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Showing posts from October, 2025

When and Why You Need a Cardiac PET Scan

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Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death globally, making early and accurate diagnosis essential for effective treatment. If you’ve been referred to a Cardiologist in Upper Marlboro , you may have heard about a Cardiac PET scan—a powerful imaging test that provides detailed information about your heart’s health. At Capitol Cardiology Associates, our specialists use advanced cardiac imaging to detect problems before they become life-threatening. Understanding when and why a cardiac PET scan is recommended can help you take proactive steps toward maintaining a healthy heart.   What Is a Cardiac PET Scan? A Cardiac Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan is a highly accurate, noninvasive imaging test that allows doctors to visualize blood flow and heart function in detail. It uses a small amount of radioactive tracer that travels through the bloodstream, helping detect abnormalities in how your heart muscle functions and how well blood is flowing through your coronary...

How Often Should You Check Your Cholesterol Levels?

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When you’re looking for a trusted cardiologist in Laurel , Capitol Cardiology Associates is here to guide you. It’s natural to ask: “How often should I have my cholesterol checked?” Because cholesterol doesn’t announce itself—it silently influences your heart health and overall wellbeing. At Capitol Cardiology Associates, we blend science with a human touch: not just focusing on numbers, but on you—your lifestyle, your family history, your hopes for a healthy future. In this article we’ll walk you through: why cholesterol matters; what guidelines say about how often to test; how your individual risk modifies the schedule; what to do when results are out of range; and how to partner with us to keep your heart strong. We’ll also include a practical table that you can use as a checklist. We believe that by understanding your “why” and “when,” you empower your health—not just react to it. Why Cholesterol Matters Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance made by your liver and found in your bl...

Heart Disease in Women: What You Need to Know

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Heart disease is often perceived as a men’s health issue, but it remains the leading cause of death for women in the United States. At Capitol Cardiology Associates, your trusted cardiologist in Largo , we believe that empowering women with the right knowledge and care can make a life-saving difference. Unlike in men, symptoms of heart disease in women can be subtle and often misdiagnosed. While chest pain is common, women are more likely to experience other symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, jaw pain, or even dizziness. These warning signs are often overlooked, delaying critical treatment. Risk factors for women include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, lack of physical activity, and stress. Hormonal changes during menopause can also increase cardiovascular risk. Family history and certain autoimmune conditions, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, further elevate the chances of developing heart disease. Early detection and preventio...