it does not prevent nor cure it. Making wise lifestyle choices such as dieting and exercising will help lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Heart scan - Heart Attack and Heart Disease Prevention

2011-04-18T21:19:00.000-07:00

In order to lead a healthy life one must have a healthy heart and overall healthy cardiovascular system which will help one to keep the rest of the body healthy as well. If one has had a heart attack or is at risks of having one improving ones current lifestyle and making healthy choices is critical to prevent the heart attack. If an individuals is experiencing chest pain or other side effects of heart attack such as poor blood circulation, swelling, or fatigue the first step is to see a doctor in order to run test such as CT heart scan. In many cases a Heart scan can save a person’s life. Men and women should have their heart checked at around age 50 this is when one is at risks of having a heart disease. Having a checkup at this time has saved many lives from heart disease tragedy. Although diagnosing technology has advanced and doctors are able to use more sophisticated tools such as 64 slice CT scan to diagnose and treat the problem directly. Treatment for already developed heart disease is not the best medicine, prevention is. Preventing disease by making healthy choices will ensure that one lives a longer, healthier life.

It is often difficult to choose healthy food and always feel as if one was on a diet, but making the right food choices will greatly affect one’s health and over time how youthful one may feel. Eating right throughout the day may even help increase ones energy and attitude. The first to prevention is to eat ones entire serving of fruit and vegetables for the day. This may be hard for most people, but not only is good for the cardiovascular system, but are guaranteed to provide natural energy. The benefits of eating a full serving of fruits and vegetables a day are endless. Other lifestyle changes that one should make are:

Stay away from fried foods, too much grease causes clogs in the arteries.

Keep a diet high in fiber, and low in animal fat.

Exercise regularly, 30- 45 minutes of walking or swimming is proven to improve the cardiovascular by improving the muscle tone of the arteries.

When it comes to being in good health the great equalizer is stress levels. Individuals with high stress tend to get sick and become sicker, especially true in health of the head and heart. Hormones associated with stress cause an increase in heart rate, and increase blood pressure. Stress is not good for anyone as it can put a person at risks of heart attack; it is also much worse for those who are already at risks, or have already had a heart attack.

There are also many heart supplements and vitamins leading Los Angeles Cardiologist may ask you to take or prescribe to you, in order to keep ones heart in tip top shape. Individuals have nothing to fear except improving their health when seeing a cardiologist.

CT scan - Detecting a Heart Attack and Heart a Attack Prevention

2011-03-17T22:02:00.000-07:00

A failing heart can cause a person to always be tired fatigue and worn down. If one is past the age of 45 and is experiencing these signs then he or she should have their heart checked. More people every year die of sudden heart attacks than our diagnosed with heart disease. In order to keep up good heart health men and women at the age of 45 should visit their local Cardiologist have their heart checked and get information of ways to improve their cardiovascular system.

The first step to detecting heart problems is to known ones symptoms and see a cardiologist. In this visit most cardiologist will conduct a CT heart Scan in order to be sure that nothing is or isn’t wrong. If the hear scan is clear one can be sure that they do not have major heart disease. Although ones scan is clear he or she should still learn the necessary steps to take if a sudden heart attack occurs.

The first hour of the heart attack is the golden hour if one gets help in this first hour then he or she is likely to survive the heart attack with a good recovery. Heart attack symptoms may vary from person to person. In women heart attack symptoms often hide and are more visible in men. A sudden heart attack may feel like digestive disturbances and some individuals are afraid to embarrass to ask for help in this moment. Embarrassment should not stop you, as the worse that can happen is be taken to the ER have a CT scan that may detect something wrong with the heart or something irregular.

The most common sign of a heart attack in the making is chest pain. Chest pain that is generally brought on by physical exertion, stress and may go away with rest. Fatigue is also a common side effect and present while doing any physical activity even ones that one was able to do in the past. Another common reason that heart attack symptoms hide is because most people experience indigestion. However this indigestion may seem different as it often does not respond to antacids.

All of these things may help to diagnose symptoms of a heart attack and urge many individuals to have a heart scan but the only way to avoid heart attack is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. A healthy life style includes daily exercise, eating healthy and staying at a good weight for ones stature.

full body scan - See a Cardiologist and Protect Your Heart

2011-02-14T01:40:00.001-08:00

It is easier than ever to diagnose heart disease using non-invasive methods such as a computed tomography (CT) heart scan or a CT full body scan. Before this technology was available a patient would have to undergo an invasive coronary angiogram, which required injecting a dye through a catheter into one of the patients large blood vessels so that the doctor can see the size and location of any damaged areas in the heart or arteries. Some risks of invasive coronary angiograms are: blood clots, infection where the catheter is inserted, air entering the arteries, or an allergic reaction to the dye.

By contrast to an invasive coronary angiogram, a CT heart scan creates high resolution 3D images of the heart and blood vessels without the use of a catheter. Instead, an iodine dye is injected through an IV, along with a medication to slow the patients heart rate, allowing for better image results. Xrays are picked up by the scanner and made into 3D images that show if fatty or calcium deposits have built up in the arteries. A CT full body scan is more extensive and examines the lungs, the heart, and the abdomen. For high risk patients, this may be the best option since early detection is key to treating and preventing heart disease. However, full body scans are administered as a last resort because they expose the patient to radiation.

You should see a cardiologist if you ever experience pain or discomfort in any areas of the upper body, including stomach, jaws, arms, or chest, shortness of breath, rapid or irregular heart beat, dizziness, or nausea. These are just a few of the signs that can signal heart disease, so it is best to see your doctor for regular check ups, especially if you are a high risk patient. High risk patients include anyone with a family history of heart disease, patients who have diabetes, smoke, or drink excessive amounts of alcohol. Also, people who are overweight, over the age of forty, and males are at higher risk than the rest of the population. After a women becomes menopausal, her risk of heart disease increases as well. When caught early, most heart disease can be treated with lifestyle changes, including: eating more fiber and potassium, taking asprin and natural blood thinners, and working out moderately most days per week.

CT Heart Scan Early Detection of Heart Disease

2011-01-16T20:40:00.000-08:00

The key to treating most life threatening illnesses is early detection. Men who reach the age of 35 and women who reach age 40 should speak to their primary physician about the early detection tests that they should take. Reaching these ages puts men and women at higher risks for heart disease and different cancers. There are several other factors that may put individuals at higher risks, these factors include:

High cholesterol

Diabetes

High blood pressure

History of tobacco use

Family history of heart disease

Overweight

Stress

The CT heart Scan procedure is simple and noninvasive used for early detection of heart disease. In most cases of early detection of heart disease the damage can be cured, minimized and even reversed. The scanning procedure takes about 10 minutes, one will lie on the scanner and multiple pictures of the heart are taken. A physician or cardiologist will then interpret the scans to determine the amount of calcified plaque in the arteries. The scan itself does not determine whether or not the individual is going to have a heart attack but instead makes visible the amount of calcified plaque in the heart which is an indicator of heart disease.

If the CT heart scan was not thorough enough or the physician detects further disease or a different illness then he or she may ask one to have a 64 Slice CT scan. The 64 slice CT scanner can gather high resolution images of a heart, brain or pair of lungs in about 5 seconds. This scan is specifically exciting for studying the beating heart providing the first clear noninvasive images of the heart and its major vessels.

