Medical Examinations: Classifications, Applications, and Timing for Consulting a Physician
Heart diseases are the leading cause of death in the United States, with the outlook depending on the type of heart disease a person has. Many people can manage their condition with lifestyle changes and medicines. In this article, we will discuss the various heart tests that doctors use to diagnose and manage heart conditions.
Diagnosing Heart Rhythm Problems
Doctors use several tests to diagnose heart rhythm problems that occur infrequently. One such test is an electrocardiogram (EKG), which measures the heart's electrical activity and can provide clues about a person's heart size and health. An implantable loop recorder (ILR) is a small device implanted in a person's chest to monitor their heart rhythm over a longer period. Symptom event monitors are handheld or wrist-worn devices that record heart activity only when the user presses a button during a symptom. A tilt-table test measures a person's blood pressure and heart rate response to gravity to find out why they faint or feel lightheaded.
Diagnosing Heart Function and Blockage
A nuclear stress test uses small amounts of radioactive materials to capture images of the heart, showing how well blood flows through the organ. An exercise EKG is a stress test carried out while a person walks on a treadmill or cycles on an exercise bike, used to diagnose coronary artery disease or to check the success of heart procedures. A coronary angiogram is a type of X-ray used to look for a narrowing in the arteries and to diagnose coronary artery disease. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart used to understand the structure of the heart and to see how well it functions.
Detecting Damage and Heart Failure
A B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) test measures levels of a protein called BNP in the blood and may indicate heart failure. A chest X-ray may be suggested by doctors to examine the heart or lungs when causing symptoms such as shortness of breath.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you experience symptoms such as chest pain or tightness (especially if radiating to the arm, jaw, or back), palpitations (fluttering, rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat), lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting or near-fainting, shortness of breath, fatigue, leg swelling, or unusual sweating, it is essential to speak with a doctor as soon as possible. In case of a suspected heart attack, dial 911 or the nearest emergency department immediately.
In summary, any combination of these symptoms, especially if sudden or persistent, often prompts a doctor to recommend a heart test to diagnose potential heart rhythm disorders, assess heart function, or detect blockage and damage. It is crucial to prioritise heart health and seek medical attention when necessary.
- Coronary artery disease, a heart disease, can be diagnosed through an exercise EKG or a coronary angiogram, tests used to check for narrowing in the arteries.
- Naive seekers of health and wellness information can learn about various heart tests, such as the electrocardiogram (EKG) and nuclear stress test, which are used to diagnose and manage heart conditions.
- In the case of other heart diseases, doctors may use an echocardiogram to understand the structure of the heart and its functioning, or a B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) test to indicate the possible presence of heart failure.
- It is essential for persons with symptoms like chest pain, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or leg swelling to seek medical attention, as these might be signs of serious heart conditions.
- In science, medical-conditions, particularly those related to the heart, cardiovascular health, and heart rhythm problems, can be diagnosed and managed with a variety of tests like the implantable loop recorder (ILR) and tilt-table test, which help doctors to better understand their patients' health.
