What is Coronary CTA?
Coronary CTA is a revolutionary new method for evaluating the heart and coronary arteries. If you're an individual at risk for heart disease, this simple 15-minute test will generate high-resolution images of your heart and blood vessels. A Coronary CTA clearly shows blockages that may lead to a heart attack. Prior to the development of this technology, only an invasive and expensive cardiac catherization could show this level of detail.
Unlike prior noninvasive heart screening tests, a Coronary CTA can accurately show both calcified and soft cholesterol plaques in your arteries, and determine the presence and severity of blood flow obstruction. Soft plaques are the most common cause of heart attacks and are not detectable by other noninvasive screening tests.
By undergoing a Coronary CTA you'll know exactly where you stand in regards to your heart health. If no abnormalities are found, you can rest assured that you have a very low risk of a heart attack in the near future. If the exam confirms the presence of calcified or soft plaques, you will receive a comprehensive analysis of their extent and severity. Your physician can then determine if any additional tests or treatment may be necessary. Many people find the test results to be a strong motivator in making real and lasting lifestyle changes.
Risk factors for which Coronary Artery CTA may be beneficial:
- A family history of heart disease
- An elevated calcium score from a conventional CT Heart Scan
- A history of smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Men over 45
- Women over 55 or postmenopausal
- Diabetes
- Positive C-reactive protein
- Sedentary lifestyle
If you already know that you have heart problems, a Coronary CTA can be useful in:
- Determining if unexplained symptoms are because of plaque in your arteries
- Following up on other inconclusive heart tests
- Checking on the status of bypass grafts after surgery
- Determining whether arteries remain dilated and stents open after angioplasty
Why is Cardiovascular Disease Important?
- 80 million Americans have Cardiovascular Disease
- 1.1 million people in the U.S. will have a heart attack this year
- Over half that number will have a stroke
- Half of all heart attacks are fatal
- Every 60 seconds, an American suffers a fatal heart attack
- 80% of first-time heart attack victims have no previous warning
- Heart disease can be effectively managed through lifestyle modifications, medications or surgery
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