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05/May/2025

Abstract

The blog examines pediatric heart rate development by showing parents and caregivers which heart rate patterns should raise concern for specific child age groups. This discussion explains changes in heart rate that occur in child development and covers potential rate-altering variables, together with symptoms of heart issues and guidelines for seeking medical help. This article provides research-based data on queries regarding child cardiovascular health.

Introduction

Are you aware that your palm detects far more rapid heartbeats in your child’s chest? The fast heartbeats which could worry an adult are natural and healthy for children. Children possess distinct heart dynamics from adults since their hearts remain more diminutive and show higher operational effectiveness with faster heart rates throughout the system. Knowledge about how heart rates should naturally change according to age stages enables parents to detect normal variations from unsafe cardiac conditions.

The human heart structures of children show continuous modifications through their age-related development. The resting heart rate of a newborn ranges from 70 to 190 times per minute, but this rhythm will decrease as their physical development brings them to adolescence, then adulthood. Children undergo a natural growth of body functions that matches their evolving physiology and metabolic requirements.

What Does a Normal Heart Rate Look Like in Children of Different Ages?

First, we need to recognise a dangerous heart rate. Heart rate during rest in a child depends on their age:

Age Group Normal Resting Heart Rate
Newborns (0-1 month) 70-190
Infants (1-11 months) 80-160
Toddlers (1-2 years) 80-130
Preschoolers (3-4 years) 70-110
School-age (5-12 years) 70-100

 

The ranges above correspond with typical resting heart rate values for healthy children as noted by the American Heart Association and further confirmed by a centrally reviewed Paediatrics article (Fleming et al., 2011). 

What Parents Should Be Concerned About When Their Child Has A Heart Rate?

When the normal heart rate ranges are considered, what should a parent start to worry about? Heart rates normally become a concern when they fall outside normal age expectations or when there are other symptoms as well.

Potential Warning Signs

These may indicate a dangerous heart rate:

  • Heart rate consistently above the upper limit for your child’s age
  • Lethargic for your child and heart rate below the lower limit
  • Irregular heart rhythm or “skipped” beats
  • Failure of the heart rate to respond appropriately to activity or after a period of rest.
  • Symptoms that accompany dizziness, fainting, chest pain, and unusual fatigue

Left untreated, persistent tachycardia (abnormally fast heart rate) can cause cardiac remodelling and cause patients to channel Dittany of Crete through the pulse (Gopinathannair et al., 2015). It emphasises the value of seeing if symptoms are developing.

What Factors Affect a Child’s Heart Rate, and what are some Measures to take?

Age is not the only variable that determines what should be normal for your child’s heart rate. Many physiological and environmental factors cause temporary fluctuations that do not have to be dangerous.

Normal Factors That Increase Heart Rate

  • Physical activity and exercise
  • Emotional states (excitement, fear, anxiety)
  • Fever 
  • Certain medications
  • Dehydration

Measures to keep in mind if your child experiences an abnormal heart rate

  • Visiting your doctor on a regular basis functions similarly to providing your heart with a performance evaluation. 
  • During visits, a doctor measures heart rhythm and monitors heart changes.
  •  The tests ensure strong heart performance by monitoring your heart health.
  • Heart scanning at ViaScan uses special equipment to photograph the heart while causing patients no pain.

 When to Visit ViaScan?

If you have concerns about your heart condition, you should speak with your doctor who treats you regularly. ViaScan can tell you if the ViaScan heart imaging has any value. Your body depends on your heart muscle for its operation, therefore making it vital to maintain heart health for future athletic and recreational activities.

What Medical Conditions Influence Heart Rate? 

  • Anemia
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Infections
  • Congenital heart conditions
  • Certain genetic disorders

How Can Parents Monitor Their Child’s Heart Rate at Home?

It is important to know how to properly check the heart rate of your child to get an idea of how their heart is working.

Methods for Measuring Heart Rate

Pulse Palpation

Brachial pulse (on the inside of the arm) for infants

For children over 6 years old, check the wrist (radial pulse) or neck (carotid pulse).

Multiply 4 times the count for 15 seconds.

Digital Monitors

Pulse oximeters

Digital blood pressure monitors with pulse reading

Smartwatches or fitness trackers 

Smartphone Apps

There are plenty of validated apps that can detect heart rate using the phone’s camera.

ViaScan’s Heart-Screening

ViaScan identifies heart complications when they begin, as it detects heart problems. The screening service provides valuable protection to people with a family history of heart disease.

Heart scans are painless for patients. There are no needles or scary things. The machine performs its procedure by capturing heart pictures as the patient lies down. After identifying any unusual findings during a scan, doctors will develop individual treatment plans specifically directed at preserving heart health.

When Does Immediate Medical Attention Need to Be Granted?

However, some of these heart rate abnormalities need to be evaluated quickly by a doctor. Parents should be particularly alert to such scenarios.

When to Call the Doctor?

  • When resting, the heart rate is above the upper limit of the heart rate of your child’s age group.
  • Not returning to normal ranges of heart rate 20 minutes after activity stops.
  • We presume irregular heartbeat or palpitations that do not go away.
  • Chest pain with or without feeling faint, with or without breathing problems

When to Seek Emergency Care?

  • This had extremely high heart rates without an apparent cause.
  • Or lethargy and confusion, or poor colour with heart rates below the lower limit.
  • Any significant heart rhythm abnormality with symptoms like chest pain, severe dizziness, or loss of consciousness
  • It is accompanied by severe difficulty breathing, and it includes heart rate changes.

What Help Can Parents Give to Children for Healthy Heart Development?

Besides monitoring heart rate, parents can do things to encourage good heart health in children.

Heart-Healthy Habits for Children

  • Regular physical activity appropriate for age
  • Balanced nutrition with limited processed foods
  • Adequate sleep
  • Techniques to help you handle stress in an older child
  • Regular preventive healthcare

Choose Our Preventive Heart Scan

Early Detection Saves Lives!

    • Accurate
    • Quick Result
    • Affordable

Conclusion 

Understanding what constitutes a normal versus dangerous heart rate for your child doesn’t need to be anxiety-inducing. Having age-appropriate ranges and knowing what your children’s normal levels are will allow you to approach this aspect of their health with a sense of comfort rather than concern.