These scans are critical for patients who have higher risks of heart disease and those who have already experienced some common symptoms, as these scans can essentially save a life. Heart disease is the number 1 cause of death and disability in the United States. Unfortunately for most people the first sign of heart disease is a heart attack. This is due to the fact that heart disease symptoms are often confused with other illnesses and most people are not getting tested for this when they should. Los Angeles cardiologist say all patients who have hit the age requirement should have a CT scan for heart disease and cancer because of the early detection benefits.

Diabetes and increased chances of heart disease

2010-12-22T20:56:00.000-08:00

People who have diabetes are twice as likely to develop heart disease they are also twice as likely to develop heart disease at an earlier age. It is important for individuals especially diabetes patients to keep a good diet and exercise. After about age 45 or some say 50 if one has a family history of heart disease he or she should see make an appointment with their local or referred to cardiologist. Seeing ones primary physician will not due, a specialist can run the proper test and best detect if there is a problem with ones heart.

Individuals who have diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease because of the effect of diabetes. Diabetes means that one’s pancreas does not create sufficient insulin to break down glucose to enter cells which is the body’s main source of energy; this means the cells will be energy starved. Over time high blood glucose levels damages nerves and blood vessels leading to heart disease and stroke. Individuals with type two diabetes are also, more likely to suffer from heart disease. These patients like all other patients can benefit greatly from early detection. This can be done by undergoing simple test such as a heart scan or CT scan.

This is especially necessary if one is has diabetes and has already had one heart attack because they are in greater risk of suffering another heart attack. It is critical for individuals who have an escalated risk of heart disease to know the symptoms and undergo the suggested testing. Diabetes patients who suffer heart attack run very high risks of not living through it.

Leading Los Angeles Cardiology specialist say changing ones diet for the better will significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and heart attack even in diabetic patients. Although many people say that diabetic individuals should not eat sugar this is not necessarily true, like all other individuals they should consume from all the food groups but should exercise regularly. Taking a 15-30 minute walk will greatly improve the cardiovascular system improving ones heart health. Cardiovascular specialists suggest individuals take a 45 minute walk everyday for best cardiovascular improvement and reduce heart disease risks.

Cardiologist - Prioritizing Your Health

2010-11-15T21:48:00.001-08:00

For many Americans, health care may not be at the top of a priority list as we are all consumed by work, family, and errands in our daily lives. It often seems difficult to find the time to go for routine check-ups and in some cases; many don’t pay attention to health care until they feel something has gone wrong. With age, the chances of health problems increase as over time, the body takes on more stress. At around 50 years old, it is important to keep up with routine check-ups with your doctor to detect any irregularities in the body. For patients with a medical history including diabetes and high blood pressure among other things may begin more in-depth routine check-ups at a younger age. With a Cardiologist, patients are able to receive an evaluation of heart health so proactive steps can be taken if needed. Los Angeles Cardiology is prestigious with many highly-qualified cardiologists and state-of-the-art facilities. With a Heart Scan, cardiologists are able to detect any irregularities in the heart like abnormal heartbeats, clogged arteries, and any heart diseases that may exist. Heart scans should be made regularly to detect any irregularities or diseases sooner, rather than later. If a patient is experiencing any irregularities, a heart scan is also recommended by a doctor’s reference to a cardiologist.

Aside from heart scans, a Full Body Scan is also available to detect irregularities and diseases in the body. Detecting early signs of diseases with a full body scan is a preventative method to treat any diseases and to treat irregularities accordingly. Other testing such as Stress Testing, may also evaluate heart health by testing heart performance and using methods for heart imaging. Patients who engage themselves prioritizing their health care may complete an 11-second scan that may save their lives. Planning a routine check-up for things such as full body scans; reap health benefits that can be valued in the long run as any detection of disease can be treated early. With the latest technology in cardiology, medicine, and state-of-the-art medical facilities, prioritizing health care is now easier than ever.

full Body scan - Heart disease symptoms

2010-10-17T21:37:00.000-07:00

All heart disease symptoms vary depending on what kind of heart disease an individual may have, in this article I will cover most of all the symptoms for every different heart disease. One should always remember that self-diagnoses is not the best diagnoses and one should always speak to a cardiologist for further results and testing via heart Scans and in other cases where the problem is harder to identify a full Body scan may be needed.

Symptoms of heart disease in your blood vessels (cardiovascular disease) is caused by narrowed, blocked or stiffened blood vessels that make it so the heart, brain or other parts of the body don’t receive enough blood. Symptoms of cardiovascular disease can include:

Chest pain

Shortness of breath

Pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in your legs or arms

In some cases patients are diagnosed with cardiovascular disease and there symptoms worsen, when this happens one should be very careful because they are at high risk of having a heart attack, stroke, hearth failure or sudden cardiac death.

Abnormal heartbeats, The heart may beat too fast too slowly or irregularly if you have an arrhythmia the symptoms can include:

Fluttering in the chest

Racing heart beat

Slow heart beat

Chest pain

Shortness of breath

Lightheadedness

Dizziness

Fainting or near fainting

Heart defects, a defect one is born with usually becomes more evident during the first few hours or days in one’s life, the symptoms can include:

Pale gray or blue skin

Swelling in the legs, abdomen, even the eyes

Shortness of breath during feeding

In less serious cases hear defects may not be noticed until childhood years, these are less threatening but the symptoms can include:

Shortness of breath very easily

Easily tiring

Build up fluid in the heart or lungs

Swelling in the hands, ankles and feet

One should remember that children do not usually notice these things or do but are not highly concerned. One should always take notice and watch their children as they play and interact, and if one notices their child get tired easy or has shortness of breath or fatigue visit Los Angeles Cardiology to run some test before symptoms go any further.

Heart diease symptoms cause by thick heart muscle, in the earlier stages one may not have any symptoms at all, but as the disease progresses one may experience:
Breathless at any time, during exercise or rest

Swelling of the legs, ankle, and feet

Bloating

Fatigue

Irregular heartbeats that feel rapid, pounding or fluttering

Dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting

Heart disease caused by heart infection: there are three types of heart infections pericarditis, affects the tissue around the heart. Myocarditis, affects the muscular muddle layer of the walls of the heart. Endocarditis, affects the inner membrane that separates the chambers and valves of the heart. Symptoms for every infection vary slightly but include:

Fever

Weakness or fatigue

Swelling in your legs of abdomen

Changes in the heart rhythm

Dry or persistent cough

Skin rashes or unusual spots

One should take notice that most heart disease symptoms include: swelling of hands, legs, ankle and feet, shortness of breath and easily tiring. If one has already been diagnosed with heart disease and would like further scans to better identify the problem one should ask their doctor about the 64 slice CT scan.

CT scan : What is a heart attack and what are its consequences

2010-09-16T21:39:00.000-07:00

Knowing the basic information about how to survive a heart attack is important to people of all ages. The chances that one self or someone they love will suffer from a heart attack during their life time, and whether or not one survives the heart attach will be solely based on what he or she and the doctors does about the heart attack in the first few hours and then over the long term. The best way to prevent a heart attack is to avoid it. If one feels that they are experiencing symptoms of heart attack he or she should consult with their cardiologist who will then order a CT heart scan and if nothing is identified and the symptoms still persist then he may order a Full body scan.

