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Cardiac Imaging

Cardiac Imaging Los Angeles

Cardiac imaging is used to detect and diagnose the presence of diseases in the heart, well before symptoms actually occur. This can help lower the risk of heart attacks, which is the leading cause of deaths in the United States.

There are various types of cardiac imaging services. We offer several different types.

Some cardiac imaging services available at Optima Diagnostic Imaging in Los Angeles include:

  • Computed Tomography (CT) Coronary Calcium Scoring
  • SPECT - Myocardial Perfusion

Computer Tomography (CT) Coronary Calcium Scoring

Computed Tomography (CT) Coronary Calcium Scoring is used to identify if a patient has coronary artery disease (CAD) also called atherosclerosis or "hardening of the arteries". This is the leading cause of death of men and women in the United States.

CT Calcium Score Los Angeles

Coronary artery disease occurs when the walls of the arteries that supply the heart with oxygen and blood thicken and create a reduced area for blood to flow through. The arteries narrow and harden because of plaque build-up. Over time, the plaque can rupture, leading to even greater blockage and contributing to heart attack or sudden death.

Calcium is a marker for coronary artery disease. The earliest indicator of coronary artery disease is this calcium buildup. CT Coronary calcium scoring takes detailed images of the major arteries of the art and assesses how much calcium build up there is inside of them and provides a calcium score. The calcium score helps doctors determine the extent of disease, establish prognosis, and plan for treatment and is available at our cutting-edge Los Angeles imaging center.

Before your Los Angeles cardiac imaging exam begins, electrocardiograph (ECG) electrodes are attached to the patient's chest. The electrodes record the electrical activity of the heart and make it possible to record the CT scan when the heart is not contracting. For the scan, patients are positioned on a narrow table that glides into the CT machine. The procedure usually takes about 10 minutes and does not require any needles or injections.

When certain factors are present, it is of the utmost importance that you consider getting a coronary calcium scan. Some of these factors include: family history of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, no regular exercise, high stress in life, high cholesterol level and smoking. These factors can increase your risk of developing coronary artery disease.

SPECT Myocardial Perfusion

SPECT stands for Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography. It’s also commonly called a cardiac stress test. This determines the heart’s blood supply. When someone has a heart attack, myocardial perfusion SPECT can be used to determine the extent of damage caused by the heart attack, and to examine obstructed blood vessels that cause reduced blood flow.

Myocardial perfusion SPECT is done in two parts. The first part takes images of your heart while it is resting; the second part takes images while your heart is in a state of stress (normally induced by exercise).

The procedure is done by injecting radioactive tracers into your blood. The tracers combine with your blood and are pumped into your heart. The gamma camera picks up signals from these tracers as they move around your chest. The computer then converts these signals to images, allowing the doctor to see what is happening in your chest, as the blood with tracers moves around. With these images, your doctor can see if your heart is getting enough blood flow, or if areas of the heart have reduced blood flow due to narrowed arteries.

These images are also produced separately when your heart is in a period of stress. This allows your doctor to examine how well your heart handles stress. This stress period in the heart is created by either having you exercise, or if you can’t exercise, by giving you a medicine to increase the flow of blood to your heart.

The amount of radiation in the tracers is minimal: your body should dispose of it through your kidneys within 24 to 72 hours.

If you’re interested in learning more about either of these procedures, or any of our other cardiac imaging services, please contact our office today. We offer other methods of cardiac imaging in Los Angeles, in addition to the CT calcium score method and the myocardial perfusion SPECT method.

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Optima Diagnostic Imaging in Los Angeles offers same-day appointments and flexible scheduling tailored to the needs of our patients and is the first choice for both patients and referring physicians for convenient, state-of-the-art imaging services.

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Practice Policy Update Regarding COVID-19 View Update We are Open!

COVID-19

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a new type of virus that can cause mild to severe infections in the lungs. Like other viruses, it can lead to serious infections for people with weakened immune systems. COVID-19 may cause more severe infections than other viruses. We do not have a vaccine to help control its spread, but experts are working to make a vaccine.

How does COVID-19 spread?

The virus can spread easily, just like the common cold or flu. It spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes droplets that can get into the eyes, nose, or mouth of people nearby. Droplets also land on surfaces that people touch before touching their own eyes, nose, or mouth.

How can I protect myself?

These are some of the best ways to protect yourself and others from the virus:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use hand sanitizer with 60% or more alcohol until you can wash your hands with soap and water.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth without washing your hands first.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces often. Regular household wipes and sprays will kill the virus. Be sure to clean places that people touch a lot, such as door handles, phones, keyboards, and light switches.
  • Avoid handshakes, hugging, and standing or sitting close to people who are coughing or sneezing.
  • Be as healthy as you can. Get plenty of sleep, eat healthy, exercise, and manage your stress. If you are sick, follow these steps:
  • Stay home.
  • Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. If you use a tissue, put it in the garbage right away. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow crease.
  • Call before going to your medical appointments. Let them know about recent travel or if you have had contact with a person with COVID-19.

What should I do if I have cancer?

Some people with cancer might have a higher risk of getting COVID-19 or having a serious infection from it. Do your best to follow the steps listed above to protect yourself. Ask your doctor or nurse if they have special recommendations based on your health or type of treatment.

Call your doctor right away if any of these happen to you:

  • You have a fever higher than 100.3 degrees F.
  • You feel short of breath.
  • You develop a cough, runny nose, or congestion.

Should I wear a mask?

It is recommended to wear a mask in pubic at all times. Please wear a mask at all times while at Optima Diagnostic Imaging as well. This can help prevent the spread of the virus, and protect both you and those around you.

What if I care for or live with a cancer patient?

If you are caring for or living with someone with cancer, do your best to keep them from getting the virus. Follow the steps to protect yourself listed on this sheet.

If you become sick yourself, call your doctor to see what more you should do to protect your loved one.

What about people visiting?

If you are sick or have been exposed to COVID-19, we ask that you not come to Optima Diagnostic Imaging. We ask that you find someone who isn’t sick to join your loved one at their appointments.

To protect all patients, we may limit the number of people who can visit someone staying in the hospital. Please check with your care team.

How will Optima Diagnostic Imaging protect me from getting COVID-19

Our Facility is taking steps to keep patients separate from those who may be at risk. At every appointment, your care team will ask questions about overall health and recent travel. Patients and anyone entering the center will have their temperature checked upon arrival, and will be asked to wear a mask. Visitors are limited if they are not actual patients, including family members, and translation services are also being conducted by phone or video instead of in person. Staff members are wearing increased protective equipment. We may ask some patients to wait in a separate room or to reschedule until they are feeling better if they have any symptoms. Everyone must respect social distancing protocols wherever possible including in the waiting room, infusion area and clinic.

We are also taking extra steps to clean and disinfect surfaces throughout our Facility between each patient, and deeper cleaning each evening.

Will you still care for me if I get sick?

Yes. Your care is our top priority. Although we may change some ways we care for you, we will never put your care or health at risk.

Is there care available for International Patients?

For international patients, we are here for you each step of the way. We have resources for private travel arrangements, including private jet, private car transfers from airport, and relationships with local housing and hotel options with the top safety and cleanliness precautions.

Optima Diagnostic Imaging 8900 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 200 Beverly Hills CA 90211 310-432-8900