Talking to Your Cardiologist
How is Coronary Artery Disease Diagnosed?
Your cardiologist will look at many factors and may suggest a series of tests to determine if you have coronary artery disease.
Factors your cardiologist may consider include: medical history; family history; risk factors for a diagnosis of coronary artery disease, which include high blood pressure, high levels of LDL cholesterol with low levels of HDL cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking and more. The results of one or several diagnostic tests such as EKG, coronary CT angiogram, cardiac catheterization, invasive coronary angiogram and/or stress test.
Ask your cardiologist about Protected PCI with Impella®
Protected PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) is a stenting procedure to treat complex coronary artery disease. It includes the use of the Impella heart pump. The use of the Impella heart pump during a PCI allows your blood pressure and blood flow to be maintained during the procedure, which may allow your doctor to perform a more complete and optimized procedure and achieve better results.
A Guide to Talking With Your Doctor
If you or a loved one has been turned down for heart surgery, talk to your cardiologist to learn if Protected PCI with Impella could be an option. Consider using this guide to review your treatment options for severe coronary artery disease and/or advanced heart failure.
Your Cardiologist May Refer You to a Heart Team
A heart team consists of an interventional cardiologist, a cardiothoracic surgeon and other health care professionals who work with your cardiologist to determine the best treatment plan based on your diagnosis.
References
- Facts About Heart Disease in Women. Go Red for Women, American Heart Association: https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/about-heart-disease-in-women/facts.
NPS-1323