Heart Health Beyond Symptoms: How Cardiac CT Imaging Can Help You Understand Your Risk. (08) 9544 3999
This is why understanding your individual risk is an important part of long-term heart health. Factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking and family history can increase the likelihood of developing coronary artery disease.
For appropriately selected patients, Cardiac CT Imaging at Butler Medical Imaging can provide detailed information about the heart and coronary arteries, helping healthcare professionals better understand cardiovascular health and determine whether further assessment may be appropriate.
Why Heart Health Matters Even When You Feel Well
It is easy to assume that a healthy-feeling heart means there is nothing to worry about. However, cardiovascular disease can develop gradually over many years.
Plaque can accumulate within the walls of the coronary arteries. This process, known as atherosclerosis, may occur before noticeable symptoms develop.
Some important cardiovascular risk factors include:
High blood pressure: Persistent hypertension can place additional strain on the heart and blood vessels.
High cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol levels can contribute to plaque formation in the arteries.
Diabetes: Diabetes can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Smoking: Tobacco use is a major risk factor for heart and blood vessel disease.
Family history: Having close family members with heart disease may increase your risk.
Age: Cardiovascular risk generally increases as people get older.
Physical inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to several heart disease risk factors.
Excess weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the likelihood of conditions associated with cardiovascular disease.
Having one or more of these factors does not necessarily mean that you have heart disease. However, it is worth discussing your individual risk with your doctor.
What Is Cardiac CT Imaging?
Cardiac CT uses computed tomography technology to create detailed images of the heart and surrounding blood vessels.
Depending on the clinical question and the type of examination requested, cardiac CT may provide information about structures such as the coronary arteries and can assist healthcare professionals in evaluating certain cardiovascular conditions.
Unlike a traditional X-ray, CT creates multiple cross-sectional images that can be reconstructed into detailed views of the body's internal structures.
Cardiac CT Imaging at Butler Medical Imaging may be recommended when your doctor believes cardiac imaging could provide useful information as part of your assessment.
The specific type of cardiac CT you require will depend on your symptoms, medical history, risk factors, and your referring doctor's clinical assessment.
What Can Cardiac CT Help Assess?
Cardiac CT can be used for different clinical purposes depending on the examination performed.
It may assist doctors in assessing:
Calcified plaque within coronary arteries
Certain abnormalities involving the heart and surrounding structures
The anatomy of the coronary arteries
Cardiovascular risk in appropriately selected patients
Certain causes of suspected coronary artery disease
One commonly known examination is a coronary artery calcium score, which estimates the amount of calcified plaque within the coronary arteries.
Other forms of cardiac CT may involve more detailed imaging of the coronary arteries. Your doctor or radiology provider can explain which examination is appropriate for your circumstances.
Who May Need Cardiac CT Imaging?
Cardiac CT is not automatically required for everyone. Your doctor will consider your medical history and cardiovascular risk before recommending an examination.
You may be considered for cardiac imaging if you have certain risk factors or if your doctor needs more information about your coronary arteries.
Factors that may influence the decision include:
A strong family history of heart disease
Current or previous smoking
Other cardiovascular risk factors
Results from previous medical examinations
Particular symptoms or clinical concerns
It is important to remember that imaging is only one component of assessing heart health. Your doctor may also consider blood tests, blood pressure, lifestyle factors, medical history and other examinations.
Cardiac CT and Prevention: Know Your Risk
One of the most important messages about heart health is that prevention should not begin only after symptoms appear.
If you have cardiovascular risk factors, talking with your doctor can help you understand what steps may be appropriate.
Your healthcare professional may recommend lifestyle changes such as:
Eating a balanced, heart-friendly diet
Maintaining a healthy weight
Avoiding tobacco products
Limiting other lifestyle factors that may increase cardiovascular risk
Cardiac CT Imaging at Butler Medical Imaging can form part of an appropriate cardiovascular assessment when requested by your healthcare professional.
Your Heart Health Matters Today, Tomorrow and Beyond
You do not have to wait until something feels wrong to start taking your heart health seriously.
Understanding your risk factors, having regular health checks and discussing appropriate investigations with your doctor can help you take a proactive approach to cardiovascular health.
If your doctor has recommended cardiac CT, Cardiac CT Imaging at Butler Medical Imaging can provide valuable imaging information to support your healthcare team's assessment.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you have cardiovascular risk factors or your doctor has recommended cardiac imaging, speak with your healthcare professional about whether a cardiac CT examination is suitable for you.
Please ensure that you have your Medicare card and referral with you and pop into our location for your consultation. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact us on +61 8 9544 3999 as we are here to help.
Additional Recommendation
“This information is general in nature and does not replace medical advice. Suitability for procedures should be discussed with your referring doctor or specialist.
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