An echocardiogram is a medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the heart. In short, it's a heart ultrasound that shows a live picture of it beating. Apart from determining the pulse and its rhythm, the echocardiogram helps evaluate the heart's overall function. The procedure checks on the valves, walls, chambers, and blood vessels, as well. Why are Echocardiograms Done? Aside from the need for regular checkups, doctors use the test to look at the patient's heart ... [Read More]
heart disease
What an Echocardiogram Can Tell You
An echocardiogram is a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to produce images of your heart. Like an ultrasound, the echocardiogram allows the doctor to develop a comprehensive picture of your heart’s condition and efficiency. If your doctor is recommending you undergo an echocardiogram, know that he is on the right track to better understanding whatever symptoms you are experiencing of concerns you are having with regard to your heart function. What an Echocardiogram Can Tell You Simply put, ... [Read More]
Preventive Cardiology: Non-Symptomatic Reasons To See A Cardiologist
With approximately 84 million Americans suffering from some form of cardiovascular disease, heart disease has been and continues to be at the top of the list of the country’s most serious health crises. As the disease claims approximately 2,200 people per day, many physicians are stressing preventive care as successful method for taking action. In fact, many venerated medical programs such as Mayo Clinic and Weill Cornell Medicine have entire programs dedicated to preventive cardiology. There ... [Read More]
What to Do if You Notice Irregular Heart Rate
Arrhythmias or abnormal and irregular heartbeats are the results of the electrical pulses in your heart incorrectly coordinate the natural rhythm. Arrhythmias are not uncommon and can often be harmless. There are times that they can be alarming and become an emergency situation. This guide will help you distinguish these two types and what you should do in the event of them. What Causes Arrhythmia? There are 14 different types of arrhythmia, depending on where it originates. Atrial arrhythmia ... [Read More]
WHAT IS A HOLTER MONITOR – AND WHY WOULD I NEED ONE?
It may sound like a top-secret gadget employed by the CIA or MI-6, but in fact, a Holter monitor is just a battery-operated portable device that continuously measures and records your heart’s activity for 24 to 48 hours or longer. It’s the size of a small camera and has wires with electrodes that attach to your chest, so it can record your ECG (electrocardiography) as you go about your daily business. You may be wondering why anyone – including you – would want or need to wear a Holter monitor ... [Read More]
