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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 Health Check-Up
Introduction
Maintaining heart health is crucial for preventing cardiovascular diseases, which remain a leading cause of death worldwide. Regular check-ups can help detect risk factors early and allow timely intervention.
What Does a Heart Health Check-Up Include?
A thorough heart health check-up typically consists of the following components:
1. Medical History and Lifestyle Assessment
- Family history of heart disease
- Smoking, alcohol consumption, and diet
- Physical activity levels
- Stress and mental well-being
2. Physical Examination
- Blood pressure measurement
- Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference
- Pulse rate and rhythm assessment
3. Blood Tests
- Lipid Profile: Measures cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- Blood Sugar: Checks for diabetes and prediabetes
- C-reactive protein (CRP): Indicates inflammation linked to heart disease
- Kidney & Liver Function Tests: Important for cardiovascular health
4. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- Records the heart's electrical activity to detect arrhythmias or ischemia
5. Echocardiogram (if needed)
- Uses ultrasound to assess heart function and structure
6. Stress Test (if indicated)
- Evaluates how the heart performs under physical exertion
7. Imaging Tests (if required)
- Coronary Calcium Scan: Detects early atherosclerosis
- CT Angiography or MRI: Detailed imaging for suspected vascular issues
Who Should Get a Heart Health Check-Up?
- Everyone above 40 years
- Individuals with a family history of heart disease
- People with high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol
- Those who are overweight or lead a sedentary lifestyle
- Smokers and excessive alcohol consumers
How Often Should You Check Your Heart?
- Every 1-2 years for individuals with risk factors
- Every 3-5 years for healthy adults
- More frequently if advised by your doctor
Conclusion
Regular heart health check-ups can prevent serious cardiovascular diseases by identifying problems early. Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management, complements clinical assessments in maintaining a strong heart.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines for the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000678
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30879355/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000678
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30879339/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000677
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Clinical Practice
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/CVD-Prevention-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34458905/
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/CVD-and-Diabetes-Guidelines
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27222591/
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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.