If you’re curious about 3 heart tests your doctor may recommend, check out this guide from AIM Group in New York.
What Is Heart Disease?
Heart disease encompasses a variety of conditions that can affect the heart. These may include blood vessel disease, such as coronary artery disease; irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias); congenital heart defects; disease of the heart muscle; and heart valve disease. Fortunately, many forms of heart disease can be prevented or treated with healthy lifestyle choices.
What Are the Symptoms Of Heart Disease?
Sometimes, heart disease may not be detected until a person experiences the symptoms of a heart attack, heart failure, or arrhythmia.
- Symptoms of a heart attack may include chest pain or discomfort, upper back or neck pain, indigestion, heartburn, nausea or vomiting, extreme fatigue, upper body discomfort, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
- Those with an arrhythmia may experience fluttering feelings in the chest, or palpitations.
- Symptoms of heart failure may include shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, abdomen, or neck veins.
What Are The Benefits Of A Heart Health Check-Up?
At a heart health checkup, your doctor will have a conversation with you about your general well-being, followed by screenings to evaluate your cardiovascular health. This system consists of the heart and the vessels that transport blood. The doctor will be looking out for any indicators of heart disease and assess your likelihood of having it in the future. Factors that increase your risk include high blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels, obesity, and certain lifestyle choices such as smoking and drinking.
According to the American Heart Association, some heart health screenings should start from the age of 20. Other screenings may start at a later age, so it is important to talk to your doctor to determine which screenings you should get and how regularly you should have them. Additionally, if you experience any symptoms of heart disease, such as chest pain, fluttering in your chest, an irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, or swelling in your feet or abdomen, it is crucial to inform your doctor right away.
What Are 3 Heart Tests Your Doctor May Recommend?
Having a regular heart health check-up is usually a straightforward process. Your doctor should assess your weight and Body Mass Index (BMI), measure your blood pressure, and order blood tests to check your cholesterol and blood sugar levels. In addition, they should ask about your diet, physical activity, smoking history, any changes in your health, and your personal and family medical history. Tests are not always necessary, but your doctor may recommend the following:
- Blood pressure and cholesterol tests. It is recommended that individuals in their 20s get a baseline cholesterol test and then get tested every 4 to 6 years. However, if high cholesterol is present in your family, it is suggested to start testing earlier. Additionally, if the results of your test are not within a desirable range or you have risk factors for heart disease, you may need to get checked more frequently.
- Blood glucose test. If you have diabetes, you are at a higher risk of developing heart disease. To keep your heart healthy and protect yourself from potential damage, it is important to properly manage your blood glucose or blood sugar. High blood glucose levels caused by diabetes can cause harm to the blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart and blood vessels. This damage can accumulate over time and ultimately lead to heart disease.
- Exercise cardiac stress test. Exercise tests are used to assess how the heart responds to physical activity and if heart disease symptoms arise. This may involve walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike while the heart is monitored. If a person is unable to exercise, medications may be administered instead.
Advanced Internal Medical Group Is Your Best Choice For Heart Health
At Advanced Internal Medical Group in East Hills, NY we have 40 years of experience minimizing pain with over 20 services in primary care, house call appointments, and other services related to arthritis. To learn more about any of our services, call 516-352-8100 to speak with one of our team members.