Regular examinations for a doctor’s health

Regular examinations by a doctor for heart health: Complex guide

I. Cardiovascular diseases (SVD): The scale of the problem

Cardiovascular diseases (SVP) remain a leading cause of mortality around the world, representing a global healthcare problem. They cover a wide range of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels, including:

• Corny heart (coronary heart disease): The narrowing of the arteries supplying the heart with blood is often due to atherosclerosis (accumulation of plaques). This can lead to angina pectoris (chest pain) or myocardial infarction (heart attack).
• Stroke: It occurs when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either due to the blockage of the vessel (ischemic stroke), or due to hemorrhage (hemorrhagic stroke).
• Heart failure: The heart cannot effectively pump blood to satisfy the needs of the body.
• Arrhythmia: An irregular heartbeat, which can be too fast, too slow or irregular.
• Heart defects: Defects in the structure of the heart present at birth.
• Diseases of the peripheral arteries (ZPA): The narrowing of the arteries that supply the limbs, usually the legs.
• Congenital heart defects: Structural abnormalities of the heart that are present from birth.
• Heart valves disease: The lesion of one or more heart valves that prevents the correct blood flow.

Statistics and prevalence:

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the SVD is the cause of almost a third of all deaths in the world. It is important to note that many SVDs can be prevented or effectively controlled using timely diagnosis and treatment. In Russia, the SSZ also occupies a leading position among the causes of mortality and disability, which emphasizes the need for preventive measures and regular medical examinations.

Risk factors for the development of SVD:

Understanding the risk factors contributing to the development of SVD is crucial for prevention. These factors can be divided into two main categories: changed and unchanged.

• Changed risk factors:

  • High blood pressure (hypertension): Increased pressure on the walls of arteries, which over time can damage them.
  • High cholesterol level: A particularly high level of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and a low level of “good” cholesterol (HDL), which promotes the formation of plaques in the arteries.
  • Smoking: It harms blood vessels, increases blood pressure and cholesterol, and also increases the risk of blood clots.
  • Diabetes sugar: An increased blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves that control the heart.
  • Obesity or overweight: Increases the load on the heart and increases the risk of other risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
  • Lack of physical activity: Promotes the development of obesity, high blood pressure, high level of cholesterol and diabetes.
  • Inal meals: A high content of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol and sodium increases the risk of SVD.
  • Excessive drinking: It can increase blood pressure and triglycerides.
  • Chronic stress: It can lead to an increase in blood pressure and other unhealthy habits, such as smoking and overeating.

• Unhanged risk factors:

  • Age: The risk of the SPA increases with age.
  • Floor: Men, as a rule, are at a higher risk of SVD than women, especially to menopause. After menopause, the risk of women increases.
  • SSZ family history: The presence of close relatives who suffered SSZ at an early age increases the risk.
  • Racial and ethnicity: Some racial and ethnic groups, such as African -Americans, Latin American and indigenous Americans, are more of the RIS RISK.

II. The importance of regular medical examinations for heart health

Regular medical examinations play a decisive role in maintaining the health of the heart and preventing the development of SVD. They allow you to identify risk factors at an early stage, track existing conditions and start treatment in a timely manner.

Advantages of regular inspections:

• Early identification of risk factors: Inspections allow the doctor to identify such risk factors as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity, often before any symptoms appear.
• Timely detection of diseases: Regular examinations allow you to identify the SPZ at an early stage when treatment is most effective.
• Monitoring of existing conditions: For people who are already suffering from SSZ, examinations allow the doctor to monitor the condition, adjust the treatment and prevent complications.
• Individual recommendations on prevention: The doctor can provide individual recommendations for a change in lifestyle, such as diet, physical exercises and rejection of smoking, to reduce the risk of SVD.
• Improving the general state of health: Regular examinations contribute to the improvement of the general state of health due to the early detection and treatment of other diseases.
• Increased awareness and responsibility: Regular examinations help patients better understand their health and make more responsible decisions regarding their lifestyle.
• Reducing health costs in the long term: Prevention and early treatment of SVDs to avoid expensive procedures and hospitalizations in the future.

