February is American Heart Month. This special recognition is important because heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. Many organizations like the American Heart Association and the CDC use this month as a platform to educate the public on the dangers of cardiovascular disease. However, the battle against cardiovascular disease doesn’t stop at the end of February.
The CDC offers these recommendations to Americans on what they can do throughout the year to live heart-healthy lives:
- Get up and get active by being physically active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.
- Know your ABCS:
- Ask your doctor if you should take an Aspirin every day.
- Find out if you have high Blood pressure or Cholesterol, and if you do, get effective treatment.
- If you Smoke, get help to quit.
- Make your calories count by eating a heart-healthy diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in sodium and trans fat.
Of course, like most diseases, early detection is key. Detecting heart disease early can help limit the weakening of heart muscle and prevent damage to the vascular system. Early detection saves lives and millions of dollars in associated healthcare treatments.
Telemedicine Used for Faster Diagnoses
Cardiologists are faced with the need to deliver superior patient care in a cost-effective and faster manner. Telemedicine streamlines workflow by making echocardiograms and ultrasound images available online. It also provides the cardiologist real-time access to critical information and time sensitive results which can help them make critical decisions and diagnoses immediately.
A web-based solution significantly improves an imaging center’s ability to process and share diagnostic tests and medical studies. Rather than waiting 2-10 days to see the results of a diagnostic test, web-based solutions allow reading physicians to receive and access the reports immediately and automatically. Reading physicians who use web-based diagnostic testing and imaging can complete interpretations any time on any computer with internet access. This means greater flexibility for the specialist and a faster turnaround time for the referring physician and hence, the patient.
Studycast® Helps Cardiac Programs in the US and Abroad
Studycast® is a cardiology telemedicine solution that facilitates a more efficient workflow for you and your cardiology practice. Studycast® allows you to access your study images and measurement from anywhere with internet access, even on an iPad.
This remote access and ease of use has allowed Studycast® studies to be viewed and transmitted across the US and even in medical mission projects around the world including Rwanda and India.
Learn more about how Studycast’s® telemedicine solution can help you view your echocardiograms faster and from virtually anywhere. Schedule a Demo or call (919) 277-0636!