A myocardial infraction commonly known as a heart attack is the most severe form of acute coronary syndrome. Cardiologist say a heart attack is generally triggered by the rupture of a plaque within a coronary artery. The rupture causes a blood clot to form and this leads to blockage of the artery. The area of the heart muscle which is supplied blood by the blocked artery begins to die. It is the death of the heart muscle that defines the heart attack.

The consequences of a heart attack depend on how much of the heart muscle dies, and which of the coronary arteries was blocked, and where in the artery did the blockage occur. Blockage near the origin of an artery will affect more heart muscle than a blockage farther down the artery. If the muscle damage is sever, he or she may develop acute heart failure during the heart attack, this is very dangerous. If the amount of heart muscle damage is less severe but still substantial one may develop heart failure later on. Therefore taking precautions to avoid heart failure after heart attack are imperative to treating a heart attack. Heart attacks also, produce hazardous heart arrhythmias. During the heart attack electrical instability may trigger ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. After this scare tissue results from the healing process may cause permanent electrical instability. Unfortunately this means sudden death from cardiac arrest is risk during heart attack and after heart attack recovery. However after heart attack recover cardiologist can run scans such as 64 Slice CT scan in order to ensure that one is out of danger although it may take time to get there.

Coronary heart disease

2010-08-13T21:36:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-14T22:37:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-08T00:06:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-17T21:32:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-15T02:53:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-12T23:00:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-17T21:56:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-06T20:29:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-03T20:57:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-18T23:22:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-14T22:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-22T22:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-17T22:22:00.000-07:00

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.

A CT Scan From The Patient’s Point Of View

2009-08-12T21:39:00.000-07:00

Medical News Today discusses what a CT heart scan is like for the patient to help those going in for this procedures understand what to expect. Most places will provide the patient with a gown, and the patient will need to undress, usually down to their underwear, and put the gown on. If the place does not provide a gown the patient should wear loose-fitting clothes. Any woman who suspects she may be pregnant should tell her doctor beforehand.

The cardiologist may ask the patient to fast (eat nothing) and even refrain from consuming liquids for a specific period before the scan.

Going In For A Full Body Scan

The patient will be asked to lie down on a motorized examination table, which then goes into the giant doughnut-like machine. The couch with the patient goes into the doughnut hole while lying on the examination table.

Sometimes, patients may be given a contrast dye or substance which is either swallowed, given as an enema, or injected. This tends to improve the picture of some blood vessels or tissues. If a patient is allergic to contrast material he/she should tell the doctor beforehand. There are some medications that reduce allergic reactions to contrast materials that can be taken by the patient.

Metal interferes with the workings of the CT scanner, and the patient will need to remove all jewelry and metal fastenings. Most of the time the patient will lie on his/her back, facing up. But sometimes it may be necessary to lie face-down or sideways. After the machine has taken one X-ray picture, the couch will move slightly, and then another picture is taken, etc. For best results, the patient needs to lie very still.

Everybody except for the patient will leave the room during the scan. The radiographer will still be able to communicate with the patient, and vice-versa, through an intercom. If the patient is a child, a parent or adult might be allowed to stand or sit nearby and will have to wear a lead apron to prevent radiation exposure to themselves.

The scan is painless, however, some people experience discomfort for having to be completely still for what for them is a long time. If you anticipate that the whole experience is going to be stressful you can ask Los Angeles cardiologist doctor for a mild sedative to become unconscious during the scan.

What Is A CT Scan? What Is A CAT Scan?

2009-07-22T21:36:00.000-07:00

Medical News Today explains that a CT scan stands for Computed Tomography scan. It is also known as a CAT (Computer Axial Tomography) scan. It is a medical imaging method used by cardiologists that employs tomography. Tomography is the process of generating a two-dimensional image of a slice or section through a 3-dimensional object (a tomogram). The medical device (the machine) is called a CTG scanner; it is a large machine and uses X-rays. It used to be called an EMI scan, because it was developed by the company EMI. Undergoing a CT scan is a painless procedure.

A CT scan works by emitting a series of narrow beams through the human body during a full body scan as it moves through an arc, unlike an X-ray machine which sends just one radiation beam.The final picture is far more detailed than an X-ray one.

Inside the CT heart scan machine there is an X-ray detector which can see hundreds of different levels of density. It can see tissues inside a solid organ. This data is transmitted to a computer, which builds up a 3-D cross-sectional picture of the part of the body and displays it on the screen.

Sometimes a contrast dye is used because it shows up much more clearly on the screen. If a 3-D image of the abdomen is required the patient may have to drink a barium meal. The barium appears white on the scan as it travels through the digestive system. If images lower down the body are required, such as the rectum, the patient may be given a barium enema. If blood vessels are the target images the barium will be injected.

The accuracy and speed of CT scans may be improved with the application of spiral CT. The X-ray beam takes a spiral path during the scanning - it gathers continuous data with no gaps between images. For a spiral scan of the chest, for example, a Los Angeles cardiologist will ask the patient to hold his/her breath for a few seconds.

CT Heart Scans Cut X-ray Dose To Patients, Study Says

2009-06-15T22:19:00.000-07:00

Heart scans that detect blocked arteries can be performed with half the amount of radiation exposure to patients to make them safer, according to Bloomberg news.

The Michigan study measured the radiation dose from heart CT scans of 4,862 patients in 15 hospitals from July 2007 to April 2008. A quality control program lowered the median radiation dose -- expressed in units known as millisieverts --to 10 from 21, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The full body scans produced good quality diagnostic images, the study authors said.

Use of computed tomography, or CT, scans of all organs is growing rapidly and accounts for half of the collective dose of medical radiation U.S. patients received in 2006, the American Heart Association said in a February statement. The association urged doctors to keep doses of radiation from heart scans “as low as reasonably achievable,” and to use them appropriately.

Cardiologists use CT heart scans to detect artery blockages that may lead to heart attacks and other problems. Cardiovascular disease, the top cause of death in the industrialized world, led to 864,480 deaths in the U.S. in 2005, according to the heart association.

The number of CT tests in the U.S. surged to an estimated 62 million a year in 2006 from about 3 million a year in 1980, according to a 2007 review in the New England Journal of Medicine. About 800,000 of the procedures in 2006 were heart scans, according to a recent study in Health Physics.

High cumulative doses of medical radiation may raise the risk of cancer, though researchers aren’t certain how much radiation may cause malignancy, said Gilbert Raff, the lead author of today’s study. Research in the Feb. 4 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association estimated radiation from a cardiac CT heart scan equals 600 chest x-rays. At the outset of the study, scans delivered a dose of radiation equal to what a person would get from seven years of background radiation from the sun and from elements in the earth including radon.

Radiation dosages were reduced by lowering the tube voltage of the scanning equipment, and slowing the patients’ heart rate with beta blocker drugs an hour before the procedure. Cardiac CT imaging is gaining popularity because of its efficiency and economy, a top Los Angeles cardiologist says. CT scans are faster, less invasive and cheaper than some older imaging procedures, costing about $750 or one-tenth the cost of a cardiac catheterization, it is estimated. The research was funded by Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan.

Heart Disease: Know Your Symptoms

2009-05-14T02:23:00.000-07:00

For a year, Sandra Stephens thought it was acid reflux that was making her miserable. Last month she learned it was actually heart disease, a recent My Fox Houston article reports. A CT heart scan performed by cardiology specialists showed one of Stephens' coronary arteries was 90-percent blocked.

