February 18th, 2010 by masonweiss
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.
Tags: 64 slice CT heart scan, ct heart scan, Full Body Scan, Los Angeles Cardiologist
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January 27th, 2010 by masonweiss
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.
Tags: 64 slice ct scan, cardiologist, Full Body Scan, Los Angeles Cardiologist
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December 23rd, 2009 by masonweiss
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.
Tags: 64 slice ct scan, cardiologist, ct heart scan, Full Body Scan, Los Angeles Cardiologist, Los Angeles cardiology
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November 19th, 2009 by masonweiss
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.
Tags: cardiologist, ct heart scan, Full Body Scan, Los Angeles Cardiologist
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October 15th, 2009 by masonweiss
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.
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August 12th, 2009 by masonweiss
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.
Tags: cardiologist, ct heart scan, Full Body Scan, Los Angeles Cardiologist
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July 23rd, 2009 by masonweiss
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.
Tags: cardiologist, ct heart scan, Full Body Scan, Los Angeles Cardiologist
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