ViaScan offers advanced screening options that may provide additional peace of mind for parents, especially if they are highly concerned about cardiovascular health. While your child’s paediatrician is the person to see if your child needs a check-up, there is always a foundation for monitoring and maintaining your child’s heart health through their growing years.


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28/Apr/2025

Overview

This blog explores what is considered a dangerous heart rate for a woman, how heart rates differ between men and women, age-related changes, and the impact of lifestyle and hormonal factors. Learn how to recognize warning signs, understand what your heart rate is telling you, and when to seek medical care from cardiac specialists like ViaScan.

Introduction

A fist-sized powerhouse beating 100,000 times a day, the heart drives life-sustaining blood throughout our bodies. However, how many of us really comprehend exactly what our heart rate is saying about women’s health in particular?

So, what is considered a normal heart rate for a woman versus a dangerous one? When should it result in a call to your doctor? What about a person’s age, fitness level, and hormonal changes, and whether these are suitable?

We will go through everything you need to know about women’s heart rates, from understanding the numbers to recognising warning signs that must not be neglected.

What Is Considered a Normal Heart Rate for a Woman?

At rest, the normal woman’s heart rate tends to be anywhere from 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). This is what is known as your resting heart rate, the pulse you would get when you are not just relaxed but also sitting or lying down, and not having just done a piece of exercise.

While it is known that women tend to have higher resting heart rates than men, a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that women have slightly faster baseline heart rates than men.

What are some factors affecting normal heart rate?

Age-Related Variations

Your normal heart rate changes throughout your lifespan:

Age Group Average Resting Heart Rate (bpm)
Newborns 100-160
Infants 90-150
Children (1-10) 70-120
Adolescents 60-100
Adult women 60-100
Senior women (65+) 60-100 (may trend lower)

 

Fitness and Heart Rate

Physical fitness significantly impacts resting heart rate. Well-conditioned female athletes generally have resting heart rates between 40 and 60 bpm since their hearts are strong and efficient. This is a sign of cardiovascular health in this population, and it would not be concerning if this were at a lower rate in less athletic individuals.

When Does a Heart Rate Become Dangerous for Women?

Usually, there are two categories of dangerous heart rate for women: tachycardia (too fast) and bradycardia (too slow).

Tachycardia: When Fast Becomes Dangerous

Tachycardia is the condition of having a heart rate above 100 bpm at rest. Research published in the European Heart Journal found that persistent tachycardia can be notably concerning in women since such arrhythmia may be suggestive of underlying conditions that plague women more widely, such as thyroid disorders or specific types of structural heart disease (Magnani et al., 2018)

 https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehy057

Types of tachycardia include:

Sinus tachycardia: A nodal heart rate rise from the sinoatrial node (natural pacemaker of the heart).

  • Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT): A tachycardia in which the origin is above the ventricles.
  • Ventricular tachycardia: Rapid heartbeat that is dangerous to the ventricles

Irregular and often rapid heart rate that increases stroke risk; At this point, it is called atrial fibrillation

Look out for any of these warning signs that your fast heart may be dangerous.

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness
  • Fainting or near-fainting episodes
  • Palpitations that do not stop when you are still, as your resting heart rate should.

Bradycardia: When Slow Signals Trouble

Bradycardia refers to a resting heart rate below 60 bpm. This is normal for athletes or when sleeping, but can be dangerous if it occurs along with symptoms or under other circumstances.

Concerning symptoms of bradycardia include:

  • Unusual fatigue or weakness
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Confusion or difficulty concentrating
  • Fainting spells
  • Shortness of breath

How Do Hormones Affect a Woman’s Heart Rate?

The heart rate changes differently in a female body due to unique hormonal fluctuations in the female body.

Menstrual Cycle Effects

Many studies show that heart rate variability differs with the menstrual cycle. Rates typically increase during the luteal phase, days 14-28, versus the follicular phase, days 1-13. 

Pregnancy and Heart Rate

The American Heart Association says a woman’s normal heart rate usually goes up by 10–20 beats per minute while pregnant. This increased cardiac output supports the development of the fetus. This elevation is normal but not dangerous unless something concerning accompanies it.

Menopause Transition

Perimenopause and menopause are accompanied by hormonal shifts, which result in palpitations and episodes of tachycardia. Research in the journal Menopause has indicated that 40% of women reported heart palpitations during this life transition (Thurston et al., 2016)

 https://doi.org/10.1097/gme.0b013e31823fe835).

How Do Temporary Dangerous Heart Rates Occur?

Temporary changes in heart rate, rises and drops, can result from several potentially dangerous situations.

  • Rapid heart rate can occur due to dehydration as your body works to maintain blood pressure.
  • Fever: The increase in heart rate per given degree (F) of fever is about 10 bpm.
  • Certain medications affect the heart rate significantly: Some, including cold and allergy preparations, can reduce it, and in some cases, drastically so
  • Acute anxiety or panic attacks: These can lead to heart rates going up to 160 to 180 bpm
  • Also, stimulant use: caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, etc., can dangerously elevate heart rate.

Even brief episodes of extreme heart rate elevation are linked to a higher risk of cardiac events in women.  

How to Measure Your Heart Rate Effectively?

A considerable amount of progress has been made in self-monitoring heart rate:

Manual Pulse Checking

The radial pulse or carotid pulse is located by placing your index and middle finger on your wrist where the pulse is just above your palm or on your neck, near your throat.

  • Count the beats for 15 seconds.
  • Multiply by 4 to arrive at the beats per minute.

Technology-Assisted Monitoring

  • Fitness trackers and smartwatches
  • Home blood pressure monitors with pulse reading
  • Dedicated heart rate monitoring apps
  • Consumer ECG devices

When to Record Your Heart Rate?

  • Morning (resting rate before activity)
  • During and after exercise
  • When experiencing symptoms
  • Tracking for your doctor is the same time every day.

When Should I See a Doctor About My Heart Rate?

