Cardiac Evaluation With Echo Services Offered In Live Oak, Stone Oak And Southside, San Antonio, Schertz And New Braunfels, TX
Cardiac evaluations, such as echocardiograms, can reveal valuable information about your heart health. With locations in the Stone Oak, Southside, and North Star neighborhoods of San Antonio and in Castle Hills, New Braunfels, Schertz, and Live Oak, Texas, Derin Patel, MD, and the team at Hillside Primary Care understand the importance of thorough cardiac care that includes different types of testing. Call Hillside Primary Care today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about cardiac evaluations.
What is a cardiac evaluation?
A cardiac evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of your heart and vascular health. Along with a thorough review of your medical history, the Hillside Primary Care team performs a head-to-toe physical exam. This initial screening gives the team essential information that helps determine which tests you need to evaluate your cardiac health accurately.
What tests does a cardiac evaluation include?
The tests included in your cardiac evaluation depend on your medical history, symptoms, and results from your physical exam. Standard cardiac tests include:
EchocardiogramAn echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound that evaluates your heart function. Commonly called an echo, this test uses high-frequency sound waves to capture images of your entire heart structure, including the chambers and valves. An echo provides real-time images of your heart pumping to detect abnormalities, such as blood clots or signs of congenital heart disease.
A standard echo takes about one hour, but the team may recommend combining the test with other procedures to evaluate your heart health properly.
Electrocardiogram (EKG)An EKG measures your heart’s electrical signals to assess how well your heart is beating. Discrepancies in the test, such as fast or slow beats, can indicate arrhythmias and other heart disorders.
Exercise stress testAn exercise stress test involves taking an EKG while you’re exercising, usually on a treadmill. The test shows how well your heart functions while under stress.
Blood workWhen your heart endures stress, it releases proteins into the bloodstream that can indicate a previous heart attack or damage to the muscle itself. The team may order blood work to accurately assess your heart health.
The team may recommend multiple types of testing during your cardiac evaluation to paint a complete picture of your cardiovascular health.
Why might I need a cardiac evaluation?
The Hillside Primary Care team typically recommends cardiac evaluations to patients who:
- Have a family history of heart disease
- Are over age 65
- Have high cholesterol
- Have hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Are overweight
- Have diabetes
- Use tobacco products
Symptoms such as heart palpitations, chest pain, and shortness of breath also warrant a cardiac evaluation.
Call Hillside Primary Care today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about cardiac evaluations.