As of: February 1, 2024, 8:54 a.m
By: Judith Braun
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Computed tomography is the most important diagnostic tool when coronary heart disease is suspected.
It is now covered by health insurance companies.
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is considered a widespread disease in Germany: around five million people are affected by it in this country, and over 120,000 sufferers die every year as a result of the disease.
Heart disease is best diagnosed using computed tomography (CT).
However, they have not yet been covered by statutory health insurance companies.
According to information from the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians,
this will now
change.
“If chronic coronary heart disease is suspected, contracted doctors will in future be allowed to carry out computed tomography coronary angiography at the expense of the statutory health insurance companies,” it says there.
Heart diseases: Health insurance companies now cover computer tomography
Computed tomography (CT) is the most important method for diagnosing coronary artery disease.
© Lightpoet/IMAGO
If a patient suffers from typical symptoms of CHD and is suspected of having narrowed coronary arteries, a CT scan is best used at this early stage of the disease.
This diagnostic method can be used to make the coronary arteries and any changes visible.
This allows doctors to detect dangerous deposits (also known as plaques).
In addition, a CT can also be used to examine and analyze the nature of the deposits in order to begin therapy as early as possible, if necessary.
At the same time, an unconfirmed suspicion of narrowed coronary arteries can be eliminated with a CT scan.
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Coronary heart disease: Heart attack can result
According to the
German Heart Center at the Charité (DHZC
), in CHD the coronary arteries are calcified.
These normally supply the heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood.
However, the calcifications can create constrictions or blockages, hindering blood flow to the heart.
If a coronary artery closes completely, a heart attack can result.
In addition, CHD can lead to secondary diseases such as heart failure or cardiac arrhythmias.
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This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editorial team cannot answer individual questions about medical conditions.