See a doctor if you have:

  • Sustained resting heart rate above 120 bpm or below 50 bpm (except for the athlete)
  • Irregular heart rhythms, especially with symptoms
  • Not a correct increase in both exercise and resting heart rate.
  • Returning to normal heart rate after exercise in more than 10 minutes
  • Chest pain along with shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting, regardless of the normal heart rate.

If you notice any of these signs, it may indicate an underlying cardiac issue that requires prompt evaluation. In many cases, undergoing a professional heart scan can provide detailed insights into your heart’s health and catch early signs of disease before symptoms become severe.

Knowing what is considered too high or too low of a heart rate for women empowers you to take proactive steps to protect your heart. Monitoring your heart rate regularly, understanding your normal range, and responding to unusual changes can lead to earlier detection and more effective treatment.

Choose Our Preventive Heart Scan

Early Detection Saves Lives!

    • Accurate
    • Quick Result
    • Affordable

Conclusion:

Your heart rate is a barometer and an early warning about how fit your general health is. The numbers certainly matter, but the most useful ones come with the other pieces of data: your age, fitness level, hormonal status, and possibly any of the symptoms you might be suffering from.

From checking your heart health or if you have been experiencing worrisome signs, you can always speak to your healthcare provider or cardiac experts, such as ViaScan, who provide advanced cardiac testing and individual risk assessment.  Every minute of every day, your heart works fast for you without stopping. An investment of time spent to understand its language is a boon for your long-term health.


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21/Apr/2025

Slightly after you have been breathing normally, do you feel like you’re going to drown? Even if you’re on dry land. The pulmonary embolism makes its mostly unwelcome announcement with this terrifying sensation. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels through the veins and blocks one of the arteries in the lungs that carry blood back to the heart. Each year, this dangerous condition affects thousands of Americans and can be fatal if not treated promptly. Allow us to explore this serious medical condition by answering some of the key questions about its causes and risk factors.

Why did Blood Clots travel to the Pulmonary Arteries?

Pulmonary embolism is most frequently caused by blood clots (which are simply clots of blood), formed in the deep veins of the legs (a condition called deep vein thrombosis, or DVT). Physical traits, such as these clots breaking free and travelling the bloodstream to the lungs, which they are prone to, are physical traits.

  • A blood clot’s journey takes place on a specific path.
  • Forms in a deep vein (usually in the legs)
  • Travelling through larger veins, it breaks loose.
  • Passes through the right side of the heart

It enters the pulmonary trunk (the main artery of the blood that passes through the heart to the lungs).

Small pulmonary arteries cannot accommodate their size and get stuck in them.

Since all blood passes through the lungs to pick up oxygen, all blood-borne clots will eventually end up in the pulmonary vessels unless they dissolve along the way. The pulmonary arteries branch so closely, creating trap points that clots can get wedged on the narrowing sections and stop blood flow to the tissue of some of this lung.

What Factors make a Patient at greater risk of having a Pulmonary Embolism?

Other things that can raise your risk of having blood clots that could develop into pulmonary embolism include:

Risk Category Specific Risk Factors
Medical Conditions • Cancer, Heart disease, COVID-19 infection and  Inflammatory bowel disease
Situational • Recent surgery or trauma, Extended bed rest, Long-distance travel 
Medications • Hormone replacement therapy and Birth control pills containing estrogen
Personal Factors • Pregnancy and postpartum period, Advanced age, Obesity and Smoking

 

A landmark study in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that cancer patients had an increased risk of developing venous thromboembolism (Venous thromboembolism includes pulmonary embolism) (Khorana et al., 2007).  

How does a Blood clot impact the Pulmonary Trunk and lung function?

When a blood clot lodges in the pulmonary trunk or any of the pulmonary arteries, it begins a chain reaction of events.

  • Blocks blood flow to portions of the lungs
  • Prevents proper oxygen exchange
  • Increases pressure in pulmonary vessels
  • Works harder than normal, causing the right side of the heart to work harder.
  • In severe cases, it can lead to right heart failure.

However, the symptoms depend on the size and location of the clot. Small clots in peripheral pulmonary arteries may cause little, if any, symptoms, and large clots that block the pulmonary trunk would be immediately life-threatening.

Can a Pulmonary Embolism present before there are Symptoms?

Weirdly, many sufferers of pulmonary artery blockages often present with little or subtle symptoms, which are more likely to be confused with other things. Common symptoms include:

  • Sudden shortness of breath
  • Pain that intensifies with forceful exhaling
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Cough (sometimes with bloody sputum)
  • Feeling lightheaded or dizzy

Nevertheless, it is estimated that up to 30–50% of pulmonary embolism cases are asymptomatic. Its silent nature makes it particularly dangerous because treatment delays compound mortality risk.

Why Early Screening for Pulmonary Embolism Can Be Life-Saving

Preventing the formation of blood clots is the best way to avoid pulmonary embolism. If you have risk factors, consider these preventive measures.

  • Do Not Sit Still – don’t sit for excessive periods
  • Stay hydrated, especially when travelling
  • Choose compression stockings for long flights

If prescribed, follow what your doctor recommends regarding blood thinners

Early detection is key to identifying concerning risk factors or symptoms. Viascan provides advanced imaging services that can help identify pulmonary embolism before it becomes life-threatening. Their latest CT pulmonary angiography can also detect even small clots in the pulmonary arteries, which can be addressed quickly and as soon as possible.

Choose Our Preventive Lung Scan

Early Detection Saves Lives!

    • Accurate
    • Quick Result
    • Affordable

Conclusion

Preventive screening is also offered via the Preventive Screen, which will help identify factors that are at risk of blood clots and cardiovascular disease so that you can take action to protect your health. All via the expertise of expert radiologists with convenient locations, this is how you know exactly where you stand when it comes to your pulmonary health status.

When it comes to pulmonary embolism, don’t wait until the symptoms are severe; understand your risk factors and seek appropriate screening early to save your life.


