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Statement From EMU Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty Regarding Heart Scanning

Statement From EMU Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty Regarding Heart Scanning
Published Date: Thursday, 6 October 2016

Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty and Marmara University Department of Radiology academician Assist. Prof. Dr. Onur Buğdaycı stated that heart problems are one of the leading causes of death today however because of advancements in medicine heart problems can be identified quicker and sooner. Assist. Prof. Dr. Buğdaycı also noted that with new treatment methods patients can live a longer and better quality life. Stating that radiology is one of the areas in which technological advancements are the most obvious Assist. Prof. Dr. Buğdaycı provided information regarding methods of heart scanning.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Buğdaycı noted that it is possible to view details smaller than a millimeter in under a second with the latest cat scan technology. Therefore, it is possible to view the thin coronary arteries in our hearts that are always in motion. Assist. Prof. Dr. Buğdaycı also stated that the accuracy level of coronary cat scan angiograms is very close to the accuracy level of normal angiograms. Assist. Prof. Dr. Buğdaycı’s statement is as follows:

Coronary cat scan angiograms use a contrast agent to make the arteries visible. If your heart is beating very fast you may need to take some medication to slow it down a bit before the process begins. However, some new devices create an image in a period less than a heartbeat so this may not be necessary.

The benefits of coronary cat scan angiograms compared to classic heart angiograms include the facts that it is less risky and that it shows structures outside of the veins. It can also coincidentally catch additional illnesses. However it may not be suitable for all patients. Your doctor will inform you whether or not it is suitable for you.

Don’t forget that cat scans create an image by using x-rays. For this reason coronary cat scans mustn’t be used as a scanning method or to satisfy one’s curiosity. If you have a high risk of cardiovascular disease or if your doctor is going to undergo a process to open your narrowing veins, the usage of normal angiograms is more advisable.

Magnetic Resonance (MR) is also a method used for heart scanning. With the improvements in computer technology the process times have decreased. This method is especially useful when creating an image of cardiac muscles and veins. Heart valve and wall movements can be examined by using MR but cat scans are better for viewing cardiovascular veins. However, MRs can be used to do this in order to not expose children to radiation.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Buğdaycı noted that improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases are taking place everyday, before concluding by saying “Nonetheless not getting ill is still in the individuals hands”.

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