PET/CT Advances Cardiovascular Health
By Dr. Gaetano Pastor
Your heart is at the center of your health and well-being, powering every part of your body with the oxygen and nutrients you need to thrive. That’s why early and accurate diagnosis of heart conditions are crucial for enjoying a long, healthy life. Thanks to modern medical advances, innovative tools like the PET/CT scan are revolutionizing the way heart disease is detected and treated. Now, at Cardiology Physicians, LLC, this advanced technology is available to help safeguard your cardiovascular health.
Understanding the cardiac PET/CT scan
A cardiac PET/CT scan uniquely combines two powerful imaging methods—Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT)—into a single, seamless exam. PET uses a small amount of safe, radioactive tracer to highlight how well your heart muscle is functioning. This reveals areas with reduced blood flow or damaged tissue that might not appear on other tests. CT, on the other hand, offers high-resolution images of the heart’s anatomy, showing the structure of your heart and its blood vessels in vivid detail.
When these two imaging technologies are paired together, doctors receive an exceptionally clear and complete picture of your cardiovascular health—all in a single, comfortable outpatient visit. This comprehensive approach means fewer appointments, faster results, and greater peace of mind for patients and caregivers alike.
Why PET/CT Is a game changer for heart patients
1. Catching heart disease before symptoms start
Many heart conditions develop slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms right away. By the time symptoms appear, significant damage may have already occurred. PET/CT imaging’s incredible sensitivity enables doctors to detect reduced blood flow (ischemia) to the heart—even before you notice anything wrong. This means your care team can step in early, making it possible to address problems before they progress to more serious issues, such as heart attacks or irreversible heart muscle damage.
2. Precise assessment of coronary blockages
Traditional tests like treadmill stress tests can suggest whether there’s an issue, but PET/CT provides exact information about the location, extent, and severity of blockages in your coronary arteries. By seeing exactly where and how much blood flow is affected, your cardiologist can tailor a treatment plan specifically for you. This level of precision prevents unnecessary treatments and ensures you get the therapies that are most likely to help—whether that’s medication, lifestyle changes, or interventions like angioplasty.
3. Informed and individualized treatment decisions
Every patient is unique, and so is every heart condition. The detailed data from a PET/CT scan equips your doctor with the insights needed to create a personalized, effective care plan. Whether you need medication adjustments, advice on diet and exercise, or even consideration for surgery or stenting, the information from this scan informs every aspect of your care journey.
4. Monitoring progress and recovery
If you’re already living with heart disease or have undergone a procedure, routine PET/CT imaging can track how your heart is recovering and whether treatments are working as intended. It allows cardiologists to monitor improvements, spot potential setbacks early, and adjust therapies as needed—ensuring your heart is on the best possible path to recovery.
Designed with patient comfort in mind
One of the greatest advantages of cardiac PET/CT is its patient-focused approach. The scan itself is non-invasive and usually requires little preparation. Most examinations are completed in about an hour, and there’s minimal downtime afterwards. Most patients can return to their normal routines almost immediately, reassured that they have taken a significant step towards protecting their heart health.
Dedicated to your heart’s future
At Cardiology Physicians, LLC, our team is committed to giving you access to the most advanced cardiovascular imaging and the compassionate, expert care you deserve. If you have concerns about your heart—or simply want the best tools to keep it healthy—talk to your provider about whether a PET/CT scan is right for you or your loved ones. With leading-edge technology and a patient-first approach, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve the healthiest heart possible.
Bio
Dr. Pastore has been a member of Cardiology Physicians, P.A. since July of 1998. He attended Villanova University graduating with honors. He attended the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center of the Pennsylvania State University for his medical degree. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at Hahnemann University Hospital and his cardiovascular fellowship at the Hahnemann University Heart Hospital in Philadelphia. Dr. Pastore has contributed as a co-author on papers that have appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine and has presented at the Annual Scientific Sessions of the American College of Cardiology.
The Christiana Care Family Practice Residency Program has recognized Dr. Pastore as an outstanding teacher/preceptor. He is an active staff member at the Christiana Hospital System. He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and served as the Governor of the American College of Cardiology for the state of Delaware. He is currently serving his fourth consecutive year as president of Cardiology Physicians, P.A. He remains an active ACC member with a strong focus on patient advocacy and quality care improvement serving on national physician and patient advocacy committees. Dr. Pastore has a strong commitment to clinical and consultative cardiology with a special interest in echocardiography. This includes transthoracic, transesophageal, and stress echocardiography. He has expertise in the interpretation of nuclear imaging in cardiovascular medicine.
Dr. Pastore resides in Avondale, Pennsylvania with his wife Linda and three children.
Cardiogoly Physicians P.A.
Abby Medical Center 302-366-8600 One Centurian Drive, Suite 200 Newark, DE 19713
Foulk & Wilson Professional Center 910 Foulk Road Wilmington DE 19803
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