After further tests including a full body scan, the problem was surgically corrected with a medicated stent, and the Montgomery county woman experienced immediate relief. The burning sensation in her gut and the pain between her shoulder blades both disappeared.

Heart disease is an umbrella term for a variety for different diseases affecting the heart. As of 2007, it is the leading cause of death in the United States, England, Canada and Wales, killing one person every 34 seconds in the United States alone.

"When the cardiologist put the stent in," said Stephens, "I felt like I could just take the biggest, deepest breath there was!" She considers her story a cautionary tale for other women. "You know, you really have to pay attention to your body."

Coronary artery disease is a disease of the artery caused by the accumulation of athermanous plaques within the walls of the arteries that supply the myocardium. Angina pectoris (chest pain) and myocardial infarction (heart attack) are symptoms of and conditions caused by coronary heart disease.

Over 459,000 Americans die of coronary heart disease every year. In the United Kingdom, 101,000 deaths annually are due to coronary heart disease.

Many Los Angeles cardiologists point out that men and women who are afflicted with heart disease can experience very different symptoms.

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.

Ask The Important Questions: Heart Disease

2009-04-08T22:14:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-11T23:36:00.000-07:00

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.

Heart Disease in Women: New Insights and Cutting Edge Technologies

2009-02-09T21:25:00.000-08:00

February is American Heart Month, and it is the perfect opportunity to focus on the fact that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women. Over one in two women die of heart disease, with the number of deaths approaching one half million annually. Surprisingly, the majority of women surveyed were unaware that heart disease was the number one killer of women. Better education of what are the risk factors and how to modify them as well as earlier detection of disease with cutting edge new technology will dampen this killer. This takes on a special sense of urgency when one considers that compared to men, women are more likely to have sudden death as their initial presenting symptom.

Obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, family history and elevated “bad guy” cholesterol (LDL) are risk factors which negatively affect women and men equally. However, in regards to coronary disease, women are not simply “small men”. Diabetes, low “good guy” cholesterol (HDL) and elevated triglycerides seem to have an augmented negative effect in women. Diabetic women, for example, have five times the risk of developing heart disease than diabetic men.

Modifiable risk factors are everyone’s first line of defense toward improving their cardiovascular risk. Weight reduction through diet and exercise along with smoking cessation are all necessary first steps taken for both yourself and the ones that love you. Your physician can provide safe, effective medications that lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and control diabetes.

Diagnosing coronary artery disease in women can be difficult as the types of chest pain women present with are not always the classic medical student’s description of crushing chest pressure. We have learned to be more complete in our diagnostic workup of both the female with typical cardiac chest pain symptoms as well as those presenting with atypical symptoms such as unexplained upper abdominal pain, shortness of breath, nausea and fatigue.

Women develop coronary disease 10 years on average later than men. Since conventional stress testing strategies may be affected by their ability to exercise at a later age, false negative results occur more often, leading to later diagnosis with poorer outcomes.

Non-invasive testing with multidetector LightSpeed 64-slice CT coronary angiography in the office setting is one of the new cutting edge technologies that can safely diagnose the female patient with an atypical chest pains and multiple risk factors. The test takes only minutes to do, requires a single 10 second breath hold during which contrast is given in order to obtain the most ideal images. Your Los Angeles Cardiologist would then in a matter of minutes be able to review with you these nothing short of astounding images that directly visualize the lumen and interior of the wall of your coronary artery, literally seeing the disease at first hand. He can then develop an action plan with you to eradicate it. This represents the cardiologist’s version of a mammogram in that it attempts to directly image the disease, if any, with a relatively painless, noninvasive outpatient test which has an extremely high degree of accuracy, especially in ruling out the presence of disease. Radiation exposure exists but is kept to a minimum by using new dose modulation techniques, thus enabling us to diagnose this silent killer earlier in as safe a fashion as possible.

Ask your doctor to review your risk factors with you. Focus on risk factors that can be improved upon with diet, exercise, medications, etc. Stress tests are the standard of care in diagnostic workup patients with typical symptoms and multiple risk factors. However, I believe that these newer “ground breaking” non-invasive CT heart scan - coronary angiograms may shed light into earlier detection of coronary disease in female patients, enabling treatment to begin earlier.

Mason Weiss M.D., F.A.C.C. is a triple certified physician in internal medicine, cardiovascular diseases and interventional cardiology. He has practiced medicine for 23 years and is a physician partner with the highly regarded APEX Cardiology Los Angeles based team of physicians located at 501 East Hardy Street, Suite 200, Inglewood, CA 90301 Tel: 310-672-3900 www.apexcardiology.com.

Finding the Best Cardiologist

2009-01-07T04:27:00.000-08:00

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.

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

2008-12-09T02:19:00.000-08:00

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 http://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.

Diagnosing Heart Disease

2008-11-11T21:15:00.000-08:00

If you are at risk for heart disease, it is important to speak with your physician about a simple and inexpensive test which can help determine your risk for coronary artery disease. A Los Angeles CT heart scan, also called a calcium-score screening heart scan – EBCT – for short, is a test used to locate calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. The higher your calcium score, the more coronary calcium is present, and more coronary calcium means more coronary atherosclerosis, suggesting a greater likelihood of significant narrowing somewhere in the coronary system and a higher risk of future cardiovascular problems.

A Los Angeles CT scan uses X-rays, so it is not recommended for those who may be pregnant, or are undergoing radiation therapy. You should also avoid caffeine and smoking up to 4 hours before the test. During the scan you will lie on a table, and be connected to an ECG monitor, which registers your heart activity, the table will then move inside and out a large scanner, which captures multiple images of your beating heart. The cardiovascular radiologist then analyzes the images and determines a calcium score, based on the amount of coronary calcium present, which appears white. This score will help your Los Angeles cardiologist determine the extent of coronary artery disease, as well as develop a treatment plan. Absence of calcium deposits determines that your scan is negative.

Because this CT scan is a screening exam for heart disease, it is not currently covered under most insurance companies and Medicare. Luckily, you can visit a Los Angeles cardiology center like that of Apex Cardiology (www.apexcardiology.com) and ask for information on how to receive the scan at a discounted price. This simple calcium-score screening heart scan takes only a few minutes, and can actually help save your life.

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.

Heart Scan Offers Look Inside Your Arteries

2008-10-09T21:50:00.000-07:00

Coronary calcium scans, also known as a CT heart scan, use noninvasive techniques to produce images of your coronary arteries and to determine how much calcium is present in them. A CT scan is an X-ray technique that produces images of your internal organs that are more detailed than those produced by conventional X-ray exams.

A Los Angeles cardiologist will be able to tell you how at risk you are for a heart attack or coronary artery disease by how much calcium shows up in your heart scan. Calcium deposits show up as bright white spots, and can build up in the walls of your coronary arteries. Based on the results of this scan, your doctor will calculate a score. Your calcium score, along with other health information like age, diet, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure, can help assess the proper steps to maintaining a healthy heart.

Research shows that the more calcification you have, the worse your heart disease. But even the presence of very small amounts of calcium might indicate that you could go on to develop heart disease unless you take insistent measures to stop it.