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17/Mar/2025

Getting a recommendation from your doctor for requiring a chest CT scan generates both worries and uncertainty. Modern medicine uses this enhanced imaging technology to combine X-ray data measured from various directions to create detailed body section images. Your lungs, together with heart tissue and vascular structures and airways alongside chest bones, get shown in detailed 3D images through a CT scan despite basic chest X-rays providing only two-dimensional pictures. Advanced imaging systems let doctors recognize different medical issues that otherwise would stay undetectable and unclear. The reason for taking this test, as described by your doctor, will help reduce your concern and prepare you for the next steps. This piece examines the typical circumstances that trigger physicians to conduct chest CT scans in addition to explaining the scan findings and alternate imaging approaches and the essential patient requirements before the procedure.

What Medical Conditions Can a Chest CT Scan Diagnose?

The CT scan technology of the chest turns into an essential diagnostic instrument for healthcare practitioners to examine various thoracic region issues. A few millimeter lung nodules can be detected by CT scans, thereby enabling prompt diagnosis of early-stage lung cancer. Chest CT scanners prove highly effective in pneumonia diagnosis, particularly when standard X-rays produce unclear results to detect bronchiectasis, in addition to their ability to assess interstitial lung diseases leading to pulmonary fibrosis.

Coronary CT angiography is a heart scanning method used to evaluate coronary artery disease through analysis of heart blood vessels. It performs multiple diagnostics by showing vascular blockages in coronary arteries, measuring heart chamber dimensions and heart function, and checking the aorta status for aneurysms and dissections.

How Does a Chest CT Scan Compare to Other Imaging Options?

Three main factors, the suspected medical condition, the need for detail, and the degree of risk to patients from radiation exposure determine physicians’ choices for an imaging test. Laura Marie Fayad explains that there are differences in imaging tests. Understanding the distinctions between an MRI, CT scan, and X-ray will help you and your doctor decide which imaging modality is best for you. X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are diagnostic procedures that let medical professionals view the body’s internal components. 

Standard X-rays and CT scans provide better picture quality than ordinary radiology, with separate body section images without overlapping caused by standard procedure radiology. CT imaging offers superior gate viewing capability for inspection of small to moderate body structures, especially of the mediastinum.

What Should Patients Know Before Undergoing a Chest CT Scan?

Depending on the procedure selected and whether a specific chest CT scan includes contrast agents, there are different requirements for the chest CT scan. The main preparation step for patients who wish to get non-contrast scans is to remove only metal objects within the scan area. Patients must fast for some hours before contrast-enhanced studies and testing of kidney function might be done since contrast agents leak through the kidneys during elimination.

Iodine allergy needs to be notified to all healthcare providers by all patients, and patients must disclose their use of substances used in previous image procedures, too. Before experiencing treatment, previous reaction patients may be given premedication treatment containing antihistamines with steroids to minimize their chance of reaction. This is because radiation can harm developing fetuses, and patients need to come out about their pregnancy condition.

When Might a Doctor Order Follow-Up Chest CT Scans?

Follow-up imaging is an important central tool for assessing several chest conditions through specific time-based diagnostic-related timing protocols and clinical framework protocols used by healthcare providers. Regular CT scan imaging for cancer patients measures tumor changes such as dimensions and characteristics, and therefore, CT scan imaging determines treatment outcomes.
 After treatment, the medical team uses decreasing surveillance checks over the years in case there are signs of recurrence or metastasis. CT imaging, in combination, allows a medical practitioner to see any complications of thoracic surgeries and how the thoracic cavity processes healing following any thoracic surgery. Cardiac procedures require heart scan follow-ups to check the results of procedures and to diagnose stenosis following procedures, stent restenosis, or bypass graft failure.

Choose Our Preventive Heart Scan

Early Detection Saves Lives!

    • Accurate
    • Quick Result
    • Affordable

Conclusion

In addition to detailed visualization of lungs, heart, and blood vessels as well as surrounding anatomical features, chest CT scans are also effective in diagnosing. The combination of innovative modern CT technology and the use of radiation reduction protocols provides the implementation of modern CT technology through ViaScan. Their cardiac calcium scoring and coronary CT angiography programs involve the heart scanning capabilities of these programs, which can provide detailed results for detecting cardiovascular diseases at the initial stages and in the stage when treatments are proving most successful, just before the symptoms become evident.


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03/Mar/2025

Medical imaging helps to diagnose the conditions of the heart before those conditions become serious. The cardiac CT scan and CT angiogram are two currently used tests for evaluating the heart and blood vessels. So, how do these tests differ? Knowing their different roles can help patients decide if they should take steps to increase their heart health. Thus, this blog will break down the differences between these two procedures as to when and why each would be appropriate to use.

What Is a Cardiac CT scan?

A heart cardiogram imaging test, also known as a cardiac CT scan, is a specialized X-ray imaging test that enables detailed cross-sectional images of the heart and its surrounding structures. The procedure is noninvasive and helps doctors detect coronary artery disease, heart defects, and other abnormalities.

An X-ray beam captures multiple images of the patient lying on a table while that table moves through a CT scanner. The images are then scrambled to create an overall image of the heart. As a safer, more comfortable option for some patients, a cardiac CT scan does not require catheter insertion, as does a traditional angiogram.

What Is a Cardiac CT scan

What Is a CT Angiogram?

CT angiogram is a more detailed imaging test used to study the blood vessels, including the coronary arteries. CT scanning, in combination with a dye that’s absorbed into the bloodstream, highlights blockages or narrowing in the arteries.

It is especially useful for diagnosing conditions such as coronary artery disease, aneurysms, and blood clots. This contrast dye makes it easier for doctors to see potential problems with blood flow more clearly than is possible with a standard cardiac CT scan. CT angiograms have high accuracy in the diagnosis of arterial blockages, signifying a valuable tool for early diagnosis and treatment planning, as claimed by Smith et al. (2021).

How Do Cardiac CT scans and CT Angiograms Differ?

Both tests use CT imaging technology, but they are used for different purposes and procedures:

  • Objective: A cardiac CT scan is mainly used to evaluate the anatomy of the heart, including the heart chambers, valves, etc. A CT angiogram, on the other hand, focuses on blood flow and pollution of the arteries.
  • Contrast Dye: A cardiac CT scan will or will not use contrast dye, while a CT angiogram must use contrast dye to bring out the blood vessels.
  • Both tests are noninvasive. A CT angiogram requires intravenous contrast infusion, whereas a cardiac CT scan can be performed without dye in some cases.
  • Cardiac CT scan and CT angiogram diagnostic focus: A cardiac CT scan is used for general heart assessment, and a CT angiogram is used to detect specific arterial conditions.

