Learn what cardiovascular tests are available and why one particular test is recommended
All of our lives we are told to eat right, exercise, reduce stress, manage our weight, etc. But even if we did follow this plan, does it guarantee a long healthy life? Our circulatory system is, of course, one of the most important systems which are made up of the heart, lymph and blood vessels. Heredity, aging, and lifestyle govern how well this system works. It is important to keep track of how we feel as we age by getting regular cardiovascular check-ups, blood work, etc. Listed below are some of the cardiovascular tests that are available to do just that. Take a look!
- An EKG. An EKG is a record of the heart's electrical impulses. It can identify problems in heart rate and rhythm, and it can provide clues that part of your heart muscle isn't getting enough blood.
- Blood test for heart enzymes. When heart muscle is damaged, enzymes leak out of the damaged muscle cells into the bloodstream. Elevated heart enzymes suggest a heart problem.
- An exercise stress test on a treadmill. An exercise stress test monitors the effects of treadmill exercise on blood pressure and EKG and can identify heart problems.
- An echocardiogram. This test uses ultrasound to produce images of the heart's movement with each beat.
- Imaging test with radioactive tracers. In this test, a radioactive material is injected and is taken up by the heart muscle, which helps certain features show up on images taken with special cameras.
- A coronary angiogram (a series of X-rays of the coronary arteries).
However, these tests can be impractical, expensive, and sometimes invasive.
There is a new non-invasive technology approved as a Class II Medical Device available called Cardio Pulse-Wave which measures Central Aortic Systolic Pressure (CASP) with clinical accuracy. CASP is the blood pressure measured at the root of the aorta and BPro is the only device approved to be used in a common clinical setting. These measurements can help identify cardiovascular risk and arterial stiffness far better than standard brachial cuff pressure and provides critical information for you that can help you identify problems before they become life threatening. The Cardio Pulse-Wave, or BPro is 99.17% accurate and is shown to be as accurate as the catheter (invasive) method. This unit is placed on your wrist where a laser diode reads and calculates a wave form signal that indicates the elasticity of large, small, and peripheral artery walls as well as tests stress, heart rate, and more. Non-invasive and not expensive to have done!
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