Introduction

Cardiac health is extremely important in maintaining overall well-being. Controlling the global widespread of cardiac diseases has become a huge challenge for experts. Heart disorders significantly affect the circulatory system. Such disorders impact the body’s cardiovascular system which might result in complicated health problems. Early detection and diagnosis are crucial for reducing health risks. The discovery of Intravascular imaging has helped cardiologists in the effective detection of cardiac problems. In this article, our aim is to highlight the power of intravascular imaging and its impact on heart health by a Best Cardiologist in Bangalore.

What is cardiovascular health?

Cardiovascular health relates to the healthy functioning of the entire circulatory system. Circulation of oxygen-rich blood from blood vessels and arteries to the heart is vital for heart health. Also, the efficient functioning of the human heart depends on the factors like controlled levels of blood pressure and cholesterol in the body. Having good heart health is crucial for reducing the chances of the emergence of complex cardiovascular diseases.

What are the factors that cause cardiovascular diseases?

Some of the causes of cardiovascular diseases are as follows-

• High blood pressure
• High Cholesterol Level
• imbalanced lifestyle
• Lack of dietary management
• Negligence in doing regular physical exercise
• Harmful addictions like smoking and drinking
• Obesity
• Family history etc.

Types of Cardiovascular Diseases

Diseases related to the heart have impacted human health. The complexities associated with heart disease may cause fatal health problems. Some of the prevalent cardiovascular diseases that need attention are-

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)– It is the condition where cholesterol or fat builds up in the inner part of an artery. This causes blockage in the artery and restricts blood circulation leading to heart attacks.
• Stroke– Stroke is caused when blood stops flowing into the brain. It is a fatal condition that gives rise to complex neurological problems.
• Heart failure– Heart failure is caused when the heart is unable to pump blood in the required amount. Weakened heart muscles or other heart conditions are the cause of such occurrences. 
• Arrhythmias- Irregular heartbeat rate causes Arrhythmias. In this condition either heart beats slower or faster than normal, causing health risks.
• Hypertension– In this condition, the force of the blood that hits the walls of the artery is too high. Such a condition has health risks that lead to complex heart problems.

The invention of Intravascular imaging

From the above discussion, it is evident that heart health is crucial for proper body functioning. Experts and researchers are constantly striving to invent ways of eradicating cardiovascular problems. Medical science has invented breakthrough ways to enhance heart health. One such invention is intravascular imaging.

Difference between Intravascular imaging and traditional approaches

Earlier, angiography and echocardiography were two procedures for detecting cardiovascular issues. However, in these techniques, the inside view of the walls of blood vessels couldn’t be seen. The invention of Intravascular imaging helped healthcare professionals in obtaining better results. This method helped in obtaining the images from inside the arteries. With real-time images, healthcare professionals can now treat cardiovascular diseases more efficiently.  

Evolution of Intravascular imaging

Intravascular imaging has gone through major changes with time. In the present day, it has become a significant invention in the realm of cardiology. It is helping cardiologists across the globe in the efficient diagnosis of cardiac issues. There are two popular types of Intravascular imaging. They are-

• Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) – uses sound waves to obtain images of blood vessels.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)- uses light waves to obtain images of high resolution.

The importance of Intravascular imaging

The discovery of intravascular imaging is a boon to modern society. Its importance in the field of cardiology is as follows-

1.    Detailed visualization

Healthcare experts are getting detailed images through intravascular imaging. It helps in detecting the presence of minute structures inside the walls of the artery. The real-time images help in the speedy and accurate detection of cardiac problems.

2.    Guiding complex problems

Some invasive procedures, like percutaneous coronary interventions, are complex. Doctors try to cure such complexities in blood vessels as per their knowledge. Intravascular imaging helps doctors understand the condition. Accordingly, they can choose the correct stent size and place them successfully inside the blood vessels.

3.    Monitoring stent implantation

Placing a stent inside the blood vessels requires precision. Sometimes the position of the stent may not be correct. Also, after placing the stent, it might not get expanded, damaging the edge of the blood vessels. Normal eyes find it difficult to detect such occurrences. The images help the doctors to get a clear view of problems. Based on the outcomes, they can take immediate action to minimize complex health conditions.

4.    Evaluating the healing process

After placing the stent, doctors carefully examine its after-effect. Abnormal functioning of the heart or delayed healing after stent implantation imposes a prominent threat to health. Images help the doctors understand the situation. They help doctors in the quick assessment of problems post the process of stent implantation.

5.    Beneficial for research purposes

Intravascular imaging is opening new ways in cardiology. The researchers can do thorough research on various heart problems detected through intravascular imaging. Such advancements are fostering development in cardiac sciences.

Challenges and future prospects

Though a powerful technique, the challenges of using intravascular imaging include-

• Costly equipment
• Lack of trained professionals
• Need to gain adequate knowledge of understanding complex images.

Having trained professionals in handling equipment is necessary. Researches are underway to reduce the cost of equipment and improve the quality of images. Further development will make intravascular imaging accessible and user-friendly in the future.

Conclusion

Intravascular imaging has become a blessing for cardiologists. It has made the detection of complex occurrences quick and easy. Early assessment of cardiovascular problems helps in eradicating complex health issues. However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. A modified intravascular imaging technique will help in obtaining more accurate images in the future. Intravascular imaging is a pathbreaking invention in the field of cardiac sciences. With further development, intravascular imaging will minimize complexities and save more life in the future with the Best Heart Specialist in Bangalore.