CT Technologists at Northwest Health - Porter Recognized

11/21/2023

Northwest Health – Porter is proud to have earned an international quality award for its cardiac imaging heart flow program. This award signifies that Northwest Health was in the top 15% of medical centers providing patients with a way for identifying and understanding their heart health by utilizing coronary CT heart flow analysis. Recipients of the award are determined based on metrics assessing the quality and adoption of the analysis within a hospital’s cardiovascular imaging program.

The system is used in conjunction with coronary CT technology to help diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. CAD develops when the arteries leading to the heart narrow or become blocked, which may lead to a reduction in blood flow to the heart, causing chest pain, heart attacks and death.

Using the analysis of blood flow in the heart, physicians are provided a 3D, computer-based model of the heart and arteries, which helps them visualize the narrowing or blockages of arteries. This helps the care team determine a personalized approach to the patient’s treatment plan.

“Now, in one test, we can see the type of plaque in your heart vessels, the severity of the blockage and also the physiologic impact of the blockage,” said Melissa Rainwater, director of diagnostic imaging at Northwest Health - Porter. “This can help the cardiology team to choose the most appropriate treatment strategies, including medication and/or stents, to guide better outcomes for each individual patient.”

For more information about Northwest Health, visit NWHealthIN.com.

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