Millions of Americans see a cardiologist annually to monitor their hearts and address any concerns they might have. Protecting heart health is a wise choice, as the American Society of Echocardiography reported that nearly 500,000 people in the U.S. die from heart-related problems, such as coronaries, each year. Some cardiologists may order a heart ultrasound for at-risk patients, and it can be helpful for these individuals to understand why such a test may be necessary.
Individuals who suffer from chronic heart issues are usually at a greater risk for suffering heart attacks and other related issues that could lead to death. A heart ultrasound, also called an echocardiogram, can help a cardiologist monitor each section of the heart in more detail than what an EKG might provide. The sooner heart specialists can discover changes in those with chronic heart problems, the sooner they can opt for new or improved treatments.
Proper blood flow can be vital to a healthy heart. When the arteries become clogged or blood clots block proper blood flow, a heart attack can occur. A heart ultrasound allows cardiologists to monitor blood flow in their patients’ hearts without resorting to invasive surgery. If there is a blood flow problem, the ultrasound may reveal the reason why as well.
The heart can be seriously affected by bacteria and become inflamed. The valves are especially prone to this issue. Bacteria may be introduced to the heart through several avenues:
A cardiologist can use a heart ultrasound to determine the presence of bacteria and how much damage it might have already caused. If an infection is present, this test may also help a heart specialist determine the best course of treatment based on what can be viewed in the results.
Monitoring any changes in the heart can prevent future damage and conditions that may threaten someone’s life. An echocardiogram presents heart specialists with a complete and detailed image of the organ so they can compare it to previous tests. The size of the heart and the thickness of its walls may give clues to any abnormal changes so appropriate treatment can begin.
The heart’s rhythm can be interrupted by a variety of factors. A cardiologist may order an ultrasound if any abnormal and sudden problems take place.
If the heart’s rhythm changes suddenly and the beat becomes irregular, this may lead to cardiac arrest. Episodes of arrhythmia can be monitored with an echocardiogram to ensure the heart did not sustain any damage.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the human heart beats anywhere from 60-100 times per minute. When this rate increases, the racing could induce an irregular pattern or even skip beats. An ultrasound may reveal the cause of this issue and whether it can be treated.
The heart is a complicated organ that requires specialized treatment when it is damaged or functioning abnormally. A cardiologist may prescribe an echocardiogram to get an in-depth look at the possible causes and to promote increased heart health.
Request an appointment here: https://floridapremiercardio.com or call Florida Premier Cardiology at (561) 325-6495 for an appointment in our Delray Beach office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Heart disease treatment encompasses a range of interventions, from lifestyle changes and medications to surgical interventions. Individuals can manage their condition and improve their quality of life by working with a cardiologist. Successful heart disease treatment starts with the patient having the information they need to make informed decisions about their health.Also known as cardiovascular…
Maintaining good cardiovascular health is essential to living a long and active life. One important tool that cardiologists use is cardiac stress tests to assess their patients' heart function. This stress test can provide valuable insights into how well your heart works if you have experienced symptoms of heart disease or need to evaluate your…
The heart's valves must remain healthy and upright to promote an overall healthy heart and cardiovascular system. However, sometimes, they can weaken. Fortunately, various valvular disease treatment are available to address damage. Whether valves begin to narrow or leak, timely treatment is necessary.There are two main types of heart valve disease: regurgitation and stenosis. The…
A heart specialist is a doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular conditions. Patients may be referred to one of these doctors for several reasons, from diagnosing a heart health issue to getting cleared for surgery. However, seeing a heart specialist is even more crucial for those either experiencing the signs of heart disease or…
Heart disease treatment encompasses a range of interventions, from lifestyle changes and medications to surgical interventions. Individuals can manage their condition and improve their quality of life by working with a cardiologist. Successful heart disease treatment starts with the patient having the information they need to make informed decisions about their health.Also known as cardiovascular…
Maintaining good cardiovascular health is essential to living a long and active life. One important tool that cardiologists use is cardiac stress tests to assess their patients' heart function. This stress test can provide valuable insights into how well your heart works if you have experienced symptoms of heart disease or need to evaluate your…