St. Francis MD to discuss predictive testing for heart attack

INDIANAPOLIS -- The amount of calcium in the coronary vessels, as measured by imaging scans, can be predictive of serious or fatal heart attack in patients.

That’s what Saeed Shaikh, M.D., a St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers cardiologist, discuss that topic 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 15, at St. Francis Heart Center. Shaikh will describe testing for heart attack risk factors.

A special screening also will be available for those participating in the free class, which will be held in Heart Center’s community center.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, it is the leading cause of death in the United States for adults, killing more than 500,000 Americans each year.

CAD is a condition in which plaque, consisting of cholesterol, calcium, fat and other substances, builds up inside the arteries that supply blood to the heart. When plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, blood flow to the heart is reduced and may lead to arrhythmia, heart attack or heart failure.

Coronary calcium scoring uses modern technology to identify arteries with calcium buildups and a means to identify heart disease risk.

Register for the free Ask the Doc class at www.HeartAttackCare.net or call 317-782-4422.

The St. Francis Heart Center is located at 8111 S. Emerson Ave. on the hospital’s Indianapolis campus.