Different Heart Test Recommendations for High & Low Risk Patients

When it comes to heart health, many people believe that keeping an eye on their cholesterol levels and blood pressure means that they are doing what they can to avoid heart disease and heart attack. However, different people have different levels of risk, depending on certain factors, so it is important to get the right tests to protect your heart and keep it healthy. People that smoke, are overweight or have very high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes or a history of heart disease in their family are considered to be at high risk for developing heart problems. This group may require more tests to maintain a healthy heart by catching and treating problems as early as possible.

For those at high risk, some doctors recommend high resolution CT and MRI scans, which produce exceptionally clear images of the heart so that any problems can be identified and diagnosed quickly. Doctors treating patients at high risk due to high cholesterol may recommend a 64 CT scan, which provides doctors with superior 3-D image of the heart’s blood vessels, allowing them to see any blockages or calcium that may result in a blockage. However, these advanced scans do not come without some risk. CT and MRI scans use radiation to produce their images, so they are only recommended for patients at high risk or those experiencing symptoms of a heart problem. Those at high risk can also have the size of their LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or “bad” cholesterol particles tested. Smaller LDL particles may put a patient at risk of a blockage because their size allows them to enter the lining of the vessels. So, knowing the particle size may provide a better idea of a patient’s specific risk. Recent advances now allow doctors to test for C-reactive protein (CRP), which is a marker for inflammation, meaning it alerts a doctor that a patient is at risk of a heart problem. High levels of CRP may allow plaque and cholesterol to enter the blood vessels, increasing the risk of a blockage, so doctors of patients with a family history of heart disease may recommend this test.

Patients at low risk of heart disease with no risk factors are not recommended to have these types of scans performed to keep their heart in check. Instead, the American Heart Association recommends that people over 20 have their cholesterol levels, blood pressure and triglyceride levels checked annually to check for any warning signs. It is also extremely important do discuss what tests are recommended for you to keep your heart healthy and avoid any potential problems. Heart disease is the leading killer of both men and women in the U.S., so taking the necessary steps to prevent the disease is crucial to your health. If you or a loved one has experienced a delay in diagnosis or treatment of a heart attack or other heart-related problem, contact the experienced attorneys at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C., serving clients with Nassau medical malpractice, Suffolk medical malpractice, Brooklyn medical malpractice, Bronx medical malpractice and Queens medical malpractice cases. We also serve clients located in Staten Island and Westchester County.

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