Better health through technology

When IT comes to healthcare, the role of technology is to provide greater control over your health by using available information for your overall benefit. Check out some of today’s hi-tech medical procedures.

Diagnostics

• ECG: An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that checks how your heart is functioning by measuring its electrical activity. Says Dr Rakesh Sapra, Senior Consultant, Fortis Hospital: "ECG is used to test whether there is a lack of blood flow to the heart muscle; and to check irregular beating of the heart."
  
  
• MRI scan: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) produces a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create pictures on a computer of tissues, organs and structures inside your body.

Treatment

• Lasik: This laser-assisted in situ keratomileus (LASIK) is a surgical treatment for shortsightedness (myopia), and some forms of long-sightedness (hyperopia). Says Dr Shaloo Bageja, Consultant, Sir Ganga Ram
  
  
• Hospital: "LASIK is performed to correct the shape of the cornea and reduces dependence on glasses or contact lenses."
  
  
• Angioplasty: Says Dr Sapra: "This procedure is used to treat blocked coronary arteries as well as arteries in other parts of the body."

Prevention

• Bone Densitometry: Says Dr Sapra: "This test can help osteoporosis patients assess their risk of having a bone fracture within the next few years."
  
  
• C-reactive Protein Test: This blood test, for measuring C-reactive Protein (CRP) levels, estimates an individual?fs risk of heart disease and stroke. Improvements in technology have permitted more precise measurements of CRP levels.

—Manu Kaushik