Cardiology Examination

When Do You Need a Cardiology Examination?

Many diseases can be diagnosed solely based on thorough medical history taking and physical examination skills. Cardiology examination proves vital for detailed heart function assessment and differentiation of cardiac diseases from those of other origins. Furthermore, physical contact between cardiologist and patient during the encounter also helps establish psychological connection providing reassurance and building trust during further treatment.

Cardiology examination generally proves painless and non-invasive, requires no special preparation, and patients can return to normal daily activities afterward. You should visit a cardiologist if experiencing any of these symptoms: chest pain (this represents an urgent symptom requiring very rapid response and doctor visit), pain may radiate to left shoulder or arm, toward jaw or back, then fatigue with greater exertion, heart skipping beats, shortness of breath, dizziness, loss of consciousness, weakness, leg swelling, and similar.

Tests That May Be Included in Cardiology Examination

Your doctor may order various medical tests to discover your heart condition and best treatment method. Some of the tests include:

Blood tests

When your muscle becomes damaged, as in heart attack, your body releases substances into your blood. Blood tests can measure these substances and show whether and how much your heart muscle has been damaged. They also measure levels of other substances in your blood, such as blood fats (e.g., cholesterol and triglycerides), vitamins, and minerals.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

ECG reads your heart’s electrical impulses. It shows how well your heart beats. Electrodes attached to the ECG device record electrical impulses, which the device prints on paper. Your doctor can use ECG to diagnose heart attack or abnormal heart rhythm (called “arrhythmias”).

Echocardiogram (ultrasound)

Echocardiogram represents a common test. It provides image of your heart using ultrasound. It uses probe on chest or down esophagus (throat) and helps your doctor check for problems with heart valves and chambers and see how strongly your heart pumps blood.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI uses very strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed computer images of your heart. It can capture still or moving images of your heart. Sometimes special dye is used to make parts of heart and coronary arteries easier to see. This test shows your doctor your heart structure and how well it works, so they can decide best treatment for you.