How are cardiovascular diseases is diagnosed?

Cardiovascular Disease

Arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease. It occurs when cholesterol builds up in your arteries, inhibiting blood flow. This can affect both the heart and the vascular system. When this happens in an artery of the heart, it can lead to a heart attack. When it occurs in the arteries or veins outside of the heart, it is called peripheral arterial disease or PAD. At Saint Agnes, we have a full range of methods to diagnose these diseases.

Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterization.

For this process, a catheter is inserted into the arteries of the hand or leg and guided into blood vessels or chambers in the heart. From there, the catheter can be used to take measurements and blood samples, or to insert a dye making the arteries and blood vessels appear in an imaging scan. This method is used to diagnose plaque build up in both the heart and the vascular system.

Vascular Screenings

The Vascular Screening Program at Saint Agnes utilizes three specific tests to develop a comprehensive picture of your vascular health. These quickly and painless tests can detect PAD before it causes a heart attack, aneurysm or stroke.

• Carotid Artery Ultrasound- The carotid arteries are arteries that are located in your neck and carry blood to your brain. This test uses ultrasound technology to view these arteries and determine if there is any build up of plaque that could lead to a stroke.
• Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound – This test uses ultrasound equipment to view your abdominal aorta which is the portion of your aorta, the largest artery in the body, that is located in your abdomen. This test determines your risk for an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
• Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) – This test utilizes a blood pressure cuff and ultrasound technology to determine the level of blood circulation in your legs.

Cardiac Screening

These non invasive studies help identify heart problems and irregularities so that appropriate treatment can be taken.

• 64-slice CT scan - Our 64-slice CT scanner provides precise images of the heart quickly by creating approximately 3,000 image slices in 10 seconds. These detailed images allow your physicians to see structures that may not be visible otherwise.
• Electrocardiography (EKG) – This test uses electrical currents that originate in the heart to provide a picture of the heart’s overall health.
• Exercise stress tests – During this test you will be asked to walk and perhaps run on a treadmill with an Electrocardiography (EKG) system hooked to you to monitor your heart. This test can be stopped at any time. After the test your blood pressure will be taken. This information is then utilized to determine the overall health of your heart.
   

More Information

Women's Heart Health Podcast

Recently Dr. Shannon Winakur was featured on the radio program, Women Talk Live to discuss the symptomatic differences between being stressed out and having a heart attack.  Dr. Winakur also provides valuable tips on how to prevent cardiovascular disease.  Click here to listen to Dr. Winakur's interview.

Heart Attack Warning Signs

If you see or have any of the following symptoms, call 911 immediately

• Chest discomfort
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body
• Shortness of breath

Stroke Warning Signs

If you see or have any of the following symptoms, call 911 immediately

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Provided by the American Heart Association.

 

Videos

Dr. Michael Zatina discusses vascular disease.

Dr. Carlos Ince discusses cardiovascular disease prevention.