Johnson & Lee (2020) also found that CT angiograms are more accurate in detecting the severity of arterial blockage, while cardiac CT scans are better for evaluating heart function and anatomy.

Which Test Is Right for You?

A cardiac CT scan or CT angiogram is chosen based on the symptoms and concerns the patient has. A cardiac CT scan can be recommended for patients with suspected structural heart problems or congenital heart defects or general heart screening by doctors. In contrast, a CT angiogram is often used in patients with chest pain, symptoms of coronary artery disease, or a high risk of heart attack.
You must consult with a healthcare professional if you are uncertain which test will be best for you. The latest technology is used to provide both “cardiac CT scans” and CT angiograms through ViaScan so that a correct diagnosis and better heart health can be provided.

Choose Our Preventive Heart Scan

Early Detection Saves Lives!

    • Accurate
    • Quick Result
    • Affordable

Conclusion

Cardiac CT scans and CT angiograms are very useful diagnostic tools in determining heart health. However, they are not the same thing. A cardiac CT scan is a broad view of the heart’s structure, while a CT angiogram focuses more on detecting blood vessel abnormalities. That can inform patients and doctors on the best way for them to diagnose if there is something wrong with the heart. ViaScan offers advanced, noninvasive heart scans to help you stay on top of your cardiac health if you are looking for reliable cardiac imaging.


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26/Dec/2024

Breathlessness is a reason for much concern, and that is why searching for what is causing it most of the time is common. Chest X-ray is the most frequently used imaging modality to diagnose respiratory conditions. However, what does this imaging show, and how can it help to determine the source of breathing complications? In this blog post, the reader will learn how chest X-rays help in diagnosing shortness of breath, what chest X-rays are in the first place, what chest X-rays can reveal, and how a particular healthcare professional should read the results. We will also incorporate key research to provide a comprehensive view of this crucial tool for diagnosing clients.

Is Chest X-Ray Effective in Diagnosing Respiratory Issues?

A chest X-ray gives images of organs, tissues, and bones that are located in the chest, including the heart, lungs and arteries, so use can also check your lungs health by professional lung scan laboratory . It helps the doctors obtain a picture of these areas that may be the reason for shortness of breath, if any. Avoidant facets of Chess X-ray have been found useful and are only used in medical diagnosis of conditions such as pneumonia, pleural effusion, and heart failure. For instance, a cross-sectional descriptive study done in the year 2021 where patients suffering from acute respiratory distress had deformities of pulmonary edema were diagnosed using chest X-rays with the hope of enabling early occurrence of early treatments. The study was published in the Radiology Research and Practice by Smith et al (2021).

What Other Disease Could Be Diagnosed Through Chest X-Ray?

Several issues can be diagnosed with the use of a chest X-ray, including:

  • Cardiac Conditions

A chest X-ray can show the size and shape of the heart, signs of heart valve problems, fluid around the heart, and heart failure. It can also show deposits of calcium in the heart or blood vessels, which is possible evidence of a heart or blood vessel disorder.

  • Conditions of the lungs

An X-ray of the chest can reveal the status of the lungs, whether trapped air is around a lung, cancer, or infection. Furthermore, it may reveal other heart diseases, including congenital heart diseases, alongside chronic lung diseases like cystic fibrosis or emphysema.

  • States of the blood vessels

A chest X-ray demonstrates outlines of the big vessels next to the heart and can highlight aneurysms and other blood vessel problems.

  • Additional circumstances

A chest X-ray may also help diagnose tuberculosis, injuries to the rib cage, and medical device insertion. 

Chest X-ray is helpful in case of suspicion of respiratory problems, a harsh or persistent cough, chest injury, mechanical cardiac problems, or if the patient is having a fever. 

Is Chest X-ray a Promising Diagnostic Marker for Lung Diseases?

Chest X-rays cannot be recommended, but they are nearly as accurate as they can get. Like all these kinds of exams, they are excellent at demonstrating structural pathology, but some diseases may need further imaging or a biopsy. For instance, when a chest picture is taken to determine small lung nodules, initial symptoms of the disease or the early stage may not be diagnosed.

A comparative cross-sectional study in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine established that X-rays are very specific, peaking at 70-80% in diagnosing lung pathology. Nevertheless, higher-caliber imaging provides superior biomechanical sensitivity and specificity, especially computed tomography, in diseases such as interstitial lung disease or early-stage lung cancer (Miller et al., 2020). This expands the applicability of Chest X-ray for Diagnosing Lung Conditions yet highlights the need for other tools.

When is Chest X-ray helpful for shortness of breath?

If you experience persistent or severe shortness of breath, a chest X-ray may be warranted, particularly if accompanied by other symptoms like:

  • Accident, burn, injury, or sickness.
  • Leg swelling or fatigue may be signs of developing a heart problem.
  • Sharp onset of dyspnoea (PE).

Healthcare providers generally use chest X-rays as the first diagnostic test to eliminate potentially fatal ailments before using sophisticated techniques. Given the multiple symptoms a patient indicates upon a physical examination, it is recommended that a general practitioner review all X-ray results.

Where Does Chest X-ray Stand in the  Plan of Differential Diagnoses?

Chest X-ray is not an isolated process but fits well within the imaging diagnosis process. Although ABG is relatively immediate and can be done noninvasively, other tests that may be mandatory include Pulmonary Function Tests, Computerized tomography, or blood tests.

A 2022 systematic review in the BMC Pulmonary Medicine found that chest X-ray augmentation of spirometry gave better performance in the diagnosis of chronic respiratory diseases than when imaging was used alone (Garcia et al., 2022). This supports extending the use of the Chest X-ray for Diagnosing Lung Conditions evaluation.

Conclusion

Chest X-rays are also valuable in identifying probable causes of shortness of breath and giving information about lung and heart diseases. Starting from Heart Problems Visible on Chest X-rays to Tumor Detection in Chest X-rays, this diagnostic technique provides the basis for early and accurate diagnosis. Even though they may not give all the information necessary, they are useful in the preliminary detection of abnormalities and reference to other tests and procedures. Any person with such a condition must get to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Choose Our Preventive Heart Scan

Early Detection Saves Lives!

