Tag Archives: heart

Optiray (ioversol) Injection for Heart X-Ray: Side Effects, Dosage

What is Optiray Injection, and how does it work? Optiray (ioversol) is a radiopaque contrast agent that contains iodine, a substance that absorbs x-rays, and is used to help diagnose certain disorders of the heart. What are the side effects of Optiray Injection? Common side effects of Optiray include fever, warmth and pain at the …

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Heart Transplant Surgery: Artificial Hearts, Costs, Rejection

A heart transplant involves surgically replacing a diseased heart with a healthy heart from a donor. A heart transplant is a surgery in which a diseased heart is replaced with a healthy heart from a donor. Believe it or not, heart transplantation is a relatively simple operation for a cardiac surgeon.  There are three different types of heart transplants: The first …

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How Long Can You Live With a Biventricular Pacemaker?

A biventricular pacemaker is a battery-operated device used to treat delay in contractions of the lower chambers of the heart A biventricular pacemaker is a battery-operated device used to treat delay in contractions of the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles). As per research, patients with a biventricular pacemaker have better survival rates after the diagnosis is made. The average …

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How Accurate Is a Myocardial Perfusion Scan?

What is a myocardial perfusion scan? A mycocardial perfusion scan is an imaging study that shows how well blood flows through the heart muscle. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of cardiac imaging with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is between 44 percent and 70 percent depending on the blood vessels involved. In the United States, one person dies every 36 …

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How Long Do Carotid Artery Stents Last?

Once a stent is placed in a carotid artery, the stent permanently stays inside the artery. Once placed, the stent permanently stays inside the artery. There is a 2-3% risk of repeat narrowing if the stent also gets blocked in the future. This usually happens within the first 6-9 months. If this happens, the stent will be replaced. The carotid …

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What Is Renal Artery Angioplasty? Procedure, Purpose, Testing & Risks

The renal artery angioplasty aims at opening the block and restoring the regular blood flow. Renal artery angioplasty is a procedure to widen the opening of the renal arteries that supply blood to the kidney. Narrowing of the renal artery (renal artery stenosis) is the leading cause of this artery obstruction. Renal artery stenosis is mostly caused by atherosclerosis or …

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How Is a Pulmonary Angiography Done?

What is a pulmonary angiography? A pulmonary angiography detects problems in the blood flow of the pulmonary vessels. The results of the procedure are shown as a moving X-ray known as a pulmonary angiogram. Doctors need to insert a catheter into your arm or groin and thread it through your veins to your heart as part of the procedure. Pulmonary …

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Where Is an Arterial Line Placed?

Arterial line placement, or arterial cannulation, is typically placed in the radial artery in the forearm or the femoral artery in the thigh. Arterial line placement, or arterial cannulation, is a commonly performed procedure, especially for patients in critical care and some anesthetic settings. Arterial line placement is done in children and adults.  The most common site where an arterial …

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What Can You Do For Treatment if Your Blood Pressure is Too Low?

How to measure blood pressure Low blood pressure is a reading of 90/60 or lower. Low blood pressure is treated with home care and medications. A reading of your blood pressure is taken to estimate its pressure as it flows through your arteries. There are two numbers associated with blood pressure: Systolic: This is the higher number and measures blood …

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What Can I Do to Relieve Angina Pain?

Angina and heart disease Angina causes chest pain and discomfort when the heart doesn't receive enough oxygen. Angina is managed with lifestyle modifications, medication and cardiac procedures. When your heart doesn't get enough oxygen because of decreased blood flow, you experience chest pain or discomfort. It's not always a painful sensation. Many people describe it as pressure or heaviness. Sometimes …

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