The heart is a precious yet complex organ in the body that keeps everything in sync and also needs to be checked regularly to ensure it is in good condition. Because of this, there are many things that can be done to ensure your heart is working as it should be. Keep reading below to learn about the most common tests for heart health.
Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is used to measure different electrical activities that can be found in the heart, and it’s one of the most common tests for heart health. This test is usually done when the doctor suspects you may have coronary heart disease or any other heart condition that disrupts the heart’s normal rhythm.
The test uses small wires with electrodes attached to the patient’s chest to record the heart’s electrical impulse. A short-lasting pain similar to a pinch or sting is felt every time a different electrode is attached to the skin. It is a painless test and can advance the diagnosis of heart conditions by discovering possible problems before symptoms even appear.
Pulmonary Function Test or Spirometry
A pulmonary function test (PFT) allows the doctor to check the oxygen level in the blood and how well your lungs are working. It works by measuring your ability to exhale and inhale against a set of different airflow devices.
The test is painless, but it does require you to sit in the same position for several minutes. Spirometry is usually done by holding your breath, and the test can be completed in a matter of minutes.
Stress Test
A stress test is a type of test that is performed to check to see if your heart is healthy enough to withstand an additional load. This is a critical test because it can determine whether you have coronary artery disease or any other heart condition that may be aggravated by stressful activity. The test is usually done by having you run on a treadmill or walking on a treadmill while your heart rate and blood pressure are being monitored.
Blood Test
Another type of test for the heart that is done is a blood test. This is done to check your blood and can determine whether or not you’re suffering from any heart condition. The tests are done by drawing a small amount of blood from the patient for examination.
Additionally, they can be done by inserting a needle into the patient’s arm or leg vein to draw blood. The tests can be used to check for cholesterol, glucose, and other substances in the blood to determine whether or not the patient has heart disease or any other related condition.
Duplex Ultrasound
Duplex ultrasound is a common test for heart health that uses high-frequency sound waves to examine blood flow in the heart and blood vessels of the body. Blood flow in the heart and the vessels around it can be found either by injecting a special contrast dye into the blood vessels or after the patient is injected with a special dye that is absorbed by the blood vessels.
The patient is then asked to lie on their back on a table. A probe is placed on the patient’s chest, and the sound waves can identify any narrowing of the blood vessels.
Keeping Your Heart Healthy With CBS
Heart disease is prevalent and life-threatening, and it is vital to detect early whether or not you have any heart condition. Getting tested for blood flow, cholesterol, and blood pressure is essential so that you can get the proper treatment for a health issue.
If you are looking for an affordable, stress-free heart scan, turn to Craft Body Scan. Our non-invasive, low-dose scanner can detect signs of silent killers like cancer, tumors, and heart abnormalities so you can act fast. Schedule a scan now by clicking the link below.