    • Accurate
    • Quick Result
    • Affordable

 ViaScan offers comprehensive imaging solutions for different facets of your body, such as chest X-rays, so you and your healthcare provider can achieve the desired outcome. Please feel free to contact us today to learn more about our diagnostic products and how we can help you improve your health.


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23/Dec/2024

Technological advancements in arthroplasty and surgical procedures necessitate cardiovascular diseases and heart attacks due to artery blockage as the leading cause of mortality globally. Signs of blockages, when detected early, can greatly minimize the risk of developing complications. Although self-diagnoses should never replace a doctor’s opinion and practice, some things people can observe at home and practices that they can perform may give them an idea of what might be possibly dangerous and, therefore, may call for a doctor.

What Are the Signs of A Heart Blockage?

Such blockages cause some diagnosable symptoms that are usually seen as early signs of a disease. A simple heart CT scan detects heart diseases at early stages. Pain or discomfort in the chest, described as angina pain, pressure, or tightness, is one of the most frequent signs. It may radiate to the shoulders, arms, neck, or jaw, causing discomfort. Another important sign of the disease is dyspnoea: this occurs during simple activities or even while walking or in a resting position. Vague and unexplained tiredness may also be a signal of heart problems because the flow of blood is restricted, and the organ fails to pump the blood efficiently.

Other signs, such as a high pulse rate, sweating, especially cold drops, light-headedness, or edema over the lower limbs, can also signify problems within the cardiovascular system. These symptoms can be diagnosed and addressed early, which could save a life. 

Can Technology Support You to Closely Track Heart Health in Your Own Space?

Today, medical technologies offer methods for people to monitor their heart conditions from the comfort of their homes. Wearable devices such as smartwatches with features like heart rate monitors and Electrocardiograms (ECGs) can detect abnormalities like Atrial Fibrillation, which may also indicate a blockage. Sphygmomanometers are also crucially important, as hypertension, a risk factor for occlusive arterial disease, is commonly present.

These cannot diagnose blocked arteries or blood vessels but provide a lot of information regarding the state of the heart and motivate people to seek the advice of professionals. For example, CT scans are essentially in clinical facilities to analyze the degree of coronary artery calcification and, therefore, the probable degree of blockage in coronary veins.

Which changes to make in Your lifestyle may assist in avoiding a blocked heart?

It is, therefore, only wise that people who want to avoid incidents such as heart blockages undergo various changes that will enable them to achieve heart-healthy lifestyles. A healthy diet plan should, therefore, incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole-grain foods, and lean sources of protein. Low cholesterol diets, through the elimination of foods pointing toward saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium, can make a huge difference in cholesterol and blood pressure, hence avoiding blockages.

Aerobic exercises, such as walking briskly, swimming, cycling, and others, should be done for at least 150 minutes per week to support heart health. Mindfulness, yoga, or meditation can also help avoid the dangerous effects of stress hormones on the heart. Last but not least, one must quit smoking because tobacco affects the arteries and aggravates plaque formation.

When should you Go for Medical Assistance?

As observed, those involving home care and daily changes are useful, but effective and accurate results can’t be obtained from home monitoring. Some of the symptoms that require the client to seek medical advice include chest pain, breathlessness, or irregular heartbeats that do not go away. If attention is not sought early, one is likely to suffer a heart attack.

ViaScan: Your Partner in Advanced Heart Diagnostics

If you need an all-inclusive diagnostic, you should turn to advanced diagnostic technologies such as ViaScan. ViaScan brings the latest technologies in imaging, which include coronary calcium scans, full body scans, and virtual colonoscopies, to check on blockages in the heart as well as other diseases. These harmless procedures provide exact information about the status of the heart and the cardiovascular system so patients can work on altering their lifestyles. For instance, their CT scans can be highly accurate in diagnosing the illness called coronary artery calcification or in evaluating risks linked to coronary veins as well.

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Conclusion

Healthy heart care is a lifelong process that involves knowing a number of facts, monitoring health status, and medical checkups. Signs, home technology, and a general outlook remain crucial to addressing the problem at the first stage. However, in high-end precise diagnoses such as the ViaScan, the health of the cardiovascular system can be fully and accurately assessed, and this can enable doctors to provide early treatment for blockages. CT scans are useful in helping identify CAD (coronary artery calcium) and further evaluating the coronary veins, which are among the services that will safeguard your heart. Today, paying attention to your heart for healthier living is equivalent to having a healthy heart.


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13/Aug/2024

A heart scan can determine your risk for heart disease at an early stage. It is an excellent way to monitor your health if you are worried about the condition of your heart. More specifically, a coronary calcium scan is a non-invasive procedure that quantifies the calcium content in the coronary artery walls. This calcium level might serve as a marker for atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease (CAD). This blog discusses the significance of coronary calcium scans. You can also explore other information regarding heart scans.

Why Doesn’t Insurance Cover Coronary Calcium Scan?

This is one of the most common questions asked by several individuals. The most important factor is that coronary calcium scans are more often seen as preventative than diagnostic by many insurance providers. The test is commonly considered an optional procedure since its main purpose is to assess the risk of future heart disease rather than to identify a current issue. Experts agree that coverage should be mandatory since the test may save lives by identifying those at risk at an early stage. If you are worried about the cost, you can check with your insurance carrier to see whether or not they give any coverage or discounts for preventative heart health exams.

How Long Does a Heart CT Scan Take? 

It usually takes less than 10 minutes to actually scan the heart. However, it may take around 30 to 60 minutes for the whole session, which includes preparation and consultation after the scan. The patient lies on a table that slides into a computerized tomography (CT) scanner. This captures high-resolution pictures of the patient’s heart. The process is not painful and involves just a short period of time. It is basically an option that is valuable for those who have some busy schedules.

What is the Treatment for a High Calcium Score?

