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 Test: What You Need to Know
Introduction
A heart check test is a set of diagnostics used to assess your heart's health. These tests help detect early signs of heart disease, evaluate risk factors, and guide treatment if needed. Early detection is crucial because many heart conditions develop silently without noticeable symptoms.
Common Heart Check Tests
1. Blood Pressure Measurement
- High blood pressure (hypertension) increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Normal blood pressure is usually around 120/80 mmHg.
2. Cholesterol Test (Lipid Profile)
- Measures levels of LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides.
- High cholesterol levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks.
3. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- Records your heart's electrical activity.
- Detects abnormal rhythms, heart attacks, and structural issues.
4. Echocardiogram
- Uses ultrasound to create images of the heart.
- Evaluates the heart’s size, shape, and function.
5. Stress Test (Exercise or Pharmacologic Stress Test)
- Assesses how the heart works during physical activity.
- Helps detect blockages in coronary arteries.
6. Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Score
- Uses a CT scan to check for calcium deposits in coronary arteries.
- Helps estimate the risk of future heart disease.
7. Blood Tests (e.g., High-Sensitivity Troponin, Natriuretic Peptides)
- Can detect heart damage or heart failure early on.
Who Should Get a Heart Check Test?
- People with risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, or a family history of heart disease.
- Adults over 40 should schedule regular heart screenings.
- Anyone experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeats should consult a doctor immediately.
Prevention and Next Steps
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle: eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, manage stress, quit smoking, and maintain a healthy weight.
- If test results indicate a problem, follow your doctor’s advice regarding lifestyle changes, medications, or further tests.
Conclusion
Heart check tests are essential for detecting cardiovascular issues early and preventing complications. Consult your doctor to determine which tests are appropriate for you.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Guidelines on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000678
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30879355/
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2019/03/07/16/00/2019-ACC-AHA-Guideline-on-Primary-Prevention-gl-prevention
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000678
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30879339/
2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease 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.
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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.