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.
Heart Check: Understanding Your Cardiovascular Health
Introduction
A heart check is crucial for assessing the health of your cardiovascular system and preventing serious conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, or heart failure. Regular monitoring helps detect problems early when treatment is most effective.
Key Components of a Heart Check
A comprehensive heart check includes:
1. Medical History and Risk Factors
- Family history of heart disease
- Lifestyle factors (diet, smoking, alcohol use, and physical activity)
- Existing conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol)
- Symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue
2. Physical Examination
- Blood pressure measurement
- Heart rate and rhythm assessment
- Listening for abnormal heart sounds
3. Laboratory Tests
- Cholesterol levels (LDL, HDL, triglycerides)
- Blood sugar levels (to assess diabetes risk)
- Kidney function tests (since kidney disease can impact heart health)
4. Diagnostic Tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) : Evaluates heart rhythm and detects abnormalities.
- Echocardiogram : Uses ultrasound to visualize heart function and structure.
- Stress Test : Assesses how well your heart works under physical stress.
- Coronary Calcium Scan : Measures calcium deposits in arteries to assess cardiovascular risk.
- Holter Monitor : Monitors heart activity over 24-48 hours if arrhythmias are suspected.
5. Lifestyle and Preventive Measures
- Following a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- Engaging in regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week).
- Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption.
- Managing stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
When Should You Get a Heart Check?
- At least once a year if you are over 40 or have risk factors for heart disease.
- More frequently if you have a history of hypertension, diabetes, or past heart issues.
- Immediately if you experience symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
Conclusion
A heart check is a fundamental step in maintaining cardiovascular health. Early detection of risk factors and conditions significantly improves outcomes. Speak with your doctor about a personalized screening plan based on your health status.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements/prevent-calculator
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000677
- https://newsroom.heart.org/news/leading-cardiologists-reveal-new-heart-disease-risk-calculator
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000678
- https://tools.acc.org/ascvd-risk-estimator-plus/
2. European Society of Cardiology 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://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/CVD-and-Diabetes-Guidelines
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34458905/
- https://www.portailvasculaire.fr/sites/default/files/docs/2021_esc_guidelines_prevention_cardiovasculaire_ehj.pdf
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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.
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.