In an angioplasty, the heart is accessed via the groin or the wrist, and doctors take pictures of the blood vessels that have narrowed. Watch Sam Kalioundji, MD, of West Hills Hospital, explain how coronary arteries are treated during the procedure.
Heart Health
Treat your heart right by eating healthy, staying active and managing your stress. Although some heart conditions are heredity, you can reduce your risk by keeping your cholesterol and blood pressure at healthy levels, avoiding tobacco products and losing some pounds if you are obese or overweight. A diet high in fiber, veggies and fruits is essential for a healthy heart. Vitamins and supplements, such as fish oil, may help reduce your cholesterol, which if too high can cause blockage in your arteries and lead to a heart attack. If you arteries are blocked, you may need a stent or cardiac angioplasty device to open your blood vessels, which can help prevent a heart attack. Because heart disease is the number one killer of adults in the U.S., taking care of your heart is essential for a long life. If you have a family history of heart disease, it is especially important for you to manage your hearts health.
Recently Answered
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1 AnswerA
Dr. Sam J. Kalioundji, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered on behalf of West Hills Hospital & Medical Center
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2 AnswersA
Southern Hills Hospital answeredSee All 2 AnswersAny symptoms like chest pain and palpitations, as well as a family history, may require you to visit a cardiologist.
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1 AnswerA
Dr. Sam J. Kalioundji, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered on behalf of West Hills Hospital & Medical Center
A decision on the number of stents used can be made based on the info gathered from an angioplasty. In this video, Sam Kalioundji, MD, of West Hills Hospital, explains three options for coronary artery disease treatment after an angioplasty.
Find out more about this DVD:
Is There a Limit to the Number of Stents That Can Be Placed in One Patient with Angioplasty?
Buy DVD -
1 AnswerA
Brigham and Women's Hospital answeredA resting radionuclide angiogram (RNA) is a type of nuclear medicine procedure that evaluates the heart's chambers in motion. The amount of the radionuclide (radioactive tracer) injected into your vein for the procedure is small enough that there is no need for precautions against radioactive exposure. The injection of the radionuclide may cause some sight discomfort. Allergic reactions to the radionuclide are rare.
If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, you should notify your physician due to the risk of injury to the fetus from radionuclide angiography. Radiation exposure during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. If you are lactating or breastfeeding, you should notify your physician due to the risk of contaminating breast milk with the radionuclide.
Patients who are allergic to or sensitive to medications, contrast dyes, iodine, or latex should notify their physician. There may be other risks depending upon your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your physician prior to the procedure. Nicotine in cigarettes may cause spasm in the coronary arteries, which could affect the test results. -
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Brigham and Women's Hospital answeredAfter a resting radionuclide angiogram (RNA) -- a type of nuclear medicine procedure that evaluates the heart's chambers in motion -- you should move slowly when getting up from the scanner table to avoid any dizziness or lightheadedness from lying flat for the length of the procedure.
You will be instructed to drink plenty of fluids and empty your bladder frequently for 24 to 48 hours after the test to help flush the remaining radionuclide from your body.
The intravenous (IV) site will be checked for any signs of redness or swelling. If you notice any pain, redness, and/or swelling at the IV site after you return home following your procedure, you should notify your physician as this may indicate an infection or other type of reaction.
Your physician may give you additional or alternate instructions after the procedure, depending on your particular situation. -
1 AnswerA
Brigham and Women's Hospital answeredA resting and exercise radionuclide angiogram (RNA) is a type of nuclear medicine procedure that evaluates the heart's chambers in motion. Before the procedure:
- Your physician will explain the procedure to you and offer you the opportunity to ask any questions that you might have about the procedure.
- You will be asked to sign a consent form that gives your permission to do the test. Read the form carefully and ask questions if something is not clear.
- Generally, no prior preparation, such as fasting or sedation, is required. In some cases, smoking cigarettes may be restricted two or three hours before testing.
- If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, you should notify your physician.
- Notify your physician of all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and herbal supplements that you are taking.
- Notify the technologist or physician if you are allergic to or sensitive to medications, local anesthesia, contrast dyes, iodine, or latex.
- Notify your physician if you have a pacemaker.
- Based upon your medical condition, your physician may request other specific preparation.
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1 AnswerA
Brigham and Women's Hospital answeredA resting and exercise radionuclide angiogram (RNA) is a type of nuclear medicine procedure that evaluates the heart's chambers in motion. The amount of the radionuclide injected into your vein for the procedure is small enough that there is no need for precautions against radioactive exposure. The injection of the radionuclide may cause some slight discomfort. Allergic reactions to the radionuclide are rare.
If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, you should notify your physician due to the risk of injury to the fetus from radionuclide angiography. Radiation exposure during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. If you are lactating or breastfeeding, you should notify your physician due to the risk of contaminating breast milk with the radionuclide.
Patients who are allergic to or sensitive to medications, contrast dyes, iodine, tape, or latex should notify their physician. There may be other risks depending upon your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your physician prior to the procedure. Nicotine in cigarettes may cause spasm in the coronary arteries, which could affect the test results. -
1 AnswerA
Brigham and Women's Hospital answeredA resting radionuclide angiogram (RNA) is a type of nuclear medicine procedure that evaluates the heart's chambers in motion. Before the procedure:
- Your physician will explain the procedure to you and offer you the opportunity to ask any questions that you might have about the procedure.
- You will be asked to sign a consent form that gives your permission to do the test. Read the form carefully and ask questions if something is not clear.
- Generally, no prior preparation, such as fasting or sedation, is required. In some cases, smoking cigarettes may be restricted two or three hours before testing.
- If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, you should notify your physician.
- Notify your physician of all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and herbal supplements that you are taking.
- Notify the technologist or physician if you are allergic to or sensitive to medications, local anesthesia, contrast dyes, iodine, or latex.
- Notify your physician if you have a pacemaker.
- Based upon your medical condition, your physician may request other specific preparation.
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3 AnswersA
Coliseum Medical Centers answeredSee All 3 AnswersCatheters provide a surgery-free solution for blocked arteries. A catheter, instead of open heart surgery, is used to return blood flow back to a blocked artery.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredSee All 3 AnswersSoy is good for your heart. One study suggests that eating foods that contain isoflavones (like soy products) every day may help young adults, particularly African Americans, lower their blood pressure. It is thought that the isoflavones work by encouraging your body to produce nitric oxide, which helps to dilate blood vessels and reduce the pressure created by blood against the vessel walls.
Whole soy foods contain high levels of healthy protein and fiber. Fiber helps to reduce bad cholesterol. Plus, soy is a much better source of protein for your heart than animal-derived foods that are rich in saturated fats.
This content originally appeared on doctoroz.com