What is pharmacologic stress testing? A pharmacological stress test uses drugs to speed up the heart rate to see how well it pumps when it's working hard. This version of the test is for people with conditions that prevent them from exercising. Able-bodied people undergoing this test instead use an exercise machine to stress their …
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What is an ankle-brachial index? Ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) can indicate arterial disease, peripheral artery disease (PAD), or atherosclerosis. An ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) or ankle-brachial index (ABI) is the ratio of the systolic (upper) blood pressures (BP) of the ankle to the upper arm (brachium). Ankle BP is indicative of arterial disease. Lower ankle BP in the leg suggests …
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What is a fractional flow reserve measurement? A fractional flow reserve (FFR) estimates the degree of blockage in the coronary arteries. A fractional flow reserve (FFR) is a procedure done during cardiac catheterization to estimate the degree of blockage in the coronary arteries. It is a guide wire-based procedure that determines the ratio between the maximum achievable blood flow in …
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What is a pacemaker? The most common use of pacemakers is the treatment of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). A pacemaker is a tiny device (not more than the size of a small matchbox), placed in the chest or abdomen, that sends small electrical impulses to the heart muscles for maintaining a suitable heart rate. It may also be used to …
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What is an intra-aortic balloon pump? IABP is performed when the heart isn’t getting enough blood or isn’t pumping out to the rest of the body. Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation or intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is a type of therapeutic device which helps the heart to pump more blood. The IABP consists of a thin, flexible tube called a catheter. Attached to the …
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What is coronary CT angiography? Coronary computerized tomography angiography (CCTA) is a heart scan or imaging test that helps diagnose plaque buildup and consequent narrowing of the coronary arteries (the blood vessels that supply the heart). During a CCTA scan, you may receive an iodine-containing material (contrast) as an intravenous injection to ensure the best possible images of the coronary …
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What are omega-3 fatty acids? Share Your Story Certain foods are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty acids consist of chains of carbon atoms linked together by chemical bonds. On one end (terminal) of the carbon chain is a methyl group (a cluster of carbon and hydrogen atoms). On the other terminal is a carboxyl group (a cluster of carbon, …
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What is coronary artery bypass grafting? Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a surgery that helps create adequate blood flow to the heart by using healthy blood vessels harvested from some other sites (e.g., leg, arm, or chest) to bypass the flow of blood from the site of the blockage. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a surgery performed in …
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What is an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)? You need to live with an ICD for the rest of your life. Hence, it is important to have regular check-ups and monitoring every three months to ensure the proper functioning of an ICD. An implantable cardioverter–defibrillator (ICD) is an electronic device that tracks the heart rate and restores a normal rhythm if required. …
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What is an echocardiogram? EKG helps the doctor diagnose various heart conditions. An echocardiogram (EKG) is a painless test that uses ultrasound to show the structure and function of the heart muscle. The ultrasound waves create pictures of the heart so the doctor can diagnose any abnormalities of the heart. What does an echocardiogram test for? An echocardiogram checks how the heart’s …
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