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Screenshot<\/p>\nAdvanced cardiac imaging is helping physicians diagnose heart disease earlier and more accurately at the MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center.<\/p>\n
Christina Rodriguez, M.D., Medical Director of Advanced Cardiac Imaging, is a fellowship-trained, board-certified non-invasive cardiologist and one of only two physicians in the Southern Los Angeles and Orange County region specializing in advanced cardiac imaging.<\/p>\n
Screenshot<\/p>\n
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the heart without ionizing radiation. During the exam, patients lie on a table that moves into the MRI scanner while images are taken of the heart\u2019s structure, function and blood flow. Cardiac MRI can detect heart muscle damage, valve disease, inflammation, congenital heart defects and early signs of coronary artery disease that may not be visible with other imaging tests.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are so many different minimally invasive and noninvasive ways to look into the heart,\u201d said Dr. Rodriguez. \u201cI plan to continue bringing new advanced technologies and services to our program to help patients with advanced heart conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Rodriguez is also focused on advancing women\u2019s heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women, and symptoms are often different than in men. Women are also more likely to develop microvascular dysfunction, a disease affecting the heart\u2019s smallest blood vessels that can be difficult to diagnose.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the introduction of stress cardiac MRI at Long Beach Medical Center, we will better understand how microvascular dysfunction affects women\u2014it is one of our main focuses in our Women\u2019s Heart Center,\u201d Dr. Rodriguez said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFirst and foremost, I am a cardiologist who happens to be specialized in advanced cardiac imaging,\u201d she added. \u201cAll of my specialties are just tools that ultimately help my patients and give them the specialized care they need.\u201d<\/p>\n
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