How to Check for Heart Problems

Introduction

The heart is one of the most vital organs in the body, responsible for pumping blood and delivering oxygen to all tissues. Detecting heart problems early can prevent severe complications such as heart attacks, heart failure, or stroke. In this lecture, I will explain the basic steps to check heart health and the types of tests doctors use.

Symptoms Suggesting Heart Problems

While some heart diseases are silent, others present symptoms such as: - Chest pain or discomfort (angina) - Shortness of breath - Dizziness or fainting - Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) - Swelling of legs or abdomen due to fluid retention - Fatigue and weakness If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a doctor promptly.

Basic Heart Health Examination

Doctors use different methods to check for heart problems, including: - Medical History & Physical Exam: Doctors ask about lifestyle, family history, and symptoms while listening to the heart and lungs. - Blood Tests: Check for cholesterol levels, markers of heart damage (troponin), blood sugar, and inflammation. - Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Measures the electrical activity of the heart for detecting arrhythmias, heart attack signs, etc. - Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound to create images of the heart’s structure and function. - Stress Test: Assesses how the heart performs under physical stress, usually on a treadmill. - Cardiac MRI/CT scan: Provides detailed images of the heart and coronary arteries. - Coronary Angiography: A procedure using contrast dye and X-rays to check for blockages in coronary arteries.

Prevention and Lifestyle Modifications

Even if you do not have symptoms, taking care of your heart involves: - Maintaining a healthy diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats) - Exercising regularly (at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week) - Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar - Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption - Managing stress effectively Regular check-ups with a doctor can help detect potential issues early.

Conclusion

Heart problems can develop silently, so regular screening and a heart-healthy lifestyle are essential. If you notice any concerning symptoms, seek medical advice quickly. Modern medicine provides many tools to diagnose and treat heart disease effectively.

Source recommendations

1. American Heart Association Guidelines

1. https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
2. https://www.heart.org/
3. https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-statements
4. https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines
5. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults

2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines

1. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
2. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713
3. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines
4. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/39/4043/7238227
5. https://www.escardio.org/