III. Which includes regular heart examination

A typical examination aimed at assessing the health of the heart, includes several key components:

• A history of history: The doctor will ask questions about your personal and family history, including information about the diseases, drugs, lifestyle (smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, nutrition) and the presence of SVD for relatives.

• Physical examination: The doctor will conduct a physical examination, including:

  • Measurement of blood pressure: To identify hypertension.
  • Auscultation of the heart and lungs: Listening to the sounds of the heart and lungs with a stethoscope to detect arrhythmias, noise in the heart or other deviations.
  • Pulse rating: Checking the pulse in various parts of the body to evaluate the bloodstream.
  • Examination of the limbs: To identify edema or signs of ZPA.
  • Measurement of weight and height: To calculate the body mass index (BMI) and the risk assessment of obesity.

• Laboratory research: The doctor may prescribe laboratory studies to assess risk factors and identify signs of the SVD:

  • Lipidogram: Measurement of cholesterol level (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL) and triglycerides.
  • Blood glucose levels: To identify diabetes or pre -theisabet.
  • Clinical blood test (UAC): To assess the general state of health and identify inflammatory processes.
  • Urine analysis: To assess the function of the kidneys and identify other diseases.
  • C-reactive protein (SRB): The inflammation marker, which can be associated with the risk of SVD.
  • STRIURETIC PEPTIDE type B (BNP): Marker of heart failure.

• Instrumental research (if necessary): Depending on the results of the anamnesis, physical examination and laboratory tests, the doctor can prescribe additional instrumental studies:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): Record of the electrical activity of the heart to detect arrhythmias, ischemia or other diseases.
  • Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart): The use of ultrasound to obtain an image of the heart and evaluate its structure and function.
  • Holter monitoring ECG: Continuous ECG recording for 24-48 hours to detect episodic arrhythmias.
  • Physical activity test (stress test): ECG, recorded during physical activity, to identify myocardial ischemia.
  • Computed tomography of the heart (CT angiography): For the visualization of coronary arteries and the identification of atherosclerotic plaques.
  • Magnetic resonance tomography of the heart (MRI of the heart): To obtain detailed images of the heart and evaluate its structure and function.
  • Coronarography: Invasive procedure in which a contrast medium is introduced into the coronary arteries for their visualization using x -ray radiation.

IV. Recommendations for the frequency of examinations depending on the age and risk factors

The frequency of examinations aimed at assessing the health of the heart depends on the age, gender, family history and the presence of risk factors. General recommendations:

• Age 20-39 years:

  • Low risk: Every 5 years, starting from 20 years, to measure blood pressure and assess risk factors.
  • High risk (family history of SSZ, smoking, obesity, diabetes): Every year or on the recommendation of a doctor.

• Age 40-64 years:

  • Low risk: Every 1-2 years to measure blood pressure and assess risk factors.
  • High risk: Every year or more often on the recommendation of a doctor. Laboratory studies (lipidogram, blood glucose levels) are recommended regularly.

• Age 65 years and older:

  • Annually: To measure blood pressure, assess the risk factors and identify signs of SVD. Laboratory research and instrumental research (ECG) can be carried out more often on the recommendation of a doctor.

Individual approach:

It is important to remember that these recommendations are common. The doctor may recommend a different frequency of examinations depending on individual circumstances and risk factors. Always follow the recommendations of your doctor.

V. The role of the patient in maintaining heart health

Patients play an active role in maintaining their heart health. Compliance with a healthy lifestyle and a regular visit to a doctor are key factors.

Recommendations for patients:

• Healthy lifestyle:

  • Proper nutrition: Eating low -content of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol and sodium, as well as products with a high content of fiber, fruits and vegetables.
  • Regular physical activity: At least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of intensive aerobic activity per week.
  • Refusal of smoking: Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors of the SSZ.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight: Reducing weight with overweight or obesity.
  • Stress management: The use of relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga or deep breathing.
  • Alcohol use restriction: If you use alcohol, do it moderately (no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men).

