Introduction
You have already heard about the dangers of heart disease as the leading cause of death for both men and women. You may even already be taking precautions to help safeguard your heart like eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet and focusing on regular exercise.
Well-known diagnostic tools such as EKGs, stress tests, and basic imaging tests serve a very important role in diagnosing and monitoring various heart conditions. However, they are not the only useful tests that a patient may need. Below are five preventative Heart screenings that you may not have heard of but that can tell you a lot about the health of your heart.
Coronary Calcium Scan
Everyone knows that calcium is important for the bones but far fewer realize its importance in predicting heart health. This particular test specifically detects calcium linked to plaque buildup in the arteries and gives physicians a clear measure of how much is present. This insight can give both patient and doctor a major heads up on potential risk for a heart attack or stroke and allow for early proactive treatment.
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Test (CIMT)
A CIMT is a screening test of the carotid artery that supplies blood to the head and brain. The test uses ultrasound technology to measure the thickness of the inner two layers of the artery known as the intima and the media. Studies have shown that abnormal thickness here links to coronary artery disease, and early detection indicates that doctors should better manage certain risk factors. In some cases, patients identified with high CIMT values may require further interventions, such as carotid angioplasty, to restore proper blood flow and reduce stroke risk.
High-Sensitivity C-reactive Protein Test (hs-CRP)
A physician may conduct a blood test to check the levels of CRP in the blood when they suspect an infection. However, a high-sensitivity C-reactive protein test can provide even greater insight and may help physicians evaluate a patient’s risk of developing coronary artery disease, as cholesterol plaque and damaged blood vessels cause inflammation.
Advanced Lipid Testing
Normal cholesterol testing measures three main factors in the blood: HDL, LDL and triglycerides. Elevated levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) indicate what many refer to as high cholesterol. However, this does not always give a complete picture. It is not just the number of LDL particles that matter, it is also their size. Research has indicated that those hwo have smaller, denser LDL particles are at a much greater risk of developing coronary artery disease. For this reason, advanced lipid testing to help determine particle size may also be recommended.
Low-Dose CT (LDCT) Lung Screening Exam
Smoking is a well-known contributor to the development of many heart conditions, including heart disease and, of course, lung cancer. As part of your health care team, your cardiologist may recommend a LDCT lung screening if you meet certain risk factors. This test is useful in the detection of lung cancer in its early stages, before symptoms present and while it is more easily treated. Those who are best suited for the exam are those between the ages of 55 and 74 wo as asymptomatic, current smokers or previous smokers who have quit within the past 15 years, and who smoked an average of one pack or more of cigarette per day for 30 years.
Expert Cardiologist – Dr. Mahesh Ghogare
Dr. Mahesh Ghogare has done his super specialization (DM Cardiology) in adult and pediatric cardiology from LTMMC and LTMGH, Sion Hospital, Mumbai. After that, he worked as Asst. Professor in the Department of Cardiology. Later, he joined the Seven Hills Hospital Health City, Andheri, where he mastered coronary angiographies and angioplasties through the radial route, a highly skilled technique. There, he performed more than 3,000 angiographies and over 500 angioplasties, mostly through the radial route.
Dr. Ghogare has numerous national and international publications to his credit. He has been invited as a guest speaker at multiple conferences, including a live television interview for public awareness. With extensive experience handling international patients, he is always ready to manage cardiac emergencies and provide comprehensive OPD consultations.
For expert cardiac care and advanced screening options, consult Dr. Mahesh Ghogare today.
