Get To Know These Diagnostic Tests This World Heart Day
The theme for World Heart Day 2021 is ‘harnessing the power of digital health to improve awareness, prevention and management of CVD (Cardio-Vascular Diseases)’. In this context, it is important to be aware about the different tests out there designed to examine various functions and aberrations in the working of a heart.
You would probably have heard about ECGs and MRIs. But what do these tests mean and why are they performed in the first place. So here is a look at some tests that you may have come across during your routine health checks or may have been recommended to examine the working of your heart.
Understanding the ABCs of ECG
An electrocardiogram – more commonly known as ECG – that utilizes the power of electrical waves provides a reading of the electrical activity of heartbeats. It then assesses the time taken for electrical waves to cross the heart. This time period provides the doctor at physicians offices in Alexandria VA an accurate idea about the electrical activity.
Based on these observations, the doctor categorizes electrical activity as irregular, normal, fast or slow. The test also serves to expose enlarged cardiac muscles. The test is most commonly recommended to detect the onset of a heart attack or to confirm if a patient has just suffered a cardiac arrest.
Crucial test to detect heart attacks
An Echocardiogram relies on the technology of sound waves to create accurate images of the heart. The test is available in all after hours clinics and hospitals and offers doctors an insight into blood circulation and the functioning of the heart. An ECG test helps discover any faults in the valves or heart muscles.
The test may be conducted in two ways – while you are resting and the heart rate is normal and while exercising when the heart rate shoots up. ECG is usually recommended to ascertain the general functioning of the heart. It may also be performed at physicians offices in Alexandria VA to check for abnormality in the valves or to locate the reason for a heart murmur.
MRI – For a clearer picture of the heart
Magnetic Resonance Imaging – known simply as MRI – utilizes radio frequency waves and a magnetic field to accurately chart comprehensive images of internal organs within the human body. In the case of the heart, an MRI scan helps evaluate the heart structure, detect the presence of scar tissues in cardiac muscles and monitor the functioning of cardiac valves.
CT scan – for cross sectional cardiac images
A CT scan is an advanced imaging technology that provides cross-sectiional pictures of the human heart. It is also known as CAT (Computerized Axial Tomography) scan. The technique provides in depth images of the heart that doctors can examine for abnormalities. It is widely used in physicians offices in Washington DC to evaluate the extent of brain damage after a stroke.
Being aware of the function, results and significance of these evaluative tests will help you gain a better understanding of why doctors recommend these tests and how it will help diagnose heart disorders at the earliest. To ensure your heart health, walk in for a heart evaluation at your nearest physicians offices in Alexandria VA today.