• Compliance with the doctor’s recommendations:

  • Regular visit to the doctor: Following the recommendations of the doctor at the frequency of examinations.
  • Meding in accordance with the requirements: Compliance with the diagram of taking drugs prescribed by the doctor to control blood pressure, cholesterol or other diseases.
  • Message to the doctor about any new symptoms: Informing a doctor about any changes in the state of health, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or swelling.
  • Holding a health diary: Recording blood pressure, blood glucose levels (if you have diabetes) and other important health indicators.

• Information:

  • Studying the risk factors of the SSZ: Understanding risk factors and ways to reduce them.
  • Find out your family history: Collection of information about cardiovascular diseases in relatives.
  • Search for reliable heart health information: Appeal to reliable sources of information, such as websites of medical organizations and publications in the reviewed magazines.

VI. Diagnostic methods used to evaluate heart health

In addition to standard blood tests and physical examination, there are various diagnostic methods used to evaluate the health of the heart and identify the SVD.

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): A non -invasive test that records electrical activity of the heart. ECG can identify arrhythmias, myocardial ischemia (lack of blood supply to the heart muscle) and other deviations.

• Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart): A non -invasive test that uses ultrasonic waves to obtain a heart image. Echocardiography allows you to evaluate the size, shape, structure and function of the heart, as well as the functioning of the heart valves. There are several types of echocardiography: transstoracal echocardiography (TTE), custody echocardiography (CCE) and stress echocardiography.

• Holter monitoring ECG: Continuous ECG recording for 24-48 hours or more, which allows you to identify episodic arrhythmias that may not be detected with a conventional ECG.

• Physical activity test (stress test): ECG, recorded during physical exertion, usually on a treadmill or exercise bike. A stress test allows you to identify myocardial ischemia, which can occur only during physical activity. It can also be combined with echocardiography (stress echocardiography) or radionuclide scanning of the heart (stress test with myocardial perfusion).

• Computed tomography of the heart (CT angiography): The non -invasive method that uses x -rays and a computer to create detailed images of the coronary arteries. CT angiography can detect atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary arteries.

• Magnetic resonance tomography of the heart (MRI of the heart): A non -invasive method that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the heart. MRI of the heart allows you to evaluate the structure and function of the heart, identify cicatricial tissue after myocardial infarction, and also evaluate the blood flow in the heart.

• Coronarography: The invasive procedure in which a thin catheter is inserted into the artery on the arm or leg and moves to the heart. The contrast medium is introduced into the coronary arteries for their visualization using x -ray radiation. Coronarography allows you to identify narrowing or clogging in the coronary arteries and determine the need for angioplasty or aorticronary noise.

• Positron emission tomography (PET) of the heart: The visualization method that uses radioactive substances to assess blood flow in the heart and metabolism of the heart muscle. PET of the heart can be used to identify myocardial ischemia and assess the viability of the heart muscle after myocardial infarction.

The choice of the diagnostic method depends on the specific clinical situation and the patient’s risk factors.

VII. Treatment of cardiovascular diseases

The treatment of SVD depends on the type of disease and its severity. Treatment may include a change in lifestyle, medication, invasive procedures or surgical intervention.

• Life change change:

  • Diet: Compliance with a healthy diet with a low content of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol and sodium.
  • Physical activity: Regular physical exercises.
  • Refusal of smoking: A complete rejection of smoking.
  • Weight loss: Reducing weight with overweight or obesity.
  • Stress management: Using relaxation techniques.

• Medicines:

  • Statin: Reduce the level of LDL cholesterol.
  • ACF and sconces inhibitors: Reduce blood pressure and protect the kidneys.
  • Beta blockers: Reduce blood pressure and heart rate.
  • Antiagragash (aspirin, blopidognosidel): Prevent blood clots.
  • Anticoagulants (warfarin, new oral anticoagulants): Prevent blood clots.
  • Diuretics: Reduce blood pressure and reduce swelling.
  • Nitrate: The blood vessels are expanded and the chest pain (angina pectoris) relieves.