Coronary calcium scans are relatively inexpensive. Los Angeles cardiology multi-board-certified physicians at Apex Cardiology offer a CT Coronary Calcium Scan for just $99 – such a small price to pay for something that can actually help save your life. To schedule an appointment with the famed Los Angeles cardiologists at Apex Cardiology, visit http://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.

Anxiety and Male Heart Attacks

2008-09-05T21:13:00.000-07:00

The suspicions are true according to a recent study reported by WebMD Health News; anxiety may make heart attacks more likely in aging men.

A twelve year study shows that despite physical risk factors, anxious men are 30% to 40% more likely than calmer men to have a heart attack.

The study, which included 735 men from a large city, began when the participants were 60 years old and had no previous history of heart disease or other risk factors like high cholesterol and diabetes. The men participated in personality surveys which documented their anxiety, anger, depression, and other negative emotions. They also noted down personal facts about education, marital status, and other personality traits, and were regularly screened for any irregularities in blood pressure, alcohol and cigarette use.

At the end of the study, out of 735 men, 75 had heart attacks, 11 of which were fatal. These findings were documented by cardiologists’ reviews of hospital records including CT scan and heart scan results of the participants.

What is interesting about the study is that regardless of seemingly more logical factors like age, cholesterol levels, or BMI, the men who had heart attacks were predictable based on high anxiety scores on their personality test.

Locally, a Los Angeles cardiologist team has been teamed up with psychologists at USC, researching the relationship between anxiety and male heart attacks. It seems as though older men who are prone to high-anxiety levels in life are also at a higher risk for a heart attack, whether or not a prior history of heart disease is present. Regular screenings are encouraged and a simple and inexpensive CT coronary calcium scan can tell if you are at risk of a heart attack by visiting a Los Angeles cardiology center near you.

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.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea May Trigger Nighttime Heart Attacks

2008-08-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, shows that people who have obstructive sleep apnea may be more likely to have a nighttime heart attack than during the day.

Having obstructive sleep apnea means that there is some form of blockage in the air passageway, which causes interruptions in regular breathing like snoring, coughing, or choking during the night.

The study, which included 92 people, surveyed patients who had recently had a heart attack and conducted a sleep study about 17 days after their heart attack. The sleep study concluded that 64 of the 92 patients had obstructive sleep apnea.

Los Angeles cardiology experts suggest that if you are at risk of a heart attack and suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, it is important to seek treatment, since sleep apnea increases the risk of having a heart attack during sleep. Simple tests like a CT scan, full body scan, or the very quick and effective 64 slice scan can tell if you are at risk of heart disease.

The patients in the study all had similar backgrounds and medication, but those with obstructive sleep apnea were six times more likely to have had their heart attack between midnight and 6 a.m. On the other hand, the patients without sleep apnea were more likely to have their heart attack between 6 a.m. and noon.

Los Angeles cardiologist Dr. Mason Weiss contributed to a study that links calcium deposits, blood-sugar tests, and common daytime dozing to increased risk of heart attack and stroke. He says that there are several cases of simple factors like sleep habits, which contribute to heart health which should be studied. Researchers at Mayo Clinic like Fatima Kuniyoshi, PhD say that obstructive sleep apnea "may be a trigger" for heart attacks, which calls for further studies to see if obstructive sleep apnea treatment reduces heart attack risk, especially at night.

Do You Know Your Calcium Score?

2008-07-02T22:05:00.000-07:00

After the surprising and untimely recent death of famous newsman Tim Russert, Los Angeles cardiology center APEX Cardiology reminds us that heart disease is still America’s number one killer. Every year more than one million Americans suffer a heart attack, more unfortunately, many do not survive. Renown Los Angeles Cardiologist Dr. Mason Weiss and his staff urge local residents to schedule regular screenings. Very simple and inexpensive tests can help save lives. A Coronary Calcium Heart Scan costs only $99 and can indicate a heightened risk of heart attack or other heart problems even before any symptoms are experienced. Plaque which builds up in the arteries deposits as cholesterol, which attracts calcium.

The more calcium deposits are found in the lining of the arteries, the more at risk a person is for a heart attack, which is exactly what the test shows. This test is a type of CT scan which gives out a calcium score based on the results found in coronary arteries. A Calcium Score of 100 and below is considered normal, while anything over 400 is considered high risk. Learning your calcium score is an essential step in reading heart health, and determining heart disease. Knowing the calcium score enables a doctor to then design an appropriate treatment program. Many patients are being over treated or undertreated because their risk is just based on those risk factors, not the calcium score.

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.

Detecting heart disease with 64-slice CT

2008-06-16T21:34:00.000-07:00

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death in American men and women and is typically caused by blockages in the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. To help prevent CAD, Los Angeles cardiology experts recommend an evaluation of risk factors and appropriate testing for those suspected of having coronary artery disease, based on symptoms and risk factors.

The earlier a coronary blockage is detected, the better the chance that life-threatening problems from CAD may be averted through appropriate treatment. However, CAD can be difficult to diagnose in a non-invasive way. Getting a clear image of the coronary arteries on a CT scan wasn’t always easy. The heart is a moving, beating organ, which causes the coronary arteries on standard CT images to appear blurry. In addition, the earliest signs of CAD often are very tiny changes in the blood vessel lining or wall, making them easy to miss on a traditional CT scan.

But a new imaging technology, called 64 slice CT, is helping overcome these and other barriers. CT, or computed tomography, is a radiological technique that has been used for more than 30 years to give physicians a slice-by-slice view of specific regions of the body. Historically, CT has been useful for detecting stroke, cancer, head injuries, and herniated disks, as well as for locating fractures and evaluating bone and tissue damage in trauma patients.

Today, by using the ultrafast, 64-slice CT scanner and timing the scan to the patient’s heartbeat, physicians can image the heart and its blood vessels without blurring – and in record time. Using advanced computer technology, the information can be reconstructed into 3-D views of the heart and the coronary arteries, showing not only narrowed areas of the blood vessels but also early disease in the vessel walls that may not be narrowed.

Los Angeles cardiologist Dr. Mason Weiss of Apex Cardiology in Inglewood, CA believes that coronary CT angiography using the 64-slice CT scanner is one of the more promising tools in the fight against heart disease, but the technology is continuing to advance rapidly. And this is only the beginning.

Source: healthjournal.upmc.com

11-SECOND CARDIAC SCAN SAVES LIVES

2008-05-16T03:57:00.000-07:00

Heart disease is the #1 killer of women, with over 500,000 dying each year. Most women don’t even know they are at risk, nor do they seek early detection. Their first symptom is often a sudden heart attack or stroke, often leading to death.

Emerging technology has greatly increased the ability to diagnose, and treat heart disease in women. The newest and most effective device in heart scan technology is the 64-slice LightSpeed CT scanner. Coronary CT angiography in the office setting is a new cutting edge technology that safely diagnoses the female patient (especially those with atypical chest pains and multiple risk factors). The test takes only minutes to do and requires only a single breath hold. In a matter of minutes, the doctor will be able to review the results. The CT computer displays images as detailed three-dimensional pictures of the heart and even reveals the interior walls of the coronary arteries where the disease is located. The doctor then immediately begins an action plan to eradicate the disease.

