EDITOR’S NOTE: Physicians, providers, and administrative staff who practice at Maui Health hospitals and clinics answer questions from the public in HEALTHWISE MAUI, which appears on Thursdays. Maui Health operates Maui Memorial Medical Center, Maui Memorial Medical Center Outpatient Clinic, Kula Hospital & Clinic and Lana’i Community Hospital and accepts all patients. To submit a question, go to the website at mauihealth.org/healthwise.

Q: My doctor told me I am in pre-heart failure. Does that mean heart failure is inevitable?

Dr. Jason Call, Interventional Cardiologist, Pacific Permanente Group: The good news is no — heart failure isn’t always inevitable. Being in pre-heart failure means there’s still a lot you can do to protect your heart and slow — or even stop — the progression toward heart failure. This is an important window where treatment and lifestyle changes can make a real difference.

For most people, heart failure doesn’t happen suddenly. It develops slowly over time, as other health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or coronary artery disease put extra strain on the heart. Once damage to the heart muscle begins, it really can’t be reversed, but the process can often be controlled or slowed with the right care.

Pre-heart failure happens in two stages:

• Stage A: You’re considered at risk for developing heart failure, but your heart is still working normally. This is often tied to conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of heart disease.

• Stage B: This is pre-heart failure. Your heart may be starting to show early signs of damage on tests or scans, but you still don’t have any symptoms.

The goal in both stages is to protect your heart and prevent things from getting worse.

• In Stage A, focusing on managing the conditions that put you at risk – like keeping your blood pressure under control, managing your blood sugar, staying active, and making heart-healthy choices – can make a big impact.

• In Stage B, your doctor may also recommend medications, such as ACE inhibitors or beta blockers, to help protect your heart. In some cases, procedures or surgery might be needed to repair heart structures.

Even if your heart has already started to show some signs of strain, treatment can often keep it from progressing to full heart failure, especially if you catch it early and stick with your care plan.

It’s also important to know that you can get expert care right here on Maui. Maui Health’s cardiology program features state-of-the-art equipment and a team of specialists dedicated to caring for your heart, without having to leave the island. To schedule an appointment, call the Maui Memorial Medical Center Outpatient Clinic at (808) 442-5700.

Q: How is a CT scan different from an X-ray?

Dr. Rosaleen Parsons, FACR, FSAR, Chair of Radiology, Maui Health: X-rays and CT scans are two types of imaging tests that can help doctors see inside your body to diagnose injuries or illnesses. While they use similar technology, they work in different ways and serve different purposes.

X-rays use radiation to create one-dimensional images of your body. They are often the first imaging tests used to check for things like bone fractures, lung infections, or dental problems. On an X-ray, dense structures like bones show up as white, while tissues that are filled with air, like the lungs, appear darker.

X-rays are good for taking a quick peek inside the body. They are fast, widely available, and less expensive than other imaging tests. They also involve a lower dose of radiation. However, X-rays don’t show as much detail as other types of scans, and they aren’t very useful for looking at soft tissues like internal organs. Additional tests may be needed to make a full diagnosis.

CT (computed tomography) scans offer a clearer picture. A CT scan uses a rotating X-ray machine to take images from multiple angles, creating a 360-degree view of the body. A computer then compiles these images to create cross-sectional views of the part of the body being scanned, providing much more information than a standard X-ray.

CT scans can show soft tissues, organs, blood vessels, and bones in incredible detail. They can be used to detect tumors, spot internal bleeding, and diagnose a stroke. Some scans may use a contrast dye to highlight certain areas in even more detail.

While CT scans are more expensive than X-rays, they can also provide critical information that help avoid additional, more invasive tests.

The bottom line is that both X-rays and CT scans are safe and can provide important information about your body that can help doctors make a diagnosis. Your doctor will explain which scan is more appropriate for your symptoms.

Maui Memorial Medical Center’s Imaging Department offers a full range of services with advanced imaging technology, including state-of-the-art CT, and next-generation digital X-ray technology. Learn more about our outpatient imaging services at mauihealth.org/imaging.