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Medical Tests & Procedures Archive

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Read More about From the wrist to the heart: A safer route for angioplasty?
From the wrist to the heart: A safer route for angioplasty?

From the wrist to the heart: A safer route for angioplasty?
At least half of all artery-opening angioplasties done in the United States now begin at the wrist instead of the top of the thigh. The wrist (or transradial) approach is easier on patients, safer, and less expensive. After the procedure, people can sit up right away instead of lying flat for several hours, and they are much less likely to experience bleeding, including serious bleeding in the abdomen. The lower complication rates mean people can leave the hospital sooner, which translates to decreased costs.
Read More about If it’s not breast cancer, should you worry?
If it’s not breast cancer, should you worry?

If it’s not breast cancer, should you worry?
Most breast lumps are not cancerous. Some 80% of biopsies are negative. But some women develop noncancerous breast conditions that may raise their risk of a future cancer. For women with these conditions, doctors may recommend additional monitoring. This might include additional screenings, or screenings using other technology, such as MRI or breast ultrasound.
Read More about You don't say? Brain space
You don't say? Brain space

You don't say? Brain space
It’s thought that the average person uses just 10% of the brain. While some parts of the brain may be more active at any given time or during a particular activity, there is no part that is known to be unused or completely unnecessary.
Read More about Do BMI numbers add up?
Do BMI numbers add up?

Do BMI numbers add up?
For decades, researchers have used body mass index (BMI) to estimate a person’s body fat mass and predict possible health risks. While BMI is helpful, it can’t accurately measure the type of fat people accumulate, especially among older adults. Monitoring one’s waist size with a simple measuring tape may be a better option.
Read More about Radiation risk from medical imaging
Radiation risk from medical imaging

Radiation risk from medical imaging

Given the huge increase in the use of CT scans, concern about radiation exposure is warranted. Patients should try to keep track of their cumulative radiation exposure, and only have tests when necessary.

Read More about A closer look at heart disease risk
A closer look at heart disease risk

A closer look at heart disease risk

Sometimes the presence of atherosclerosis, the disease underlying most heart attacks, is not clear or easily recognized, especially before a heart attack or other crisis happens. In those instances, doctors may rely on a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, which measures the amount of calcium in the heart's arteries, high levels of which are associated with cardiovascular disease. The CAC results can help predict a person's risk for heart attack or stroke, even if that person doesn't have obvious risk factors or symptoms.

Read More about Cervical cancer screening update: Not your mother’s Pap smear
Cervical cancer screening update: Not your mother’s Pap smear

Cervical cancer screening update: Not your mother’s Pap smear
Read More about Back to the doctor
Back to the doctor

Back to the doctor
People who’ve skipped medical check-ups for a while should visit their primary care doctor, dental hygienist, and eye doctor. A primary care doctor will consider a person’s blood pressure, medications, weight, alcohol intake, gait, balance, memory, hearing, mood, and levels of physical activity and socialization. To prepare for the visit, one should write down questions for the doctor and bring a list of all medications. At the appointment, one should take notes and ask any questions needed to understand the doctor’s instructions.
Read More about When imaging tests reveal unexpected findings
When imaging tests reveal unexpected findings

When imaging tests reveal unexpected findings
Heart imaging tests sometimes reveal potentially worrisome abnormalities in or near the heart that are unrelated to the original reason for the test. These "incidentalomas" are usually harmless, but not always. Before undergoing heart imaging tests, people should understand how the results may change their treatment and if they are willing to receive that therapy. If a test reveals an incidentaloma, a second opinion from a highly experienced cardiologist or radiologist may help patients feel more confident that a concerning finding is treated appropriately.
Read More about A blood test may predict increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease
A blood test may predict increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease

A blood test may predict increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease
A study published online June 2, 2021, by the journal Brain found that a blood test may help to predict an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
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