The CT scan represents a cardiologist’s version of a mammogram in that it directly images the disease, and is a painless, noninvasive outpatient test which has an extremely high degree of accuracy. This enables the doctor to diagnose this silent killer earlier and as safely as possible. Radiation exposure exists but is kept to a minimum by using new dose modulation techniques.

Well known Los Angeles cardiologist Robert Chesne, M.D. of APEX Cardiology explains that “diagnosing coronary artery disease in women can be difficult to detect as the types of chest pain women have are not always the classic “crushing” chest pressure. Doctors have learned to be more complete in their diagnostic workup of both women with typical cardiac chest pain symptoms as well as those with atypical symptoms such as unexplained upper abdominal pain, shortness of breath, nausea and fatigue”.

APEX Cardiology in Inglewood, California is a nationally recognized leader in providing a full range of Los Angeleles cardiology services including the 64-slice CT Scanner.

Saving Legs With Newer, More Flexible Stents

2008-05-16T03:43:00.000-07:00

Saving Legs With Newer, More Flexible Stents
By Los Angeles Cardiologist Mason Weiss, MD, FACC, FSCAI

Patients with painful, gangrenous peripheral artery disease commonly faced the real possibility of amputation. Now, a new generation of smaller, more flexible stents appears to be able to save the legs of these suffering individuals. Stents are tiny stainless-steel mesh coils that prop open endangered blood vessels in the leg.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the legs initially presents with symptoms of pain and cramping in the calf or thigh with activity. The disorder is seen in over 50 percent of people greater than 70 years of age. If not found, recommended with a full body scan, and treated, the disease can progress to skin ulcers and eventual gangrene as the blockages in the leg arteries progress. Up until now, these patients had few good options to choose from for treatment.

Historically, attempts to open these clogged leg arteries with balloon angioplasty and/or stenting techniques had not met with much success. Researchers from the University of Rochester in New York have recently reported that they have used newer, smaller and more flexible stents below the knee in an attempt to salvage the limb from amputation. They saved 43 of 57 limbs that were headed for certain amputation.

Centinela-Freeman Medical Center is participating in a national trial called the “Relax Study” in an attempt to corroborate these findings. By sparing the patient from a life-altering amputation, this non-surgical treatment offers new hope where previously there was none.

Mason Weiss, M.D., F.A.C.C., is a triple board certified physician with certification in internal medicine, general cardiology, and interventional cardiology Los Angeles. He has practiced medicine for 23 years and is a physician partner with the highly regarded APEX Cardiology team of physicians located at 501 East Hardy Street, Suite 200, Inglewood, California 90301

Main Office 310.672.3900
CT Office 310.672.9300
masonweiss@apexcardiology.com
www.apexcardiology.com

Local News Station Reports on New Cardiology Studies

2008-04-07T22:28:00.000-07:00

In a recent story reported by ABC7 Eyewitness News, there are three new studies on heart health that reveal clues doctors may have previously overlooked, which indicate a seemingly healthy person may be headed towards heart disease or stroke. These clues, according to researchers, can be found in mammograms, blood-sugar tests, and common daytime dozing. Los Angeles Cardiologist, Dr. Mason H. Weiss, MD of Apex Cardiology said in the interview, "It would seem that those three different findings would have nothing to do with each other, but in fact all these describe things that have an association with heart disease or stroke."

In the first study, viewing the mammograms of 200 stroke patients, it was found that 56 percent of them had calcium deposits in breast tissue. This lead researchers to the conclusion that women with artery buildup in their mammograms a have a greater risk for heart disease and stroke. "The radiologists typically don't report that because it's so-called a 'non-finding' for breast cancer, but it may be a significant finding for women who have early heart disease," said Dr. Weiss.

In the second study, 1,700 patients in their mid-60s were measured for blood-sugar and insulin levels after fasting. Those with higher scores had twice the risk of stroke over the next seven years compared to those with lower scores. The blood sugar test used in the study, called homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), measures a ratio of blood sugar and insulin levels. High scores can indicate a patient is borderline diabetic. Diabetes is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

A third study documented the daytime dozing patterns of 2,000 people in their mid-70s. Researchers found the odds of having a stroke were nearly 5 times greater among heavy dozers compared to those who rarely nodded off. Doctors say the heavy dozers likely suffered from sleep apnea or other sleep disorders that triggered dangerous fluctuations in their blood pressure. "I think what they're trying to do over here is focus on the stroke risk, and the fact is there is some simple things that are out there that they're glossing over that we should be paying more attention to these things," said Dr. Weiss.

Dr. Weiss suggests that people take advantage of the latest technology which has been helping find heart disease earlier in patients, and even saving lives in some cases. A CT scan can help detect early heart disease. The newest technology at Apex Cardiology, the 64 slice cardiovascular CT features the industry's fastest speed and highest resolution scanner. Don't become another statistic, be aware of the risks you may be facing for heart disease and ask your doctor for more information on scheduling a heart scan. It could very well save your life.

Women and Heart Disease: How Regular Screenings Help Can Save Your Life

2008-03-18T00:16:00.000-07:00

It's a fact: Heart Disease is the number 1 killer in the United States and has been claiming more lives of women than men since 1984. Researchers don't really know why more women die of heart disease than men, but studies show that while 8 million women are diagnosed with heart disease nationwide, other women who have had, or are at risk of having heart attacks, aren't even aware of having any heart problems. And because the symptoms of heart disease aren't typical in women, and vary from those in men, detecting heart disease in women is more difficult. Symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, troubled sleeping and breathing can be easily attributed to stress, and yet even without any chest pains, seemingly healthy women with these subtle symptoms suffer from heart attacks daily. Recent studies, however, are finding that mammograms, blood-sugar tests, and common daytime dozing may offer clues to determining at-risk heart disease cases.

Dr. Weiss, Los Angeles cardiologist, says "It would seem that those three different findings would have nothing to do with each other, but in fact all these describe things that have an association with heart disease or stroke." He, also advises that along with regular mammograms, checking blood-pressure, blood-sugar, and calcium deposits in the body, a CT scan can also help detect early heart disease. The newest technology at Apex Cardiology, the 64 slice cardiovascular CT features the industry's fastest speed and highest resolution scanner. In just seconds, it can scan the entire heart in a single, brief breath-hold. And with startling clarity, it reveals extraordinary details about the health of the heart and its blood vessels, which means better detection, diagnosis, and treatment options for cardiovascular disease. Don't become another statistic, be aware of the risks you may be facing for heart disease and ask your doctor for more information on having a heart scan. It could save your life.

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.

Six New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthy Heart

2008-01-28T21:30:00.000-08:00

It’s that time of year again hence we all promise to make a change for the better. Here’s a Los Angeles cardiologist whose wish list of six resolutions for a healthier heart will pay you dividends in 2008. Do you want to prevent heart attack? How about heart surgery recovery tips? Los Angeles Cardiology experts speak out.

1. Reduce stress. Try to take some time for yourself each and every day. Don’t lose sight of the big picture. Finally, listen to your body for when it says “enough”, it probably is.

2. Stop smoking. Stop smoking. Stop smoking.

3. Eat healthier. Drink low-fat milk. Take baby carrots or cherry tomatoes to work for lunch. Have fish for dinner twice a week. Have one green vegetable with each evening meal. Losing weight if overweight is obvious. Track your weight on paper each morning to chart your progress.

