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.
Understanding Heart Beat Scans
Introduction
A heart beat scan, also known as a cardiac imaging test, is used to assess the structure and function of the heart. These tests help in diagnosing various heart conditions, from arrhythmias to structural abnormalities.
Types of Heart Beat Scans
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): Records the electrical activity of the heart, helping diagnose arrhythmias and heart attacks.
- Echocardiography (Echo): Uses ultrasound waves to create images of the heart, assessing its size, shape, and function.
- Holter Monitor: A continuous ECG recording over 24-48 hours to detect intermittent arrhythmias.
- Cardiac MRI: Provides detailed images of the heart’s structure and function.
- Cardiac CT Scan: Evaluates coronary artery disease and detects calcium deposition.
- Stress Test (Exercise ECG or Nuclear Stress Test): Assesses how the heart performs under physical exertion.
When is a Heart Beat Scan Needed?
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
- Shortness of breath
- History of heart disease
- High blood pressure or diabetes
What to Expect During the Scan
- Most scans are non-invasive and painless.
- Some may require contrast dye for better imaging.
- Test duration varies from a few minutes to several hours.
- Follow your doctor's instructions regarding food, medications, and any required preparation.
Conclusion
Heart beat scans play an essential role in diagnosing and monitoring heart conditions. If you experience any heart-related symptoms, consult your doctor to determine the most suitable test.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on ECG and Cardiac Monitoring
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000527
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/diagnosing-a-heart-attack/electrocardiogram-ecg-or-ekg
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/symptoms-diagnosis--monitoring-of-arrhythmia/syncope-fainting
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/update-to-practice-standards-for-electrocardiographic-monitoring-in-hospital-settings
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/Guidelines/Scientific-Documents/Recommendations-and-position-papers
- https://jcmr-online.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12968-023-00950-z
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Recommended-Reading/Cardiovascular-Imaging
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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.
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.
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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.