Coronary Artery CT Angiography
Definition
Coronary artery CT angiography is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging procedure that uses computed tomography (CT) technology to visualize the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. This test helps in detecting and evaluating the presence of plaque or blockages in the coronary arteries, assessing the risk of heart disease, and guiding treatment decisions.
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Preventive Cardiovascular Health Program
The Preventive Cardiovascular Health Program at Yale (PCHPY) brings a personalized approach to cardiovascular disease prevention. Patients referred to the program meet with one of our cardiologists for an in-depth consultation that takes into account their biology and biography, along with information from advanced diagnostic testing. This approach leads to a more personalized, evidence-based approach to cardiovascular risk assessment. Using this information, and in partnership with patients, we design tailored programs to reduce cardiovascular risk and improve well-being. PCHPY brings together experts in cardiovascular disease prevention, including cardiologists, nutritionists, exercise physiologists and health psychologists. We also work together with Digital Technology Solutions (Information Technology) and digital health companies to offer high-tech/low-burden approaches to cardiovascular care. Our team is highly attuned to the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking medication, and understands that a one-size-fits all approach often falls short. Instead, we strive to understand and integrate each person’ priorities, preferences and goals into the care plan. This program is particularly focused on people who are: At increased risk for cardiovascular disease, including people with: Severe hypercholesterolemia or familial hypercholesterolemia or elevated Lp(a) Family history of premature coronary artery disease (before the age of 60) Poorly controlled hypertension Underlying inflammatory condition (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, HIV) A diagnosis of ischemic heart disease or coronary artery disease Women with cardiovascular disease Individuals seeking a more personalized approach to cardiovascular health PCHPY additionally works with communities to identify and address barriers to cardiovascular health, focusing on environmental and social factors that contribute to disparities in health outcomes.Cardiovascular Medicine
At Yale Medicine, our cardiovascular physicians specialize in all types of heart conditions. Our expert teams focus on heart-related health issues, such as heart disease genetics, heart rhythm problems, heart failure, heart and blood vessel conditions, and heart transplants. Our cardiologists do more than just see patients; they also conduct research to learn more about the complexities of various heart diseases and investigate better ways to treat them. Through their work in five research centers at Yale our cardiologists participate in major research initiatives focused on all aspects of heart health. Our research teams are comprised of experts from all over the world—eight different countries and four continents, to be exact! Specialized care is offered in the following areas: Adult congenital heart disease Arrhythmia Cardiac imaging Cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure Coronary heart disease General cardiology (including stress tests and holter monitoring) Peripheral vascular heart disease Vascular heart diseaseCardiac Advanced Imaging Program
Capturing and interpreting images of the heart are essential to successfully managing cardiac conditions. Our program features advanced technology to capture images of the heart, which allows our physicians to make accurate diagnoses and determine the best course of treatment. Among the techniques we use are nuclear cardiology, echocardiography, and cardiac CT (computed tomography) imaging, a diagnostic method that allows us to take images of blood vessels, bones, and internal organs. Our nuclear cardiology laboratories offer such state-of-the-art imaging techniques as single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), and SPECT-CT, and our team has a long history of groundbreaking research in cardiovascular nuclear imaging. Our echocardiography (ultrasound) laboratories provide a comprehensive array of 2-D and 3-D transthoracic (chest wall) and transesophageal (through the esophagus) imaging options, as well as intracardiac echo imaging (ICE), an imaging technique that allows physicians to get a clear picture of the inner workings of the heart.