4. Control blood pressure if elevated. Watch your salt intake. Take your blood pressure pills regularly. Monitor on paper your morning blood pressure and review them with your doctor at follow-up visits.

5. Lower elevated cholesterol. Know your LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and HDL (“good” cholesterol) levels. Follow a prudent low cholesterol diet. Take your medications if prescribed regularly.

6. Exercise regularly. Even small amounts of daily exercise can provide significant heart benefits. Try an activity that can fit into your daily routine…it doesn’t have to be a gym or a trainer…walking with a pedometer for 2 or 3 miles a day each morning would do just fine.

Enjoy the Holidays and have a happy and healthier New Year !

Mason Weiss, M.D., F.A.C.C., is a triple board certified physician with certification in internal medicine, general cardiology, and interventional cardiology. He has practiced medicine for 23 years and is a physician partner with the highly regarded APEX Cardiology team of physicians located at 501 East Hardy Street, Suite 200, Inglewood, California 90301 (310) 672-3900
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

Dose Reduction Improvements in Cardiac CT Scanning

2007-12-19T21:28:00.000-08:00

Answering a growing demand for radiation dose reduction in cardiac CT scanning, GE Healthcare announced the release of “SnapShot Pulse” at a national meeting earlier this month. This advancement in technology will achieve up to an 83% reduction in the patient’s radiation exposure as well as improve image quality. Los Angeles CT Scan expert explains.

The average American’s total radiation exposure has nearly doubled since 1980, largely because of CT scans. Medical radiation now accounts for more than half of the population’s total exposure; it used to be just one-sixth, and the top source was the normal background rate in the environment, from things like radon in soil and cosmic energy from the sun. But CT use continues to soar. About 62 million scans were done in the U.S. last year, up from 3 million in 1980.

Los Angeles CT scans became popular because they offer a quick, relatively cheap and painless way to get 3D pictures so detailed they give an almost surgical view into the body. But they put out a lot of radiation. In a few decades, as many as 2 percent of all cancers in the United States might be due to radiation from CT scans given now, according to the authors of a recent report in the New England Journal of Medicine. A CT scan of the chest involves 10 to 15 millisieverts (a measure of dose) versus 0.01 to 0.15 for a regular chest X-ray, 3 for a mammogram and a mere 0.005 for a dental X-ray. The dose depends on the type of machine and the person — obese people require more radiation than slim ones — and the risk accumulates over a lifetime.

Cardiac CT scanning Los Angeles has, in the last few years, has been increasingly become part of the diagnostic armamentarium available to cardiologists in their quest for an early and accurate diagnosis of heart disease in selected patient populations. Radiation exposure from these studies is nonetheless significant, and should always be discussed with the patient in the context of risk versus benefit. Unnecessary tests should be cancelled, breast shields should be made use of, and the latest technology that permits diagnostic quality studies while minimizing radiation exposure necessary to produce them should be utilized. On this last note, GE’s “SnapShot Pulse” is only the latest in what appears to be a continued effort by the industry to evolve the technology to minimize radiation exposure in the cardiac CT field.

Mason Weiss, M.D., FACC, FSCAI, is a triple board certified physician with
certification in internal medicine, general cardiology, and interventional cardiology. He has practiced medicine for 23 years and is a physician partner with the highly regarded APEX Cardiology team of physicians located at 501 East Hardy Street, Suite 200, Inglewood, California 90301 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

Six New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthy Heart

2007-12-19T21:12:00.000-08:00

It’s that time of year again hence we all promise to make a change for the better. Here’s a Los Angeles cardiologist whose wish list of six resolutions for a healthier heart will pay you dividends in 2008. Do you want to prevent heart attack? How about heart surgery recovery tips? Los Angeles Cardiology experts speak out.

1. Reduce stress. Try to take some time for yourself each and every day. Don’t lose sight of the big picture. Finally, listen to your body for when it says “enough”, it probably is.

2. Stop smoking. Stop smoking. Stop smoking.

3. Eat healthier. Drink low-fat milk. Take baby carrots or cherry tomatoes to work for lunch. Have fish for dinner twice a week. Have one green vegetable with each evening meal. Losing weight if overweight is obvious. Track your weight on paper each morning to chart your progress.

4. Control blood pressure if elevated. Watch your salt intake. Take your blood pressure pills regularly. Monitor on paper your morning blood pressure and review them with your doctor at follow-up visits.

5. Lower elevated cholesterol. Know your LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and HDL (“good” cholesterol) levels. Follow a prudent low cholesterol diet. Take your medications if prescribed regularly.

6. Exercise regularly. Even small amounts of daily exercise can provide significant heart benefits. Try an activity that can fit into your daily routine…it doesn’t have to be a gym or a trainer…walking with a pedometer for 2 or 3 miles a day each morning would do just fine.

Enjoy the Holidays and have a happy and healthier New Year !

Mason Weiss, M.D., F.A.C.C., is a triple board certified physician with certification in internal medicine, general cardiology, and interventional cardiology. He has practiced medicine for 23 years and is a physician partner with the highly regarded APEX Cardiology team of physicians located at 501 East Hardy Street, Suite 200, Inglewood, California 90301 (310) 672-3900

Technorati Profile

2007-11-11T23:24:00.000-08:00

Technorati Profile

FDA-Cleared System Restores Blood Flow to Legs and Feet

2007-10-22T15:04:00.000-07:00

(Los Angeles, August 22, 2007) Committed to providing patients with innovative, safe and effective treatment options, Dr. Mason Weiss of APEX Cardiology today announced the availability of the only laser ablation treatment approved to clear blockages in arteries above the knee. APEX Cardiology and Centinela Freeman Medical Center are some of the first facilities using Spectranetics’ TURBO-Booster to treat Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and restore blood flow to the legs and feet.

PAD, a cardiovascular disease that restricts or blocks blood flow in the legs, affects approximately 12 million people in the United States. If left untreated, the condition can lead to sores that do not heal, or heal slowly, gangrene and amputation. Those suffering from PAD are at increased risk for heart disease, aortic aneurysms and stroke, therefore, it is important to recognize early symptoms and seek treatment. Early warning signs may include dull or cramping pain in the buttocks, hips, thighs or calf muscles or numbness or tingling in the leg, foot or toes.

“Two-thirds of all peripheral endovascular procedures occur in arteries above the knee,” said Dr. Weiss. “Now we are able to address this problem with a minimally-invasive, proven-effective laser treatment that helps patients quickly get back to an active lifestyle. Anyone experiencing symptoms of PAD should see a doctor immediately. There is no need to suffer from symptoms that lessen your day-to-day quality of life.”

The TURBO-Booster™, offered by Colorado Springs-based Spectranetics Corporation, is used with a TURBO elite™ line of laser catheters for the removal of large amounts of plaque material within the superficial femoral artery (SFA) and popliteal arteries by producing pulsed bursts of ultraviolet (UV) light energy that vaporize blockages in the arteries into tiny particles that are easily absorbed into the blood stream. TURBO-Booster was cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on July 2, 2007.

About Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral Artery Disease is a serious condition that causes blood vessels in the legs, and sometimes arms, to become restricted or blocked; this may occur suddenly if an embolism or clot develops rapidly in the restricted blood vessels. PAD is progressive and often causes gangrene or tissue death of the affected area if not properly treated. PAD affects approximately twelve million people in the United States. More than half of those suffering from PAD experience leg pain, numbness or other symptoms. Approximately 75 percent of those suffering go undiagnosed. Many don’t seek medical attention as the symptoms are often overlooked as a typical part of the aging process.

