About-Cardio
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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.
DSC Heart Test: What You Need to Know
Introduction
The DSC (Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography) heart test is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate cardiac function, particularly in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). This test helps assess how well the heart muscle is working and can detect areas of reduced blood flow.
How Does the DSC Heart Test Work?
- Dobutamine Administration: A medication called dobutamine is given intravenously to simulate the effects of exercise on the heart.
- Echocardiography Imaging: An ultrasound (echocardiogram) captures images of the heart during different stress levels.
- Assessment of Heart Function: The doctor analyzes the images to detect motion abnormalities or areas of ischemia (poor blood supply).
Why is It Done?
- To diagnose coronary artery disease.
- To evaluate heart function after a heart attack.
- To assess cardiac condition before surgery.
Potential Risks
- Temporary irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).
- Mild chest discomfort.
- Rare risk of more serious complications such as a heart attack.
Conclusion
The DSC heart test is a valuable tool in diagnosing heart conditions in patients who cannot perform a traditional exercise stress test. Always consult a cardiologist to determine if it is the right test for you.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Stress Testing
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/diagnosing-a-heart-attack/exercise-stress-test
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.CIR.96.1.345
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2021.07.053
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/supervision-of-exercise-testing-by-non-physicians-a-scientific-statement-from-the-american-heart
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000034670.06526.15
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Non-Invasive Cardiac Imaging
- https://academic.oup.com/ehjcimaging/article/23/2/e6/6423983
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Scientific-Documents/Recommendations-and-position-papers
- https://academic.oup.com/ehjcimaging/article/18/9/945/4076303
- https://www.escardio.org/Journals/E-Journal-of-Cardiology-Practice/Volume-12/Appropriate-use-of-non-invasive-testing-for-diagnosis-of-stable-coronary-artery
- https://www.asecho.org/guidelines-search/
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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:
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.
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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.
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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.