The human heart is the hardest-working organ in the body—ceaselessly pumping blood to keep the body constantly supplied with oxygen and nutrients while ridding it of its waste products. Just like you would your car engine, you need to get routine cardiac screenings to ensure your heart is working optimally. These also help your doctor identify manifestations of cardiovascular problems, especially if you are already showing symptoms or have strong risk factors for it. Listed below are a few ... [Read More]
electrocardiography
Cardiac Testing for Surgical Clearance
Patients that are recommended surgery need to undergo cardiac testing for surgical clearance. You may be wondering why this is necessary. Surgery is a major undertaking, especially if anesthesia is used during the procedure. The results of cardiac testing can affect the choice of anesthesia and help doctors plan for surgery and make better postoperative recommendations. Cardiac events are a common cause of complications during surgery. Therefore, a risk assessment is an important step in ... [Read More]
WHAT IS A HOLTER MONITOR – AND WHY WOULD I NEED ONE?
It may sound like a top-secret gadget employed by the CIA or MI-6, but in fact, a Holter monitor is just a battery-operated portable device that continuously measures and records your heart’s activity for 24 to 48 hours or longer. It’s the size of a small camera and has wires with electrodes that attach to your chest, so it can record your ECG (electrocardiography) as you go about your daily business. You may be wondering why anyone – including you – would want or need to wear a Holter ... [Read More]
