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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.
Comprehensive Heart Check-Up
Introduction
Your heart is one of the most vital organs in your body, and a regular heart check-up is essential for maintaining good cardiovascular health. Heart disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide, but early detection and preventive care can make a significant difference.
Why is a Heart Check-Up Important?
A heart check-up helps to: - Detect heart diseases early - Assess risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes - Provide recommendations for lifestyle modifications - Prevent complications such as heart attacks and strokes
What Does a Heart Check-Up Include?
A comprehensive heart check-up usually consists of the following tests:
1. Medical History and Physical Examination
- Reviewing personal and family history of heart disease
- Checking weight, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI)
2. Laboratory Tests
- Lipid Profile: Measures cholesterol levels (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides)
- Blood Sugar Tests: Identifies diabetes or pre-diabetes
- High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP): Assesses inflammation linked to heart disease
3. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- Records electrical activity of the heart
- Detects arrhythmias, heart attacks, and other abnormalities
4. Echocardiogram (Cardiac Ultrasound)
- Uses sound waves to create images of the heart’s structure and function
- Helps assess valve diseases and heart muscle performance
5. Stress Test (Exercise or Pharmacologic Stress Test)
- Evaluates heart function under physical stress
- Identifies hidden coronary artery disease
6. Coronary Calcium Score (CT Scan of the Heart)
- Measures calcium deposits in the coronary arteries
- Helps predict the risk of future heart problems
7. Holter Monitor (If Necessary)
- A 24-hour ECG recording to detect occasional arrhythmias
When Should You Get a Heart Check-Up?
- Every 1-2 years for people over 40, or earlier if you have risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, or a family history of heart disease.
- Annually if you have existing heart conditions.
Conclusion
Regular heart check-ups are crucial for preventing and detecting cardiovascular diseases. Consult your doctor to schedule a comprehensive evaluation tailored to your health needs.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000678
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/how-to-help-prevent-heart-disease-at-any-age
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements/prevent-calculator
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
- 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.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/ESC-Guidelines-on-non-cardiac-surgery-cardiovascular-assessment-and-managem
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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:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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.