Did you know that approximately 695,000 Americans die from heart disease every year? In fact, heart disease is the current leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. At South Tampa Cardiology, we aim to change that with advanced cardiac imaging. Through technology such as the Arineta SpotLight™ CT scanner, we can detect heart disease early and implement strategies to improve your health. Let’s take a closer look at what this technology is, how it works and how our preventative cardiologist can help you manage your heart health.
What is Advanced Cardiac Imaging and How Does It Help With Early Detection?
Advanced cardiac imaging uses medical technology to produce detailed images of the heart, as well as the coronaries, valves, chambers and myocardium. With these visuals, cardiologists can detect a variety of heart abnormalities, including the following:
- Inflammation and scarring
- Congenital heart defects
- Masses and tumors
- Heart muscle and chamber function issues
- Coronary artery disease (CAD)
The Benefits of Preventative Cardiology and Early Diagnosis
The primary benefit of preventative cardiology is early diagnosis. The sooner you identify heart problems, the sooner you can treat them. In addition to prompt care, it offers the following benefits:
- Diagnosis of related conditions: Advanced cardiac imaging doesn’t just help detect heart disease; it also identifies relevant risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. By catching and managing these conditions early, you can reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Enhanced mental health: Along with treating physical conditions, preventative cardiology assists with mental wellness. Worrying about your heart health can be stressful (which, ironically, puts more strain on your heart). Scheduling an appointment can give you valuable peace of mind and address any current concerns.
- Cost savings: Catching and treating heart disease early lowers the risk of needing costly treatments, interventions and hospitalizations down the line.
- Improved overall health: When it comes to treating heart disease, imaging is just one step. The rest involves a combination of professional treatments and lifestyle changes. Preventative cardiology can encourage patients to make those changes, leading to a longer, healthier life.
Who Should Consult a Preventative Cardiologist?
Anyone seeking a better understanding of their heart health should consult a preventative cardiologist. That being said, some people are more at risk than others. You may have a higher risk of developing heart disease if you meet the following conditions:
- You have a family history of heart disease
- You have a related medical condition (such as high blood pressure or diabetes)
- You have a sedentary lifestyle
- You have an unhealthy diet
- You smoke regularly or have a substance use disorder
Revolutionizing Heart Health with the Arineta SpotLight™ CT Scanner
Now that you know the benefits of early detection, you might be wondering: How does it work? The process itself is relatively simple — all you have to do is lie down on a bed and let the scanner collect images. Once it’s done, the cardiologist will examine the images and inform you of the results.
It’s important to note that not all scanners are made equal. At South Tampa Cardiology, we take heart health seriously, which is why we only use the best technology. We offer the Arineta SpotLight™ CT scanner: the world’s first whole-heart, single-beat dedicated CT scanner. This one-of-a-kind technology is recognized for the following benefits:
- High accuracy: The SpotLight™ provides highly detailed, 3D images of coronary arteries, valves, chambers and myocardium, all in a single heartbeat. More specifically, it uses the EPIQ 7 system, which provides optimal resolution down to each pixel.
- Low radiation: Compared to other scanners, ours uses significantly lower doses of radiation. This helps ensure patient safety and allows us to capture more images than we would otherwise.
- Increased comfort: To collect accurate images, many cardiologists inject contrast material into the patient’s bloodstream or give them beta-blockers to slow their heart rate. Our scanner eliminates the need for these materials, leading to a more comfortable (and effective) experience.
Cardiac CT Scans in Tampa: The Power of SpotLight™ Technology for Safer Imaging
Looking for a high-quality cardiac CT scan in Tampa? Whether you’re experiencing heart symptoms or just want peace of mind, the experts at South Tampa Cardiology are here to help. Not only do we have one of the world’s most advanced cardiac scanners, but we also offer a highly experienced team.
Our team includes Dr. Morales, who is both a preventative cardiologist and imaging specialist. Thanks to his double certification, you can rest assured that you’ll receive an extremely accurate diagnosis, along with top-notch care. Our goal is to develop personalized, life-saving plans designed for your unique heart. Contact us today to get started!