You are more likely to have coronary artery disease and a high risk of heart attack if your coronary calcium scan indicates a high calcium score. The criteria from the calcium score guidelines assist medical professionals in determining the most appropriate course of action for you. In most cases, treatment consists of making changes to one’s lifestyle as well as taking medicine to control risk factors. A review of typical remedies is presented here:

  • Lifestyle Changes:

Important actions include adopting a diet that is good for the heart. You can increase the amount of physical exercise you get, give up smoking, and learn to manage your stress.

  • Medications:

Doctors may give you cholesterol-lowering medications to lower your cholesterol, aspirin to reduce the likelihood of blood clots, or other medicines to keep your blood pressure in balance.

  • Further Testing:

Further evaluation of the heart’s health may need the use of imaging techniques such as angiograms or stress testing.

It is vital to have regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare practitioner in order to assess your progress. You can also make any required modifications to the treatment plan that you have been following.

Why No Caffeine Before Calcium Scoring?

The findings of the heart scan may be affected by caffeine. This is because your heart rate and blood pressure may both rise as a consequence of caffeine use, which may have an impact on the outcomes of the scan. For the best assessment of your coronary calcium levels, it is ideal to maintain a state of complete cardiac relaxation. It is generally advised that you refrain from caffeine for a minimum of twelve hours before the examination.

Choose Our Preventive Heart Scan

Early Detection Saves Lives!

    • Accurate
    • Quick Result
    • Affordable

Where to Get a Coronary Calcium Scan Near Me?

Via Scan of Las Colinas is one of the best options to choose from a list of medical centers for heart scans. We have exceptional equipment based on advanced technology to assess any anomalies in your body. Our professional staff is competent enough to deliver you excellent services based on the calcium score guidelines. We strictly follow the rules and regulations of scanning techniques to help you get the most accurate and clear results. Our assessing tools are up to the mark. We also provide consultations regarding any health problems. Our qualified team is available 24/7 to help you.


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01/Jul/2024

A cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan is a technique that produces high-quality, three-dimensional (3D) pictures of your heart, major arteries, and surrounding structures by using numerous X-ray beams at different angles. Cardiac CT makes use of cutting-edge CT technology to more clearly see your heart’s anatomy and related blood veins, either with or without intravenous contrast (dye). Your healthcare professional can get high-resolution, three-dimensional pictures of your heart and major vessels with multi-slice scanning. This blog will look deeply into CT scan images and if a chest CT scan shows heart problems.

What would a heart CT be able to show?

An evaluation of the heart and accompanying blood vessels is done with a non-invasive, painless heart CT scan to look for any artery blockages or narrowing, as well as any issues with the heart’s pumping action that could point to potential heart disease. In a CT scan, an IV is used to provide a dye, commonly referred to as contrast. This scan helps identify a variety of cardiac diseases by enabling us to track the blood flow via blood arteries and the heart.

A heart or chest CT scan shows heart problems, and your medical professional will have access to:

  • Arteries in the heart provide it with blood. 
  • Heart muscles, valves, and chambers. 
  • Veins in the lungs. 
  • Abdominal aorta, as well as the thoracic aorta.
  •  Pericardium (Sac that surrounds your heart).

 Can a CT scan detect heart problems?

Your doctor may recommend a CT scan of your chest if you are showing signs of heart disease. When diagnosing cardiac illness, a CT (computed tomography) scan is the recommended approach and is a highly common operation. Traditional metrics for risk factor levels include cholesterol and blood pressure. Researchers concurred that a CT scan would be a more accurate predictor of risk than other methods. A physician can use this to determine whether there are any health issues affecting the organ or the blood vessels around it. Chest CT scan shows heart problems, including:

  • Anomalies in the congenital heart 
  • Determining one’s heart attack risk 
  • Examining the fluid in the sac that surrounds the heart, measuring the heart’s pumping efficiency, and looking for signs of plaque accumulation and coronary artery constriction, which medical professionals refer to as coronary artery disease.  
  • Anatomy of the heart to look for indications of a heart attack, such as scarring on the heart muscle 
  • Identifying anomalies in the big boats 
  • Determining if a post-operative coronary artery bypass graft is still open

 Does a chest CT scan show heart blockages?

For best results, a heart blockage must be discovered early. There are several methods for identifying heart blockages. Start with a routine examination and let your doctor know that you’ve been experiencing cardiac problems. The complete heart and the blood arteries around it may be seen on a CT scan of the heart. It may also demonstrate artery-clogging calcium accumulation that obstructs blood flow. Physicians may refer to this as a heart CT scan for calcium scoring or coronary artery calcium scoring. Physicians may occasionally recommend coronary angiography, an invasive technique that involves injecting a contrast dye directly into the arteries to reveal any blockages.

 Can a CT scan show a heart attack?

A chest CT scan, also known as a heart screening or heart scan, is a medical procedure used to identify calcium deposits in the plaque of individuals suffering from heart disease. They are a useful tool for detecting atherosclerosis before symptoms appear. Studies have shown that a chest CT scan can show heart problems, and with early detection, preventative measures can be taken. You have more coronary atherosclerosis and more coronary calcium you have. This increases your risk of developing cardiovascular issues later on. It’s crucial to keep in mind that a CT scan cannot accurately forecast events like a heart attack since certain types of coronary disease do not manifest in this way. To get more precise images of the arteries in your heart, your doctor could also request a coronary CT angiography (CTA) in addition to a CT scan.

Can a CT scan detect blocked arteries?

CT scans have demonstrated their value as a diagnostic tool throughout time for evaluating arterial health, identifying heart blockages, and identifying other vascular health problems. The arteries supplying the heart with blood are examined with a CT scan. It creates cross-sectional pictures of the heart and blood arteries using X-rays. The CT scanner provides digital data by taking a succession of X-ray beam pictures around the heart. The data is processed by a computer to produce cross-sectional images, also known as heart slices. Sometimes, a contrast agent, an iodine-based dye, is injected into the circulation to improve the pictures.

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Early Detection Saves Lives!

