Dr Nitza I Alvarez | Tri County Heart Institute

The most common type of heart catheterization is an angiogram. These tests use x-rays and a dye to find restrictions in blood flow to the muscle of the heart. If a restriction is found, a doctor can do an angioplasty right then and there to open the clogged arteries. Angioplasties use a small balloon to open the artery so the doctor can insert a small cylinder called a stent. The stent will keep the blocked artery open so your heart muscle can be healthier.

A CT calcium score test is one I like to call the "mammogram of the heart." It measures how much calcium buildup is in your coronary arteries. For more information on this test, see why every woman needs a CT calcium score test for her heart. For more info https://www.nitzamd.com/heart-health-screening/heart-health-screening-ct/

A standard stress test is used to find out if you have a blocked coronary artery. To do it, you are asked to ride a stationary bike or walk on a treadmill. These exercises are used to "stress" your heart. While you're doing that, your doctor monitors your blood pressure, heart rate, and your heart's electrical activity. If these results are abnormal, your doctor may order further tests. The great news is that there is a new type of stress test that appears to be more effective at diagnosing heart disease in women. This is called the Cardiac MRI stress T1 test. You can ask your doctor about this type of stress test. For More info https://www.nitzamd.com/heart-health-screening/women-heart-health/

The standard methods for assessing risk for heart disease have not been as effective for women as they have for men. We know that sixty-four percent of women who die suddenly from heart disease had no symptoms. This tells us that traditional risk factors underestimate the true risk for women. The first thing you can do is see your doctor. She will probably start by asking you about your medical and family history and do a physical exam. During this appointment, be sure to ask your doctor all of your health questions. Check out our blog post https://www.nitzamd.com/heart-health-screening/women-heart-health/ Your doctor may then recommend some tests. She should know that the tests used to diagnose heart disease are less accurate in women than they are in men. For example, tests used to detect plaque buildup in the coronary arteries (the ones that supply your heart muscle with oxygen and nutrients) are less accurate in women. That's because women are less likely to have obstructions in these essential arteries than men are. This is why it's very important to see a doctor who knows women's health and can do an in-depth evaluation. For the three tests that your doctor may recommend to see if your heart is healthy see our blog https://www.nitzamd.com/heart-health-screening/women-heart-health/

This screening is designed for those interested in engaging in physical activity. This screening is intended to ensure the safety of your exercise routine, even if you are an athlete interested in engaging in more competitive workouts or if you are planning to get out of the couch and start an exercise routine. With this evaluation the providers will be able to identify high risk markers suggestive of heart disease that might increase your death risk.

A woman is exposed to multiple risk factors for cardiac disease from early age. If you are a mother and you suffered from high blood pressure of diabetes during pregnancy your risk to develop cardiovascular diseases is higher. For this and many other specific reason every women should complete an evaluation to understand their risk to develop heart disease and what to do to prevent it.

Every in office service starts with a consultation. It is an initial evaluation and discussion of your cardiovascular health history and current cardiac issues (if applicable.) You will have the opportunity to ask questions and voice any concerns with regard to your cardiac health.During this visit, you and your provider will discuss the best course of action to ensure optimal management of your cardiovascular health.

Yes. A cardiologist will be able to detect a heart condition that you might not be aware of having. It can also complete a pre-exercise stress test to evaluate your exercise capacity, your blood pressure response to exercise and any presence of arrhythmias on exertion.

Several health conditions, your lifestyle, and your age and family history can increase your risk for heart disease. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. Other factors are High Cholesterol, Smoking, Lack of exercise. Diet, obesity and even Family history.

Although age alone is not necessary the only factor to determine if you should see a heart specialist, any women older than 55 y/o, or a man older than 45 y/o consider seen a cardiologist as they are at higher risk for cardiac diseases. If you have strong family history for cardiac disease with a mother or sister with heart attack before the age of 65 or a father or brother before the age of 55 y/o you will benefit from seen a cardiologist. If you have high cholesterol or suffer from uncontrolled HTN consider establishing with a cardiologist.

Women heart health. As a cardiologist she specialized in management of cardiovascular disease however she has a special interest in women heart diseases.

Cardiologists treat many conditions related to the heart and vascular system including, but not limited to, coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart attack, heart valve disease, heart arrythmias, congenital abnormalities, arterial and venous disease.

A cardiologist is a physician that specializes on Cardiovascular Care. Cardio - Heart, Vascular - Vessels.

Heart disease is the number one health threat for women. It claims the lives of 420,000 women in our country. 50,000 more women than men die of heart disease every year because cardiac disease is underrecognized and undertreated in women. Beyond weight and blood pressure, you need to understand your risks and take charge of your health. This is why you should always ask your doctor about a cardiac check. Unfortunately, heart disease is still considered a man's disease and women need to be empowered with knowledge on how to prevent it. If you want to know more about it check out my book, Heels vs. Ties. This book was written to empower you, to help you be your own advocate and remove your name from the statistics.

Measuring your weight and blood pressure are simple non-invasive tests that should be done regularly. If your weight or blood pressure has changed dramatically, or if they are too low or too high, could be a sign that needs more investigation. If these are a concern, your doctor can order tests to measure your metabolism or hormones and may recommend some diet and lifestyle changes that work for you.

Never ignore your symptoms. If you have any concerns or are experiencing any physical or mental health issues, describe them to your doctor. Please never forget that even subtle symptoms count. Your doctor may ask for more information such as your family history, a list of the medications and supplements that you're currently taking, and to describe your diet and lifestyle. Then your doctor should be able to guide you as to what you should-or shouldn't-be worried about.

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