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 Health Test: Understanding Your Cardiovascular Risk
Introduction
Maintaining heart health is crucial for overall well-being. A heart health test is a set of assessments that help determine your risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). These tests can be routine screenings or detailed evaluations based on your medical history and risk factors.
Why Is a Heart Health Test Important?
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Early detection of risk factors allows for timely intervention and lifestyle modifications to prevent complications such as heart attacks and strokes.
Key Components of a Heart Health Test
1. Blood Pressure Measurement
- High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for heart disease.
- Normal range: Below 120/80 mmHg.
2. Cholesterol Profile (Lipid Panel)
- Measures total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides.
- High LDL and triglycerides increase heart disease risk.
3. Blood Sugar Test (Glucose & HbA1c)
- Determines diabetes risk, which is a significant factor in heart disease.
- Fasting glucose: Below 100 mg/dL is normal.
- HbA1c: Below 5.7% is optimal.
4. Body Mass Index (BMI) & Waist Circumference
- Obesity increases the risk of hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.
- BMI above 25 is considered overweight.
5. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- Records the electrical activity of the heart.
- Helps detect arrhythmias, heart attacks, or structural abnormalities.
6. Echocardiogram
- Uses ultrasound to assess heart function and detect structural issues.
7. Stress Test (Exercise Tolerance Test)
- Evaluates how the heart performs under physical stress.
- Detects coronary artery disease and exercise-induced arrhythmias.
8. Coronary Calcium Score (CT Scan of the Heart)
- Assesses the presence of calcium in coronary arteries, indicating early atherosclerosis.
9. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test
- Measures inflammation in the body, which plays a role in heart disease.
Who Should Get a Heart Health Test?
- People over the age of 40.
- Individuals with a family history of heart disease.
- Those with hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
- Smokers and people with sedentary lifestyles.
Conclusion
Regular heart health assessments can prevent serious cardiovascular diseases. If you have risk factors, consult a doctor for a personalized health evaluation.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Guidelines for Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
- https://tools.acc.org/ascvd-risk-estimator-plus/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000677
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24222018/
- 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.uptodate.com/contents/calculator-cardiovascular-risk-assessment-in-adults-10-year-acc-aha-2013-patient-education
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.
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.