    • Accurate
    • Quick Result
    • Affordable

Conclusion

Early detection and the findings of your chest CT scan help physicians to identify heart diseases and take preventative measures. The test’s outcomes will determine the precise recommendations. There might not be any modifications to your existing treatment regimen. Your doctor could, however, advise you to alter your diet and exercise regimen. Not only may leading a healthy lifestyle prevent heart disease, but it can also mitigate its symptoms. In certain instances, medical professionals advise doing further testing to validate the results of the CT scan. It’s now simpler than ever to take charge of your health thanks to Via Scan Of Las Colinas chest CT scans and calcium score testing provided in Las Colinas.


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20/Mar/2024

It’s critical to take care of our health as we age. This includes adopting a healthier diet, exercising, and using screenings and preventive medications that can identify health concerns before they worsen. One condition that may be detected early and treated to help avoid heart attacks, strokes, and other heart disease-related problems is blocked arteries. In this blog, we will explore how you can identify this important risk factor at an early stage. Can a CT scan reveal obstructive arteries? What you should know is as follows.

A Heart CT Scan: What is it?

A cardiac CT scan is a noninvasive, painless procedure that examines the heart and surrounding blood vessels to find any artery blockages or narrowing and any heart pumping issues that could point to potential heart disease. A dye, also called contrast, is injected through an IV during the CT scan. With the use of this dye, we may identify a variety of heart diseases by tracking the blood flow through your heart’s blood channels and the heart itself.

When is a Heart CT Scan Necessary?

A team of cardiac imaging experts determines the appropriate cardiac tests for each patient. Typical causes of cardiac CT needs include:

  • If you have chest discomfort and/or believe you may have coronary artery disease, a noninvasive method to find out if your pain is coming from coronary artery blockages or narrowing is cardiac CT angiography. 
  • Inconclusive stress test: If the information obtained from a stress test cannot definitively address your health concerns, we may suggest a cardiac CT scan to check for coronary artery disease or other heart issues.
  • Existence of additional heart disease symptoms: Similar to chest pain, you may benefit from a cardiac CT scan to assess your heart for potential heart disease if you have shortness of breath, neck, jaw, back, or arm discomfort, among other symptoms.

How Can Blocked Arteries Be Found Using a CT Scan?

Since its inception, CT scanning technology has advanced significantly. Doctors may use CT scans to evaluate the amount of calcium accumulation in a patient’s arteries since the imaging is so comprehensive. Using a CT scanner, the calcium score test procedure entails:

  1. The machine’s electronic X-ray detectors pick up the X-rays after the scanner delivers them through the body. 
  2. After processing the data, the CT scanner produces cross-sectional pictures. 
  3. The heart and blood arteries are then shown in crisp 3D by reassembling these photos.
  4. Your doctor will use the pictures to assess your risk of heart attack or other heart-related problems. Your healthcare provider may suggest medication and lifestyle modifications if you have a high risk of developing heart disease to lower your risk of clogged arteries.

Guidelines for Getting Ready for a Heart CT Scan

You should do some things before a CT scan, which your doctor will go over with you. Until your physician instructs you differently, you should take your medicine as directed. Nevertheless, four hours before your treatment, you shouldn’t ingest coffee. There’s also a four-hour smoking ban that you must adhere to. The test findings will be impacted by the heart rate rise caused by caffeine and nicotine.

Choose Our Preventive Heart Scan

Early Detection Saves Lives!

    • Accurate
    • Quick Result
    • Affordable

Heart CT Scan Results and Lifestyle Changes

Your CT coronary angiography pictures ought to be available soon after your test. You will probably be able to discuss the test findings with the healthcare physician who requested the test. If your test results indicate that you have or are at risk of heart disease, your provider might discuss treatment options. It’s always a good idea to adopt lifestyle modifications to assist protect the heart, regardless of the findings of a CT coronary angiography. Some heart-healthy lifestyle modifications are:

Regular exercise is important. It aids in weight control and lowers blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.

Consume nutritious meals. A heart-healthy diet low in sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fat and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may all help manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight.

Give up smoking. One of the main risk factors for heart disease, particularly atherosclerosis, is smoking. The greatest strategy to lower your risk of heart disease and its consequences is to stop smoking. Consult your healthcare physician about smoking cessation techniques if you require assistance in stopping.

Control medical conditions. Take prescription drugs as prescribed if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Find out from your doctor how often you require follow-up appointments.

Heart Scan And Calcium Scoring

One of the most significant variables affecting your general health and well-being is the condition of your heart. This is why timing is crucial when receiving the appropriate screening tests. The coronary calcium score test, sometimes called a calcium heart scan or calcium score, is one of the heart CT scan procedures that is becoming increasingly well-liked for evaluating heart health.

Using CT (computerized tomography) technology, coronary artery calcium scoring looks for accumulations of calcium in the coronary arteries, which feed the cardiac muscle with blood rich in oxygen. A medical condition known as atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up on the wall of an artery, is indicated in these arteries by the accumulation of calcium. The resulting plaque gradually narrows and stiffens the coronary arteries, limiting blood flow. A heart attack may occur if the arteries are clogged.

The total score produced by the coronary calcium scan is determined by the degree of calcification within the coronary arteries. Higher scores are associated with more plaque accumulation and an increased risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.

Conclusion

The arteries that supply the heart gradually narrow and solidify as time goes on. The secret to averting future unfavorable cardiac events is to catch it early and stop more calcium buildup. A heart CT scan can provide important information about your risk and state of heart health. To help you reach the best possible heart health, ViaScan of Las Colinas offers precise coronary calcium scoring and individualized guidance using our state-of-the-art CT equipment and specially trained radiologists. 

FAQ

How does a CT scan show heart blockage?

During the CT, a dye (also known as contrast) is administered through an IV during the scan. This dye allows us to follow the blood flow in your heart as it travels through blood vessels and the heart to help diagnoses a wide range of heart conditions.

Cardiac CT uses advanced CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast (dye) to better visualize your heart structure and associated blood vessels. With multi-slice scanning, your healthcare provider can get high-resolution, 3D images of your heart  and great vessels.

How to check heart blockage at home?

Monitoring your heart health at home can include taking regular blood pressure readings, measuring your heart rate, and even performing simple tests like the stair test. However, it’s important to remember that these methods are not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you notice any changes or have concerns, it’s always best to consult with your doctor and get heart scan at reputable facility like 123bodyscan for accurate assessment.