The demand of our work routines and our
lifestyles prevent us from regularly checking the health of our hearts. One of
the most effective and simple ways of preventing heart disease is understanding
and managing the risk factors involved. A regular check-up with your doctor is
necessary for most people. A few vital statistics of the human body can assist
the doctor in determining if any changes if lifestyle are required or if any
potential treatment is required. Generally, most heart health screenings begin
later in life, but certain screening test should start as early as age 20.
These screenings are crucial because they help our physician identify any
growing signs or symptoms of heart diseases early on.
Dr
Ranjit Jagtap Clinic has
one of the best Cardiology Clinic in the city Pune and has a variety of tests
and screening facilities to detect any abnormalities of the heart. Dr Ranjit Jagtap recommend that cardiac screenings that are a
part of comprehensive medical check-ups be done annually.
It is easy to ignore some
symptoms of heart disease like discomfort in the chest, a slow or racing
heartbeat, fatigue, dizziness, or swelling in the feet. Notifying the Dr Ranjit Jagtap about the symptoms is essential so that he can potentially
save your life. Routine
screenings are part of preventative healthcare measures and are even more
important if there is a family history involved.
Cardiologists
Dr
Ranjit Jagtap recommend routine
screening tests even if there is no family history of heart disease. Tests such
as blood pressure and cholesterol should be initiated in young adults and blood
glucose monitoring should be started in most people by the age of 40. The
screenings might be recommended earlier if you are predisposed to certain risk
factors or if there is a strong family history of heart disease.
What are some of the common heart screening
tests that doctor would suggest?
Electrocardiography (ECG)
This is one of the most popular tests done with a machine and
sensors that are attached to your chest. The machine records the electrical
activity of the heart and calculates its rhythm and rate. Tests such as this
can reveal evidence of a heart attack that has already occurred or one that is
in progress. The patterns of the ECG report can help identify the area of the
heart that is damaged and how severe the damage is.
Exercise cardiac stress test (Stress ECG)
More commonly called a stress ECG, this test measures the
heart's ability to react to external stress in a controlled clinical
environment. It is completed in around 15 minutes. The test can be used
to detect coronary artery diseases and cardiovascular risks. An ECG will be
recorded while you are exercising on a treadmill, stationary bike, or any other
exercise machine, and it will be traced at certain points in order to determine
the effects of increasing stress on the heart.
Echocardiography
This test is performed using an ultrasound machine which
creates moving images of the heart. During this examination, it
will be possible to determine whether there are any problems with the heart's
pumping function as well as evaluate its valves. An echocardiogram will provide
information on blood clots in the heart.
Cardiac CT scan
With this test, a CT scanner and electrodes are attached to
your chest to record your heart's electrical activity. The CT scanner
provides images of the heart, which can be used to assess the amount of plaque
buildup in the coronary arteries.
Coronary CT Angiography (CTA)
This
test is similar to a cardiac CT scan, but uses a contrast dye that is injected
into the bloodstream to help visualize plaque buildup.
Cardiologists Dr. Ranjit Jagtap recommend some tips to maintain good heart
health. A change in eating habits is the surest way to prevent heart
disease. Controlling your portion size is extremely important so that your diet
and heart are in good shape. You should consume more low-calorie and
nutrient-rich foods and fewer high-calorie and high-sodium processed refined
fast foods. The consumption of unhealthy fats such as saturated and trans fats
should be kept at a minimum to lower blood cholesterol and reduce the risk of
coronary artery disease. Limiting the amount of salt in the diet is also
essential to a heart-healthy diet. Keeping your stress levels under control is
the most important lifestyle change that can keep your heart healthy in the
long run.
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