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GRMC CCTA Advanced Heart Imaging Test

Guam Regional Medical City Radiology Department Rolls Out New Advanced Heart Imaging Test
(Tuesday, December 31, 2024; Dededo, Guam) — Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) is excited to announce the launch of an innovative, state-of-the-art heart imaging test: Computed Tomography (CT) of the Heart with Quantitative Evaluation of Coronary Calcium, Coronary artery analysis, Cardiac function analysis, Myocardiac perfusion analysis, and Cardiac 3D Imaging. Now available at GRMC’s Radiology and Cardiovascular Department, this cutting-edge diagnostic tool represents a significant advancement in cardiovascular care for the people of Guam and the entire Micronesian region.
This new cardiac imaging technology offers a non-invasive, highly accurate method for assessing comprehensive insights into your heart health.

1.     Cardiac CT Angiogram: Detect blockages in the coronary arteries and identify structural heart abnormalities with unmatched precision.
2.     Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC): Assess the presence of calcium buildup in your arteries, a key indicator of heart disease risk.
3.     Myocardial Perfusion Analysis: Visualize and evaluate blood flow to the heart muscle, ensuring optimal heart function and detecting areas at risk.
4.     Cardiac Function Testing: Get detailed, real-time data on your heart’s performance, helping identify any potential issues early on.
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in Guam and the broader Micronesian region. This new imaging technology allows for the early detection of heart disease, even before symptoms appear, potentially saving lives. With early identification of coronary artery issues, healthcare providers can recommend preventive treatments, lifestyle changes, or more targeted interventions, ultimately reducing the need for invasive procedures like heart surgery.
“The launch of this advanced cardiac CT service is a game-changer for our local community, and it will be especially beneficial to the entire Micronesian region, where access to advanced healthcare has traditionally been limited,” said Butch Frosch, GRMC Manager of Radiology. “By providing cutting-edge diagnostic services, we’re ensuring that our residents, as well as our neighboring islands, receive world-class care that can help them avoid serious cardiac events and improve their long-term health.”

“The combination of Cardiac CT Angiography, Perfusion/Functional Analysis, and Coronary Calcium Scoring offers a comprehensive and non-invasive approach to assessing heart health. By visualizing coronary artery blockages, evaluating blood flow to the heart muscle, heart function and quantifying calcium deposits in the arteries, we can better understand a patient’s risk for cardiovascular disease. This advanced imaging technology enables early detection, more precise risk stratification, and the development of tailored treatment plans, empowering both patients and clinicians to make informed decisions about heart health. Generally, we recommend this to patients who are at intermediate to high risk for coronary artery disease, particularly those with risk factors such as hypertension, history of smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease. These advanced imaging techniques are also valuable for patients experiencing chest pain or other symptoms suggestive of heart issues, but who may not yet meet the criteria for invasive procedures,” adds Dr. Maheswara “Mahesh” Golla, GRMC Cardiologist.

This technology not only benefits Guam residents but also offers a significant advantage to the wider Micronesian region. Many individuals in neighboring Pacific Islands have previously needed to travel long distances to access such specialized diagnostics. GRMC is not only providing Guam residents with access to the latest in medical technology but also serves as a crucial resource for our nearby islands, reducing the need for costly and time-consuming medical travel.
The heart CT scan with coronary calcium evaluation, Coronary artery analysis, Cardiac function analysis, Myocardiac perfusion analysis and Cardiac 3D Imaging is a pivotal advancement for both preventive and diagnostic care. This service aligns with GRMC’s mission to bring advanced healthcare solutions to the region and improve health outcomes for all.

It is recommended that individuals consult with their primary care physician to see if a referral to GRMC for said procedures would be beneficial based on their medical condition. It is also recommended that interested individuals contact their health insurance company to see if the procedure(s) will be covered by their health plan. For more information about this new cardiac imaging service or to schedule an appointment, contact GRMC Referral Management at 671-633-GRMC (4762) or email refer@grmc.gu.

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