Electrocardiography - Echocardiogram examination - ECG stress test - Holter -Holter blood pressure - portable blood pressure measurement
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is the first test performed on the human heart. It helps to determine:
Heartbeat
Heart rate
Regularity of heartbeats
Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) or bradycardia (slow heartbeat)
Ectopic or wandering beats
Acute and chronic heart attacks
An ECG can potentially indicate the likelihood of nearly any heart disease.
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The Echocardiogram (Echo) examination:
The echocardiogram (echo) examination is one of the most important examination in general, and one of the most crucial for heart examinations specifically. Any patient with heart complaints must undergo both an ECG and an echo scan. It is considered the key to the heart and the eye that sees the heart from the inside.
The echo operates on the principle of ultrasound waves – similar to a sonogram used to view a fetus – and is considered a safe test with no side effects.
What Can Be Seen with an Echo:
Heart chambers and their diseases, such as ventricular or atrial dilation.
Heart muscle.
The pumping strength of the heart muscle.
Myocardial movement disorders due to atherosclerosis and heart attacks.
Heart valves and their diseases, such as stenosis or regurgitation.
Pulmonary pressure.
Pericardial fluid surrounding the heart.
Genetic diseases such as heart defects.
And much more...
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What is a Stress Test?
A stress test shows how your heart works during physical activity. Since exercise makes the heart pump harder and faster, a stress test can reveal issues related to blood flow within the heart. The test usually involves walking on a treadmill while your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing are monitored.
How to Prepare for a Stress Test:
Do not eat, smoke, or drink coffee for 3 hours or more before the test.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes during the test.
Consult your doctor about medications before the test.
If you use an inhaler for asthma, bring it with you.
Duration of the Test:
The actual test takes 10-15 minutes, but you usually need half an hour before for preparation and another half hour after the test.
During the Stress Test:
A nurse or technician will place sticky patches (electrodes) on your chest. Body hair may be shaved to help the electrodes stick better. The electrodes are connected by wires to a computer, which records your heart's electrical activity. A blood pressure cuff will check your blood pressure during the test. In some cases, a mask may be placed over your mouth and nose to check oxygen during the stress test.
How the Test is Conducted:
The usual method consists of 3 to 4 stages, each lasting 3 minutes. Each stage is faster and has a greater incline than the previous one.
When the Test is Stopped:
The test is conducted under the supervision of a doctor or nurse.
The test will end once it is completed, or the doctor may stop it at any time if necessary.
If you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or leg pain, inform the supervising doctor immediately to assess the situation.
We wish all patients a speedy recovery.
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Holter Monitor Test
A Holter monitor test tracks your heart's rhythms for 24 hours and can last up to two weeks. The Holter monitor is a small, wearable device that records every heartbeat to determine if you have an arrhythmia or unexplained fainting episodes.
How to Prepare:
It is recommended to shower before the Holter monitor is attached since it cannot be removed until the monitoring period is over.
A technician or nurse will attach electrodes to your chest. For men, some chest hair may be shaved to help the electrodes stick better.
You can hide the wires under your clothes.
The device is secured with a belt or worn around the neck.
Do not remove the device, even while sleeping.
You can go about your daily activities as usual.
Record any instances when you feel abnormal heartbeats.
After the Test:
Once the monitoring period is over, you can remove the device yourself or return to the cardiac clinic to have a technician remove it.
Your doctor will review the results and discuss the information from the device with you, which may take up to 24 hours.
If the results are normal but your doctor still suspects an arrhythmia, they may recommend a longer monitoring period of up to two weeks or implant a small device under the skin called a loop recorder, which can monitor heart rhythms for years.
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24-Hour Blood Pressure Monitor
A 24-hour blood pressure monitor is a device placed on the patient's arm and taken home. The device measures blood pressure every half hour throughout the day. All measurements are collected and analyzed to assess the patient's condition.
Who Needs It:
To confirm a diagnosis of high blood pressure.
To evaluate the effectiveness of medication.
To investigate any irregularities in blood pressure readings.
Preparation and Use:
The monitor will be fitted on your arm by a healthcare professional before you leave the clinic.
The device will automatically measure your blood pressure every 30 minutes.
Continue with your daily activities while wearing the device.
Keep a log of any symptoms or activities that might affect your blood pressure during the monitoring period.
After the Monitoring Period:
Return to the clinic to have the device removed.
The collected data will be analyzed by your doctor.
Your doctor will discuss the results with you and may adjust your treatment plan based on the findings.
We wish all patients a speedy recovery.