Coronary heart CT scanning technology continues to improve with AI-assisted software

Introduction

February is American Heart Month, and recent advancements in heart disease detection are making headlines. CBS 2's Dave Carlin reports on a promising new technology that aids in identifying heart conditions before they escalate to serious health crises, such as heart attacks.

Norma McFaden, a resident of the Bronx and a heart disease survivor, shared her story of survival. A postal service worker in her 50s, McFaden's heart condition went undiagnosed for an entire year. During this time, she faced alarming symptoms, such as the feeling of fainting while walking in the street. Despite visiting multiple doctors without receiving a diagnosis or effective treatment, McFaden's life changed after hearing about Dr. Joseph Puma on The Breakfast Club.

Dr. Puma, an interventional cardiologist and founder of Saurin Medical, is at the forefront of utilizing advanced coronary heart CT scanning technology. This improvement, supported by AI-assisted software, has significantly impacted the diagnostic process. Dr. Puma noted that his practice has successfully reduced the need for invasive heart catheterizations or angiograms by nearly 50%.

This innovative approach involves a quick three-minute scan that can detect plaque and blockage in the arteries prior to any invasive procedures. For McFaden, the scan provided essential insights into her condition, mapping her arteries and highlighting problematic areas. The 3D imaging revealed how the calcification and plaque contributed to her symptoms, ultimately leading to the placement of two stents to improve her heart health.

This CTA-first approach is becoming increasingly popular, with endorsements from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. Coronary C scans are now recognized as faster, more cost-effective, and superior in quality and accuracy compared to traditional nuclear stress testing.

Dr. Puma advocates for awareness of heart attack symptoms, including chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and jaw discomfort, even if these sensations are temporary. He emphasizes the importance of listening to our bodies, a lesson McFaden learned firsthand while searching for the right doctor and cutting-edge technology that ultimately saved her life.

As American Heart Month continues, experts recommend adopting a healthy balanced diet, engaging in more physical activity, refraining from smoking, and minimizing alcohol consumption. Remember, as McFaden advises, listening to your body is crucial and may just save your life.

Keywords

• Heart disease
• Coronary heart CT scanning
• AI-assisted software
• Dr. Joseph Puma
• Interventional cardiologist
• Saurin Medical
• Heart catheterizations
• Plaque detection
• American College of Cardiology
• American Heart Association

FAQ

What is coronary heart CT scanning technology?
Coronary heart CT scanning is an advanced imaging technique used to visualize the arteries and detect blockages or plaque buildup, enabling earlier diagnosis of heart conditions.

How does AI-assisted software improve heart scans?
AI-assisted software enhances the quality, accuracy, and detail of coronary C scans, leading to more precise identification of heart issues compared to traditional methods.

What are the symptoms that should prompt a heart scan?
Symptoms commonly associated with heart issues include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, pressure in the chest, and jaw discomfort, especially if these symptoms are recurrent or feeling intense.

Why is listening to your body important in heart health?
Being attuned to bodily sensations and symptoms can lead to early detection of potential heart conditions, prompting necessary medical evaluations and interventions that can prevent more severe health crises.

What lifestyle changes are recommended to reduce heart disease risk?
Adopting a healthy balanced diet, increasing physical activity, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption are key lifestyle changes recommended by experts to promote heart health.