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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.
Cardiac Diagnostics: Understanding Heart Health
Introduction
Understanding how we diagnose heart conditions is crucial for both preventive care and treatment. This lecture will cover the most common diagnostic methods used in cardiology and explain their significance.
1. Common Symptoms That Require Diagnosis
If you experience symptoms such as: - Chest pain or discomfort - Shortness of breath - Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) - Dizziness or fainting - Swelling in the legs or feet
Your doctor may recommend a series of diagnostic tests to assess your heart function.
2. Key Diagnostic Tests in Cardiology
1. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
This quick, non-invasive test records the electrical activity of the heart and can detect arrhythmias, ischemia (poor blood supply), or previous heart attacks.
2. Echocardiogram
This ultrasound-based test provides images of the heart’s structure and function, helping detect issues like valve diseases, heart muscle dysfunction, and fluid accumulation.
3. Stress Test
Performed on a treadmill or with medication, this test evaluates how the heart responds to stress and can reveal hidden coronary artery disease.
4. Holter Monitoring
A portable ECG device worn for 24-48 hours that records heart rhythms continuously, useful in diagnosing intermittent arrhythmias.
5. Cardiac MRI and CT Scans
These advanced imaging tests provide detailed heart and blood vessel images, helping diagnose congenital heart defects, tumors, or complex structural problems.
6. Coronary Angiography
A catheter-based procedure using contrast dye to visualize blockages in coronary arteries, often leading to stent placement if necessary.
3. Comorbid Conditions to Consider
Heart issues are often linked to conditions such as: - Hypertension (high blood pressure) – A major risk factor for heart disease - Diabetes – Increases the risk of coronary artery disease - Chronic kidney disease – Can cause or worsen heart problems - Obesity – Leads to increased heart strain and metabolic disorders
4. Conclusion
Early detection of heart disease can save lives. If you have symptoms or risk factors, consult a doctor for appropriate testing.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Cardiovascular Diagnosis
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001168
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000678
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/aha-diet-and-lifestyle-recommendations
- https://newsroom.heart.org/news/framework-on-how-to-safely-resume-essential-cardiovascular-diagnostic-and-treatment-care-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-from-the-aha-and-14-north-american-cardiovascular-societies
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Cardiac Imaging
- https://www.escardio.org/Sub-specialty-communities/European-Association-of-Cardiovascular-Imaging-(EACVI)
- https://academic.oup.com/ehjcimaging/article/16/9/919/2399830
- https://www.escardio.org/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19733789/
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Scientific-Documents/Recommendations-and-position-papers
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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:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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.