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Article by Doctor Nguyen Thuc Vy - Department of Diagnostic Imaging - Vinmec Nha Trang International General HospitalCoronary artery disease is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases and one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Therefore, early recognition of coronary heart disease for prevention and timely treatment when infected is essential to limit possible bad complications.
1. What is coronary heart disease?
The heart is the organ responsible for pumping blood throughout the body and nourishing the organs. However, the heart also needs a system of blood vessels to feed itself, called the coronary arteries.Coronary artery disease is a condition in which the inner lining of the coronary arteries is damaged. The main cause is that plaque builds up on the walls of blood vessels (atherosclerosis), more plaque will cause narrowing of the arteries, preventing the heart from receiving enough blood. This is myocardial ischemia.
Many patients with coronary artery disease do not know their condition, most of the disease goes unnoticed until the first attacks of angina or even the appearance of a life-threatening myocardial infarction.
2. Signs of coronary heart disease
Coronary artery disease can cause patients to experience symptoms such as: angina due to decreased blood flow to the heart, shortness of breath... More dangerous, if one or more coronary artery branches are completely blocked (due to plaques) atherosclerotic sloughing or due to a blood clot forming inside the vessel) will cause a myocardial infarction, which can lead to heart failure, cardiogenic shock, arrhythmia, or even death.The typical warning symptom of coronary heart disease is angina pectoris. Angina is described as a sharp pain in the form of burning, tightening, pins and needles, the heart is compressed, suffocated, feels heavy in the chest, difficult to breathe, usually occurs when the patient is exerted, when emotional, Anger... Location of pain behind the breastbone, in the middle of the heart, left chest pain often spreads to the left shoulder, arm and left hand, sometimes it can also be accompanied by vomiting, sweating. , short and weak breathing, fatigue, dizziness
However, there are cases of myocardial infarction but there are no symptoms of chest pain, but instead signs that are easily confused with other diseases, often overlooked by patients. These cases are also known as silent myocardial infarction, common in women, the elderly, long-term diabetes... Therefore, when experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should be alert. be aware of a heart attack and need to quickly go to the doctor for timely treatment.
Cơn đau thắt ngực là triệu chứng điển hình của bệnh mạch vành
3. Who should be examined for coronary artery disease?
Although coronary heart disease mainly occurs in the age group over 40, younger people can still develop the disease. Many recent studies show that the age of coronary heart disease is decreasing. So, if you think that you are too young to get sick, you are completely wrong.According to the American Heart Association (AHA), tests to screen for coronary heart disease should begin at age 20, the frequency of which depends on the patient's risk factors. People with a history of chronic diseases such as: hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia...; longtime smokers; fat; Having an immediate family member (parent, sibling) with coronary heart disease is also considered a risk factor for the disease. In particular, the elderly should perform screening for coronary heart disease early due to age factors.
4. Why should you check for coronary artery disease at Vinmec?
It is necessary to carry out screening for coronary artery disease early to be examined and accurately diagnose the possibility of disease, thereby having an early treatment plan, minimizing possible complications.Diagnostic imaging methods such as coronary multislice computed tomography are being widely used for early diagnosis of coronary artery disease.
Multi-coronary computed tomography (CT) scan provides anatomical images of the coronary arteries, showing the degree of coronary calcification, coronary artery stenosis, degree of stenosis, the number of coronary artery segments as well as the number of coronary artery segments. other abnormalities: abnormal location of coronary artery origin, coronary artery leak,
Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital is currently applying coronary computed tomography (CT) scan technique WITHOUT beta block medication for patients patients in need of a diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Vinmec Nha Trang uses the GE Revolution 512 slices computer tomography machine, which is the most modern machine to date in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Choosing to perform the procedure at Vinmec Nha Trang, you will have the most assured experience with the following advantages:
Standardized imaging techniques and up to 95% correct diagnosis rate. Fast imaging time, not using beta block drugs to reduce heart rate, so the waiting time for customers is reduced. Capable of capturing all difficult cases that cannot be evaluated by 128-slice CT machines: tachycardia, irregular pulse, arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, extrasystoles, arterial stents Coronary surgery, bridge surgery... Possessing the latest radiation dose reduction technology today, adjusting the dose of rays according to the patient's body shape allows to reduce the lowest possible dose for the patient, radiation dose 1- 1.5 mSv compared to the radiation dose of 7-10 mSv of the old generation CT machines. 3D color image processing (volume reconstruction, surface reconstruction, MPR, MPR curve, MIP, Cine) makes it easy for doctors and clients to see coronary artery and heart disease.
5. Preparation before coronary computed tomography?
24h trước khi chụp khách hàng nên hạn chế sử dụng trà, cà phê hoặc các chất kích thích
During the scan, the client is sprayed with Nitromint coronary vasodilator under the tongue, monitored hemodynamics including heart rate, ECG gating during the scan and at least 30 minutes after the scan.
You can rest assured during the coronary computed tomography scan at Vinmec Nha Trang.
6. Some pictures were taken at Vinmec Nha Trang
