Your cardiac health is central to your well-being. If you are experiencing unexplained heart-related symptoms like chest pain or have a family history of heart problems, your cardiologist may recommend a cardiology consultation. This session aims to identify and diagnose your symptoms or lower your risk of heart and vascular complications. During your consultation, your Covington interventional cardiologist will do more than review your medical history. They may also request a chest –ray, bloodwork, and some diagnostic tests to assess your heart health. Depending on your symptoms and overall health, you may undergo one, several, or all of the following.
Echocardiography
Echocardiography is a medical procedure that uses sound waves to produce images of the heart. The primary role of these images is to inform your cardiologist about the strength of your cardiac muscles, the size and health of your heart, and the functioning of the heart valves. Typically, the images appear on a large screen that the doctor can review during your session. They can keep track of your cardiac output, which is how well your heart pumps blood. They can also look for and detect signs of inflammation or structural abnormalities in or around the heart.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An electrocardiogram (ECG) or (EKG) works similarly to echocardiography. However, this process involves capturing electrical signals from the heart. Your cardiologist or a technician attaches electrodes to your legs and upper body, which your doctor then uses to study your heart. An electrocardiogram can identify the size of the heart, possible damage, rhythm irregularities, heartbeat rate, and heart function. In most cases, it is recommended for patients experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitations, and chest pain – all signs that point to cardiac problems.
Cardiac Angiography
If your cardiologist notices signs of coronary artery disease (CAD), they may recommend a cardiac angiography. This test produces X-ray images of the heart muscles and chambers that your cardiologist uses to look for signs of plaque deposition in your blood vessels or chambers. Typically, a technician inserts a catheter into a blood vessel in your arm or upper thigh, then moves it toward the heart, depositing a contrast dye that X-ray imaging can detect.
Stress Test
As the name suggests, a stress test is a diagnostic tool used to assess the functioning of your heart under heavy stress. It also tests your heart’s ability to withstand exertion. Your doctor attaches electrocardiogram electrodes to your body and then records your heart activity and blood pressure as you cycle or run on a treadmill. Usually, this test is performed to determine the cause of symptoms like fluttering in the chest, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
Arterial Ultrasounds
Your cardiologist may also request an arterial ultrasound if they notice problems that could be related to your blood flow. This test checks and treats blockages in the arteries to improve blood supply. Usually, it takes pictures of the arteries to reveal problems like coronary artery or valvular disease.
It May be Time for a Cardiology Consultation
Medical experts agree that cardiovascular treatments are the most important part of any treatment regimen, especially if you have a heightened risk for heart conditions. Most of these treatments begin with a cardiovascular consultation, during which your cardiologist familiarizes themselves with the functioning of your heart. During a consultation, your doctor may find signs of a complication they can treat promptly, possibly saving your life. Schedule one today if you have not been to the cardiologist in a while or are experiencing unusual heart-related symptoms.
