About-Cardio
-
We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Best Tests for Heart Health
Introduction
Assessing heart health is crucial for preventing cardiovascular diseases and ensuring overall well-being. The best test for heart health depends on the specific condition being evaluated. This lecture will explain common tests used to assess heart function, their purposes, and when they are recommended.
Key Tests for Heart Health
1. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- Measures the electrical activity of the heart.
- Detects arrhythmias, heart attacks, and other cardiac abnormalities.
- Quick, non-invasive, and commonly performed.
2. Echocardiogram
- Uses ultrasound waves to create images of the heart.
- Evaluates heart structure, function, and movement.
- Helps diagnose heart failure, valve diseases, and congenital defects.
3. Stress Test (Exercise or Pharmacologic)
- Assesses how well the heart functions during physical stress.
- Identifies coronary artery disease by detecting reduced blood flow to the heart.
- Can be combined with imaging (stress echo or nuclear stress test).
4. Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scan
- CT scan that detects calcium deposits in coronary arteries.
- Helps assess the risk of heart disease in asymptomatic individuals.
- Useful for refining risk assessment beyond standard cholesterol tests.
5. Lipid Panel (Cholesterol Test)
- Measures levels of LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides.
- Essential for assessing risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.
6. High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) Test
- Measures inflammation in the body, which can indicate cardiovascular risk.
- Useful for evaluating individuals with intermediate risk of heart disease.
7. Cardiac CT or MRI
- Provides detailed imaging of the heart’s structure and blood vessels.
- Helps diagnose complex heart conditions, such as congenital heart disease and myocarditis.
Conclusion
The “best” test for heart health depends on individual risk factors and symptoms. Routine screenings like ECGs, lipid panels, and stress tests are commonly used for early detection, while advanced imaging is reserved for more specific conditions. Consult a healthcare professional to determine which test is most appropriate for you.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines on Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000677
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24222018/
- https://tools.acc.org/ascvd-risk-estimator-plus/
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2019/03/07/16/00/2019-ACC-AHA-Guideline-on-Primary-Prevention-gl-prevention
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2013.11.005
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/CVD-Prevention-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/CVD-and-Diabetes-Guidelines
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34458905/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000678
-
If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
Always up-to-date information
On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Get second opinion
Here you can learn everything that even your doctor may not know about cardiology (if he does not speak English and he does not read 117 leading medical journals on cardiology every month).
The most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials
Our website contains the most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials in your country.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.