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Welcome back to another episode of "The Healthspan Podcast" with your host, Dr. R. Todd Hurst. Today, we're joined by the phenomenal Dr. Rebecca Chester, an expert in interventional cardiology, who shares her insights into her daily practices, the fascinating world of stents, and the misconceptions surrounding chest pain.

In this conversation, Dr. Chester talks about her journey to becoming an interventional cardiologist. Despite the current imbalance with fewer women in cardiology, she shares her experiences and the key influences that guided her career path.

We delve into what her role as an interventional cardiologist entails, demystifying the intricacies of cardiac procedures. Dr. Chester explains that inserting catheters into hearts, while sounding risky, is generally safe and often crucial in saving lives.

One key topic we cover is the common assumption that blockages in heart arteries need to be fixed. Dr. Chester explains the difference between stable and unstable coronary artery disease, and how the approach to treatment varies between the two. She discusses the guidelines she uses to decide whether a patient is a suitable candidate for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), clarifying many common misconceptions.

Moving on, we explore the often-misunderstood realm of chest pain. Dr. Chester sheds light on the warning signs that someone experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath should seek medical attention and helps listeners discern heart-related chest pain from other causes.

For those with a history of heart attack or stent placement, we cover how often they should seek follow-up care and what they can expect during these visits.

Next, we discuss screening methods, including stress testing in asymptomatic people and CT calcium scoring. Dr. Chester explains the situations in which she recommends CT calcium scoring and how it informs her treatment decisions.

Finally, we look into the future with Dr. Chester sharing her thoughts on the most promising emerging technologies or techniques in interventional cardiology, what she loves most about her practice, and her crucial advice for patients who have experienced a heart attack or received a stent.

This episode is filled with invaluable insights and expert advice from one of the leading figures in interventional cardiology. Join us on "The Healthspan Podcast" with Dr. R. Todd Hurst for this enlightening conversation with Dr. Rebecca Chester.

Subscribe to The Healthspan Podcast now and join us on this journey towards a healthier and more fulfilling life. Don't forget to book your appointment directly with Dr. Hurst! 

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Don't make any decisions about your medical treatment without first talking to your doctor.