Discover 3 Key Heart Function Tests for Better Health

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, affecting not only older adults but also adolescents and children who are diagnosed with this condition at an early age.

However, some patients have experienced sudden death due to late detection and diagnosis by specialists. Among the most common reasons are the lack of timely medical check-ups and the absence of symptoms that could indicate any cardiac abnormalities. Therefore, attending routine health check-ups is essential to rule out any potential problems.

For these types of conditions, it is important to conduct effective tests that assess the functioning of the heart. These tests help the attending physician determine the appropriate treatment based on the severity of the pathology.

In general, cardiologists recommend the following as the most effective tests:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): it is a simple, entirely ambulatory study that does not generate pain. It is used to record the electrical signals emitted by the heart; showing the heartrate, the synchrony of activity across its various parts, and the regularity or irregularity of its rhythm. This type of procedure projects an almost instantaneous picture of the heart's electrical activity and does not entail any risk or generate side effects during practice.

  This is one of the initial tests conducted, depending on the patient's symptoms. It helps detect signs of diseases such as cardiomyopathy, coronary heart disease, heart attack, and heart failure. If you experience symptoms such as chest pain, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, and abnormal fatigue during physical activity, you may be suffering from heart problems that require immediate attention.

• Holter monitoring: it monitors the patient's heart rhythm during daily activities using a portable device for approximately 24 to 48 hours, allowing the detection of irregular heartbeats.

  This test is suggested for people who present symptoms such as irregular heart rhythm, heart conditions with a possible risk of arrhythmia, and sudden fainting. The physician will opt for this device if the electrocardiogram does not provide fully detailed results of the heart disease.

  The Holter monitor is placed on the chest with electrodes connected by wires to this device, detecting heartbeats. Once the monitor is placed, the specialist will give instructions on how to use it. Most of these monitors cannot be removed before the established time and must remain dry, so it is advisable, before attending the appointment, to take a shower.

  During the period of using the test, the patient should keep a record of their activity, which should be filled out on a form provided by the doctor. In case of any symptoms, they should also be recorded there. This is to provide the specialist with complete data that will help make an accurate diagnosis.

  Echocardiogram: is a diagnostic test that provides information on physical aspects of the heart, including its size, shape, the force with which the heartbeat is generated, function, and the blood flow through its valves and chambers. It is performed using ultrasound to create a dynamic image of the heart.

  Echocardiography uses new methods to provide a clear and precise image of the heart, known as: 2D or 3D Echocardiogram, Doppler Echocardiogram, and color flow imaging.

The physician may suggest different types of echocardiograms, depending on the symptoms present and the patient's health status. One of these may be:

• Transesophageal echocardiography
• Transthoracic echocardiography
• Fetal echocardiogram
• Stress echocardiogram

This test does not involve any serious risk; however, in some cases, when a transesophageal echocardiogram is performed, there may be discomfort in swallowing or spasms in some part of the throat due to the probe used during the test. Although these symptoms usually disappear in a short time on their own, it is important to see a specialist if they persist over the days.

If your doctor considers that you require any of these procedures, you can come to our facilities and inquire about the cardiology services we offer. Here we have many years of experience and the highest quality in technological equipment.