Cardiac CatheterizationCardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive way to diagnose and treat a variety of heart and vascular conditions by guiding thin, flexible tubes called catheters through blood vessels to problem areas. Show
Chest X-rayChest X-rays use a small dose of radiation to create pictures of the structures inside the chest, including the lungs, heart, and chest wall. Computerized Tomography (CT) ScanThe cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels. EchocardiogramAn echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your heart. Electrocardiogram (ECG)An electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG, measures the heart’s electrical activity. Fractional Flow ReserveFractional flow reserve, also known as FFR, is a measurement of how well blood can flow through the coronary arteries. Narrowing or blockages in these arteries can lead to a heart attack without treatment. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets, and computer technology to create images of your heart and blood vessels. Stress TestsStress tests are used to assess how your heart works during physical activity. There are several types of stress tests, including treadmill or bike stress tests, nuclear stress tests, stress echocardiograms, and chemically induced stress tests. When your doctor tells you that you have calcified
arteries, it is usually after you have had a coronary calcification scan. This is a type of X-ray that can show how much calcium has built up in the blood vessels of your heart. This is important because how much calcium you have in your arteries is one of the strongest indicators for your risk of having a heart attack in the future. So knowing this helps doctors decide the best course of
treatment for you. Calcium is a sign of how much fatty build-up (plaque) is in your arteries, because this build-up contains calcium. Plaques in the arteries of your heart are the main cause of heart attacks. If a piece of plaque breaks off a blood clot can form around it, blocking the flow of blood and the oxygen supply to your heart. This can damage the heart muscle, and can be life threatening. You have probably heard of the term ‘hardening of the arteries’ – this is the same
thing as calcification. The calcium forms hard crystals in the blood vessel wall. Our studies in the laboratory have shown that the calcium deposits in arteries form because the muscle cells in the blood vessel wall start to change into bone-like cells when they are old or diseased. The calcium deposits in your arteries are not related to your diet or any supplements you may be taking. They occur because the cells in your blood vessels are not working as they should. They can be a
sign of heart disease, or simply of getting older. So what can you do if you are told you have calcified arteries? Firstly, take any medications that you have been prescribed by your doctor. This is extra important if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol,
diabetes or kidney failure, as these conditions can accelerate the build-up of plaque and calcium in arteries. Taking exercise and eating a healthy diet will help to keep your arteries healthy. Finally, don’t panic. Measuring calcium is a test that lets you know it’s time to look after your heart. Simple lifestyle changes can go a long way to slowing down the hardening of your arteries. Published June 2021 Meet the expertCathy Shanahan is Professor of Cellular Signalling at King's College, London. More useful informationDiagnosisCoronary artery disease FAQsMayo Clinic cardiologist Stephen Kopecky, M.D., answers the most frequently asked questions about coronary artery disease (CAD).
Hi, I'm Dr. Steve Kopecky, a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic. And I'm here to answer some of the important questions you may have about coronary artery disease. Many small changes can lead to great benefit over time. Remember that nothing you do to improve your health is ever too little. And nothing you do to improve your health is ever too late. Cholesterol is always involved in the initiation of the narrowing of the arteries to the heart. And every plaque or narrowing of your arteries contains cholesterol. It is essential to control the cholesterol in order to optimally lower your chance of a heart attack. Yes. All the studies that have shown regression of arterial narrowing have done three things. First, take care of the obvious factors like high blood pressure, smoking and high cholesterol. Second, address diet and physical activity. And third, help patients manage stress. No. Half of the time, the first symptom a person has of coronary artery disease is actually a heart attack. And half of these heart attacks are fatal. So overall, for one out of four people, the first symptom is what we term sudden cardiac death. No. Studies have shown that even if your cholesterol is well control with medicines, if you do not eat a healthy diet, your heart attack, stroke, and death rate is not significantly reduced. Yes. Since your heart beats one hundred thousand times a day, even mild elevations of blood pressure above 130 over 80 can cause significant health problems, including heart attacks, strokes and heart failure. I tell people they have a new part-time job called Your Health. In part of this is knowing what medicines you're on, what doses you're taking and why you're taking these medicines. Also very helpful, check your blood pressure regularly. Check your weight regularly at home. If any questions arise about your health, put them in your smartphone, so you'll have them the next time you have your visit with your doctor. Never hesitate to ask your medical team any questions or concerns you have. Being informed makes all the difference. Thanks for your time and we wish you well. To diagnose coronary artery disease, a health care provider will examine you. You'll likely be asked questions about your medical history and any symptoms. Blood tests are usually done to check your overall health. TestsTest to help diagnose or monitor coronary artery disease include:
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TreatmentTreatment for coronary artery disease usually involves lifestyle changes such as not smoking, eating healthy and exercising more. Sometimes, medications and procedures are needed. MedicationsThere are many drugs available to treat coronary artery disease, including:
Surgeries or other proceduresSometimes, surgery is needed to fix a blocked artery. Some options are:
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Clinical trialsExplore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. Lifestyle and home remediesMaking certain lifestyle changes can help keep the arteries healthy and can prevent or slow coronary artery disease. Try these heart-healthy tips:
Regular medical checkups are important. Some of the main risk factors for coronary artery disease — high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes — have no symptoms in the early stages. Early detection and treatment can help you maintain better heart health. Alternative medicineOmega-3 fatty acids are a type of unsaturated fatty acid. It's thought that they can lower inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation has been linked to coronary artery disease. However, the pros and cons of omega-3 fatty acids for heart disease continue to be studied. Sources of omega-3 fatty acids include:
Other supplements may help lower blood pressure or cholesterol — two risk factors for coronary artery disease. Some that may be effective are:
Always talk to a health care provider before taking herbs, supplements or medications bought without a prescription. Some drugs and supplements can interfere with other drugs. Preparing for your appointmentIf you have symptoms of coronary artery disease or any risk factors, make an appointment with your health care provider. You may be referred to a heart specialist (cardiologist). Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment and to know what to expect from your doctor. What you can do
Questions to ask your health care provider at your first appointment include:
If you're referred to a heart doctor (cardiologist) for coronary artery disease, you may want to ask these questions:
Don't hesitate to ask additional questions about your condition. What to expect from your doctorA health care provider who sees you for coronary artery disease may ask:
What you can do in the meantimeIt's never too early to make healthy lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating healthy foods and getting more exercise. These habits protect against coronary artery disease and its complications, including heart attack and stroke. What can be done for severe coronary artery calcification?The mainstay of treatment is lifestyle changes that can help slow the progression of coronary calcification. These can include smoking cessation, weight loss, alcohol abstinence, along with controlling blood pressure, blood sugar, and lipid levels.
Can you live with severe coronary artery calcification?Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is treatable, but there is no cure. This means that once diagnosed with CAD, you have to learn to live with it for the rest of your life. By lowering your risk factors and losing your fears, you can live a full life despite CAD.
What does severe calcification of the coronary arteries mean?A potential early indicator of heart disease
Coronary calcification occurs when calcium builds up in the plaque found in the walls of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. The presence of coronary calcification can be an early sign of coronary artery disease, which can cause a heart attack.
Can calcified arteries be repaired?Calcification in coronary artery disease can be reversed by EDTA-tetracycline long-term chemotherapy. Pathophysiology.
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