Feeling lightheaded or dizzy occasionally is not uncommon and usually isn’t serious. If, however, these spells are becoming more frequent, severe, sudden, or prolonged, it may warrant further investigation and testing by a doctor. The issue may be due to an underlying medical problem, such as poor circulation or a heart condition. Feeling lightheaded or experiencing other sensations associated with dizziness – such as feeling faint, unsteady, off-balance, floating, or a spinning sensation – ... [Read More]
Cardiovascular
Echocardiograms for Heart Valve Disease
A patient with heart valve disease has a malfunctioning heart valve and is likely experiencing symptoms associated with the condition, such as chest pain, a strong heart murmur, shortness of breath, feeling tired or fatigued, and fainting spells. A heart valve issue needs to be evaluated by a doctor. There are complications associated with heart valve disease that include heart failure, blood clots, and stroke. If you visit the doctor complaining of chest pain and difficulty breathing and they ... [Read More]
Cardiac Testing and COVID-19
Now that COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) has been around for a number of months, and many people have not been receiving tests and treatment for serious health issues as they normally would for fear of exposure to the virus, it is time to get back on track of taking care of your health. Medical facilities nationwide have certain standards in place in order to avoid potentially spreading the coronavirus to patients and even to each other on staff, so it is indeed safe to go back and start ... [Read More]
Most Common Cardiac Conditions
Your heart pumps oxygen-rich blood throughout your body, and in order for it to function properly, every part of it needs to work efficiently. Unfortunately, there are a variety of cardiac conditions that can cause a hinderance in how your heart functions. As a result, you may experience a variety of uncomfortable symptoms and put your life at risk. Here are some common cardiac conditions that you should be aware of: Arrhythmia Often referred to as an abnormal heart rhythm, arrhythmia is ... [Read More]
Why a Physician May Recommend a Cardiac Stress Test
A cardiac stress test shows your physician whether or not your heart works normally while handling work or performing an activity. Because the traditional “treadmill test” has actually induced heart problems in some patients, your doctor may instead have you take medication during the test that creates the same effect on your heart without causing overexertion. During the test, your heart will pump more blood due to your body working harder and requiring more oxygen. The cardiac stress test ... [Read More]