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.
Healthy Heart Test
Introduction
A healthy heart is essential for overall well-being. Cardiovascular diseases remain one of the leading causes of death worldwide, making early detection and prevention crucial. A "healthy heart test" typically involves several diagnostic steps to assess heart function and detect early signs of heart disease.
Key Components of a Healthy Heart Test
1. Medical History Review
- Family history of heart disease
- Lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol, diet, exercise)
- Presence of other conditions (diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol)
2. Physical Examination
- Measurement of blood pressure, heart rate, and body mass index (BMI)
- Checking for signs of fluid retention (which can indicate heart failure)
- Listening to heart sounds with a stethoscope
3. Basic Laboratory Tests
- Lipid Panel: Measures cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- Blood Glucose Test: Screens for diabetes
- C-reactive Protein (CRP): Indicates inflammation levels
- Kidney Function Tests: Since kidney health is closely related to heart health
4. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- Detects irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- Identifies past heart attacks
- Looks for signs of strain on the heart
5. Echocardiogram (Ultrasound of the Heart)
- Evaluates heart function and valve conditions
- Helps detect structural heart diseases
6. Stress Test (Exercise or Pharmacologic Stress Test)
- Assesses heart performance under physical stress
- Helps diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD)
7. Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring
- Uses a CT scan to measure calcifications in coronary arteries
- Helps assess the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease
8. Other Advanced Imaging Tests (if needed)
- Cardiac MRI: Provides detailed images of the heart
- CT Angiography: Examines coronary artery blockages
When Should You Get a Heart Checkup?
- Over 40 years old: Regular screening, especially if you have risk factors
- Any age with risk factors (high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking)
- Experiencing heart symptoms (chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitations)
Lifestyle Tips for a Healthy Heart
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Exercise regularly (at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week)
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake
- Manage stress effectively
- Monitor and control blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Conclusion
Regular heart check-ups, combined with a healthy lifestyle, can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Consult your doctor for personalized recommendations based on your health status and risk factors.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association 2023 Guidelines on Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001168
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements/prevent-calculator
- https://newsroom.heart.org/news/leading-cardiologists-reveal-new-heart-disease-risk-calculator
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease/heart-health-screenings
- https://newsroom.heart.org/news/heart-disease-risk-prevention-and-management-redefined
2. European Society of Cardiology 2021 Guidelines on Cardiovascular Prevention
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/CVD-Prevention-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34458905/
- https://www.portailvasculaire.fr/sites/default/files/docs/2021_esc_guidelines_prevention_cardiovasculaire_ehj.pdf
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35525570/
-
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.