There are two types of heart CT (computed tomography) scans:One type, a CT coronary calcium scan, does not use dye and checks for calcium buildup in the arteries. A second type, called a CT angiogram, requires dye and can give an estimate of the…
What You Should Know About Stress Tests
Exercise stress tests are widely used to check for strain on the heart caused by blocked arteries.
The earliest developed type of stress test involves running on a treadmill while connected to an ECG, (heart tracing). Exercise places a high demand on the heart because …
Blood Tests That Go Beyond Routine Cholesterol Checks
What If You Have a Family History of Heart Disease Yet Were Told You Have a Normal Cholesterol Level?
For individuals with reason for special concern, especially those with a strong family history of heart disease who appear to have unremarkable levels on standard cholesterol …
Who is at Risk for a Heart Attack?
A headline reported that “President Trump Has Common Form of Heart Disease,” while a more reserved assessment read, “Trump’s Physical Revealed Serious Heart Concerns, Outside Experts Say.”
No doubt that the health of our chief executive merits special scrutiny. But as a preventive cardiologist, I …
Dying With Normal Lab Values
Good lab results can be dangerous.
Now, don’t get me wrong: “normal” is the preferred result for your blood work, x-ray, or stress test. The problem with “normal” is not the finding itself, but more the false sense of security that it can impart.
On the subject …