There is a list of necessary tests to determine the state of heart health. The examination will not be complete if the cardiologist only listens to the heart and gives a referral for an electrocardiogram (ECG).
To be sure that your heart is OK, you need to be examined regularly. After all, the main thing is to suspect pathology in time, since most cardiac diseases are curable.
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ECG.
An electrocardiogram is the most common type of heart study. For prophylaxis, children and adults under 35 years old recommend to conduct an ECG once every 3-5 years, for people over 35 – once every two years, after 55 years – once a year.
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Ultrasound of the heart.
This procedure is safe and has no contraindications. Ultrasound of the heart is prescribed even for newborns and pregnant women. On ultrasound examination, you can see the state of the cavities, great vessels and heart valves, as well as determine the features of their structure.
To rule out congenital heart defects, the first ultrasound scan recommend at an early age. Further, doctors recommend an ultrasound scan every 5 years, after 35 – every 2 years, after 55 years – once a year.
After a viral infection with complications or a bacterial infection (pneumonia, tonsillitis), it is advisable to get an ultrasound of the heart in the next six months. This examination will help to rule out possible complications after the disease.
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Treadmill test.
Treadmill test is performed to assess changes in the work of the heart muscle during exercises. With the help of this study, arrhythmia can be recognized in time. Arrhythmia is a violation of the frequency, rhythm, sequence of excitation and contraction of the heart. Arrhythmia is dangerous because of its latent course, and a person may not realize that something is threatening his health.
Adults should be tested on a treadmill every 5 years, after 35 years – every 2 years, people over 55 years – every year.
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Blood lipid profile.
The lipid profile of the blood is a complex of specific tests that allows you to determine violations in the body’s fat metabolism. A blood lipid test provides an opportunity to timely detect atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the main factor in the development of coronary heart disease (CHD).
People under the age of 55 are recommended to have this test every 2 years, over the age of 55 – once a year.
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Glycated hemoglobin test.
Glycated hemoglobin test is a biochemical analysis of blood that reflects the average blood sugar level over a long period (up to three months). This analysis is suitable for determining the metabolic disorders of carbohydrates leading to diabetes mellitus.
Even at a very young age, in the presence of certain conditions, the development of metabolic syndrome is possible. At the initial stage of the metabolic syndrome there are no symptoms, but over time the problems accumulate and can lead to diabetes, heart attack and stroke. Glycated hemoglobin test will help to detect changes in time and prevent irreversible consequences.