Ultrasound Usually patients who have suspected coronary heart disease – often after showing symptoms of reduced heart function – have to undergo invasive surgery. Coronary angiography involves having a small tube inserted in your leg or arm, the tip of which is then positioned in or near the heart. A fluid is then injected into the tube and an X-ray is taken to access artery health.
Ultrasound, however, does not involve any invasive surgery and is painless without side effects. It is also a far less expensive option.
The method could be used as a first step to checking for coronary artery disease, which is a narrowing of the arteries to the point where blood flow is compromised. This results in the heart not getting enough blood and oxygen, which in turn can cause a weak heart muscle or even a heart attack.
If the patient showed no signs of arterial disease in his or her neck, a coronary angiography would not be needed; if they did show signs, an angiography would be the next step in the diagnosis.
Keep your ticker in good nick with these heart healthy foods
- Garlic Contains allicin which protects against high blood pressure and inhibits growth of arterial plaque
- Avocados They contain an amino acid that fights heart disease
- Flax seeds They contain fatty acids that prevent stroke and heart disease
- Nuts They can help regular blood pressure
- Apples They lower blood cholesterol
- Olive oil Lowers bad cholesterol and raises good cholesterol
First published June 17, 2010