APEX Cardiology in Inglewood, California is a nationally recognized leader in providing a full range of cardiology services including the 64-slice CT Scanner. See: www.apexcardiology.com

The latest in diagnostic testing

2007-10-18T13:55:00.000-07:00

Have a Heart Condition? Check out the latest diagnostic testing

Cardiac CT Imaging/Non-Invasive Coronary AngiogramUsing computed tomography and advanced computer software, Los Angeles Cardiology services provider Apex Cardiology can now obtain a non-invasive image of the beating heart. This allows you to obtain 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 this procedure 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. So instead of considering a angiogram los angeles patients can now go for cardiac CT imaging.

Stress Testing

Stress Testing is designed to give you information about the health of the heart and help diagnose coronary artery blockages. During stress testing, we conduct an electrocardiogram (ECG) while the patient exercises on the treadmill. The exercise difficulty and duration increase during the test so that we can obtain more information about how the heart performs. In some cases, we may combine imaging of the heart with the ECG to gain additional information (see Nuclear Cardiology and Echocardiography). We also provide non-exercise (pharmacological) protocols for patients who cannot adequately walk on a treadmill.

Nuclear Cardiology

Los Angeles Cardiology patients can also take the nuclear cardiology, also sometimes called a "nuclear stress test" or "stress cardiolite" study, nuclear cardiac imaging is used in conjunction with stress testing to improve the detection of coronary artery blockages. Patients undergo an injection of a short-acting radioactive substance prior to and during treadmill exercise. The patient then lies under a "gamma" camera while a computer collects information and creates a detailed image of the heart muscle. This image allows the cardiologist to detect coronary artery blockages by looking for past and potential future heart muscle damage. A medication called adenosine can be substituted for exercise for those patients who cannot walk on a treadmill adequately or safely.

EchocardiographyEchocardiography or an "echo" uses sound waves to create images of the heart. During this procedure, a technologist uses a hand-held scanning device that creates digital images for a cardiologist to review. These images help the cardiologist learn more about heart size and function, including the chambers and valves. Sometimes this is performed both prior to and after stress testing to improve detection of coronary artery blockages.

Cardiac Catheterization / Invasive Coronary Angiogram

During this procedure, performed by a cardiologist in the hospital setting, a catheter is inserted through a small hole in the femoral artery at the top of the leg. The catheter is advanced through the aorta to the heart and is used to inject x-ray dye into the heart and coronary arteries and to measure pressures inside the heart. This procedure is performed under light sedation. The results may indicate the presence of coronary artery blockages, heart muscle damage, and valvular heart disease.

So if you are considering heart surgery los angeles patients should consider Apex Cardiology and check their services.

11-second cardiac

2007-10-16T16:10:00.000-07:00

Emerging technology has greatly increased the ability to diagnose, and treat heart disease in women. The newest and most effective device is the 64-slice LightSpeed CT scanner. Coronary CT angiography in the office setting is a new cutting edge technology that safely diagnoses the female patient (especially those with atypical chest pains and multiple risk factors). The test takes only minutes to do and requires only a single breath hold. In a matter of minutes, the doctor will be able to review the results. The CT computer displays images as detailed three-dimensional pictures of the heart and even reveals the interior walls of the coronary arteries where the disease is located. The doctor then immediately begins an action plan to eradicate the disease.

The CT scan represents a cardiologist’s version of a mammogram in that it directly images the disease, and is a painless, noninvasive outpatient test which has an extremely high degree of accuracy. This enables the doctor to diagnose this silent killer earlier and as safely as possible. Radiation exposure exists but is kept to a minimum by using new dose modulation techniques.

Well known cardiologist Robert Chesne, M.D. of APEX Cardiology explains that “diagnosing coronary artery disease in women can be difficult to detect as the types of chest pain women have are not always the classic “crushing” chest pressure. Doctors have learned to be more complete in their diagnostic workup of both women with typical cardiac chest pain symptoms as well as those with atypical symptoms such as unexplained upper abdominal pain, shortness of breath, nausea and fatigue”.

APEX Cardiology in Inglewood, California is a nationally recognized leader in providing a full range of cardiology services including the 64-slice CT Scanner.

Heart Scan at Apex Cardiology

2007-09-13T17:11:00.000-07:00

The cardiologists and staff of Apex Cardiology are dedicated to improving the cardiovascular health of our community by focusing on the individual needs of each patient. As a result, we are continuously increasing our knowledge base and expanding our technology.

The focus of every activity at Apex Cardiology is on quality care. Our patients will experience a level of personal attention that treats them as valued and invited guests, not only meeting but exceeding their expectations.

State-of-the-Art 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. This breakthrough technology reveals the earliest signs of coronary artery disease without performing an invasive angiography procedure.

The system features the industry's fastest speed and highest resolution scanner. In just seconds, it can scan the entire heart in a single, brief breath-hold. With startling clarity, it reveals extraordinary details about the health of the heart and its blood vessels.

For patients, this means earlier detection of coronary heart disease enabling treatment to begin at a stage where it can be most effective.
Compassionate Care
The focus of every activity at Apex Cardiology is on quality care. Our patients will experience a level of personal attention that treats them as valued and invited guests, not only meeting but exceeding their expectations.

At Apex Cardiology, we're committed to enhancing the care of our patients by providing a comfortable, friendly outpatient setting.

From the warm greeting extended by our front desk staff to the detail and attention given by our cardiologists and nurses, each patient is treated with the utmost of care.

Our multi-board-certified cardiologists are on call 24 hours a day to provide emergency care. Plus, we have contracts with most local health plans.

Please note: not all tests are covered by insurance plans. We will verify on your behalf with your insurance plan before scheduling the test.
In order to make each patient's visit as pleasant as possible and to provide referring physicians with exceptional service, we offer:

Renowned expert physicians, multi-boarded in internal medicine, cardiovascular diseases, nuclear cardiology, interventional cardiology, and cardiac electrophysiology

Quick and friendly appointment scheduling within 24 hours

Easy facility access

Parking

24-hour report turnaround (when requested)

Film delivery (when requested)

Stat reports (when requested)

Report delivery via fax, email, mail or online via your web site

Patient privacy

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CT Scanner Showcase

2007-09-13T15:25:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday, June 5, 2007, APEX CARDIOLOGY hosted an OPEN HOUSE showcasing the LightSpeed 64 slice CT Scanner. Special guests included Los Angeles Laker Ronny Turiaf, Inglewood Chamber of Commerce President Roland Talton, General Electric's James Smith, Planning Commissioner George Dotson and distinguished members of the medical community.

APEX Cardiology was the proud sponsor of the Inglewood Business Opportunity Network Breakfast (IBON) on Thursday, January 25th at Hollywood Park Pavilion. Included in photograph are Inglewood Mayor Roosevelt Dorn, Assemblymember Curren Price, Councilman Ralph Franklin, Willie Brown, Publisher of Inglewood Today, and representing Apex Cardiology: Dr. Robert B. Chesne, Dr. Mason H. Weiss and Dr. Jack J. Farahi.

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