Summer 2023 7 Cardiac CT scan: A look inside your heart If your doctor needs to check your heart health, you won’t have to travel far for a test that can give you a clear picture. A CT (computed tomography) coronary angiogram uses x-rays and computers to create 3D images of the heart. The test can show, among other things, if artery-clogging plaque is building up in your heart. Your doctor might suggest a heart CT scan if you have symptoms of heart disease (such as chest pain) and an intermediate chance that heart disease is the cause of your discomfort, says Babatunde Komolafe, M.D., FACC, FSCAI, a cardiologist at Texas Health Mansfield. “We can see inside of the vessels if there’s a blockage or something else going on,” Dr. Komolafe says. To highlight your blood vessels, a contrast dye will be injected through an IV in your arm. The exam takes 30 to 60 minutes. If your CT scan finds a narrowed artery, you may need: ● A cardiac catheterization procedure done to improve blood flow to your heart ● Medications to help prevent further plaque buildup These procedures can both be done at Texas Health Mansfield. “If the test shows no blockages, then we know that most likely you don’t have heart disease,” Dr. Komolafe says. Calcium scoring Another type of heart scan at Texas Health Mansfield only looks for calcium deposits in your arteries. You may want this heart scan if you have heart disease risk factors but no symptoms. Measuring calcified plaque in your arteries can help predict your future heart attack risk. “Prevention is worth more than a pound of cure,” Dr. Komolafe says. Visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/Heart to learn more about our heart care services. tips for healthier eating Source: American Heart Association 10 If you’re confused about eating a healthy diet, here are some tips to get you started. Try making one or two of these changes at a time. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Choose more whole grains. Try eating plant proteins, like beans, more often. Choose lean, unprocessed meats. Feature fish (not fried) regularly on your menu. Switch to low- or nonfat dairy. Use healthier oils, like olive oil, for cooking. Limit sweets and sugary drinks. Cut back on salt and sodium. Eat fewer processed foods. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 8 10 EAT SWITCH LIMIT
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