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 Examinations: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction
The heart is one of the most vital organs in the body, pumping blood and oxygen to all tissues. If there are concerns about heart health, doctors use different examinations to assess heart function. Understanding these tests can help patients feel more prepared and informed.
Types of Heart Examinations
There are several key tests used to evaluate heart health. These include:
1. Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
- Measures the electrical activity of the heart.
- Helps diagnose arrhythmias, heart attacks, and other heart conditions.
- Non-invasive and painless.
2. Echocardiogram
- Uses ultrasound waves to create images of the heart.
- Assesses heart structure, valve function, and pumping efficiency.
- Can detect heart failure and congenital defects.
3. Stress Test (Exercise or Pharmacological Stress Test)
- Examines how the heart performs under stress.
- Typically involves walking on a treadmill or taking medication to simulate exercise.
- Identifies ischemic heart disease and assesses overall cardiovascular fitness.
4. Holter Monitor (24-48 Hour ECG Monitoring)
- A portable ECG worn for a day or more to capture irregular heart rhythms.
- Useful for diagnosing intermittent arrhythmias that may not show in a short ECG test.
5. Cardiac MRI and CT Scan
- Provides detailed images of the heart’s structure and function.
- Helps in diagnosing congenital defects, tumors, or major blood vessel problems.
6. Coronary Angiography (Cardiac Catheterization)
- Invasive procedure where contrast dye is injected into coronary arteries.
- Diagnoses blockages and assesses the need for treatments like stents or bypass surgery.
Why Are These Tests Important?
Heart examinations help doctors: - Detect heart diseases early. - Monitor existing heart conditions. - Guide treatment decisions. - Prevent serious complications like heart attacks or heart failure.
When Should You Get a Heart Examination?
- Persistent chest pain or discomfort.
- Shortness of breath, fatigue, or irregular heartbeats.
- Family history of heart disease.
- High blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
- Lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, or excessive stress.
Conclusion
Knowing what to expect from heart examinations can reduce anxiety and improve your ability to manage heart health. If you are experiencing symptoms or have risk factors, consult a cardiologist to determine the most appropriate test for you.
Source recommendations
1. European Society of Cardiology 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.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
2. American Heart Association Guidelines on the Evaluation of Cardiovascular Risk
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000677
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements/prevent-calculator
- https://tools.acc.org/ascvd-risk-estimator-plus/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000437741.48606.98
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
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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.