• Invasive procedures:

  • Angioplasty and stenting: Expansion of narrowed or clogged coronary arteries using a cylinder and installing a stent to maintain a lumen of the artery.
  • Alcoronarnare shooting (USA): A surgical procedure in which a bypass is created around the narrowed or clogged coronary artery using a healthy artery or vein from another part of the body.
  • Implantation Cardio stimulator: A device that is implanted under the skin and sends electrical impulses to regulate the heart rate for bradycardia (slow heartbeat).
  • Implantation cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD): A device that is implanted under the skin and can automatically deliver an electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm in ventricular arrhythmias that threaten life.
  • Cateter ablation: The procedure in which, with the help of a catheter introduced into the heart, destroy areas of fabric that cause arrhythmias.
  • Transcate implantation of the aortic valve (TAVI): The minimum invasive procedure in which the aortic valve is replaced through a catheter introduced into the artery.

• Surgical intervention:

  • Replacing the valve of the heart: Surgical replacement of the affected heart valve.
  • Correction of congenital heart defects: Surgical restoration of defects in the structure of the heart present at birth.
  • Heart transplantation: Replacing the damaged or sick heart with a healthy heart from the donor.

The choice of treatment method depends on a specific disease, its severity and individual characteristics of the patient. It is important to consult a doctor to develop an individual treatment plan.

VIII. The latest achievements in cardiology

Cardiology is a rapidly developing area of ​​medicine, where new technologies and methods of treatment constantly appear.

• Minimum invasive procedures: The development of minimally invasive procedures, such as transcatheter implantation of the aortic valve (TAVI) and the mitral clip, allows treatment without the need for a surgical cut of the chest.
• Genetic testing: Genetic testing is becoming increasingly common in cardiology to identify genetic risk factors for SVD and to personalize treatment.
• Telemedicine: Telemedicine allows remote monitoring of patients with SVD, which improves access to medical care and reduces the need to visit the clinic.
• Artificial intelligence (AI): AI is used to analyze the large volumes of ECG data, echocardiography and other studies, which helps doctors to make more accurate diagnoses and predict the risk of the SVD.
• Regenerative medicine: Regenerative medicine develops new methods for restoring the damaged heart muscle after myocardial infarction using stem cells and other growth factors.
• New medications: New drugs are being developed to reduce cholesterol, control of blood pressure and prevent blood clots.

These achievements promise to improve the results of the treatment of patients with SVD and extend their lives.

IX. Resources and support for people with cardiovascular diseases

It is important for people with SVD to have access to resources and support to help them manage their condition and improve the quality of life.

• Medical organizations: American Cardiological Association (American Heart Association), European Cardiologists Society (European Society of Cardiology) and other medical organizations provide information about SVD, prevention and treatment.

• Support groups: Support groups allow people with SVD to share experience, receive emotional support and study with each other.

• Rehabilitation programs: Cardiological rehabilitation programs help patients recover after myocardial infarction, heart surgery or other SVDs. These programs include physical exercises, teaching a healthy lifestyle and psychological support.

• Websites and online resources: There are numerous websites and online resources that provide information about the SVD, prevention, treatment and a healthy lifestyle. It is important to choose reliable sources of information, such as websites of medical organizations and state institutions.

• Local resources: Many local hospitals and medical centers offer educational programs, screening and other resources for people with SVD.

X. common myths about heart health

There are many hearts about heart health that can lead to an improper understanding and an unhealthy lifestyle.

• Myth: SSZ is a problem with men.

  • Fact: SSZ is the main cause of death in both men and women. Women often seek medical help later than men, and can have other symptoms of myocardial infarction.

• Myth: If my family does not have SSZ, I am not at risk.

  • Fact: Family history is a risk factor, but many other factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, can also increase the risk of SVD.

• Myth: I am too young to worry about the health of the heart.

  • Fact: SSZ can develop at any age, and it is important to begin prevention at a young age, observing a healthy lifestyle.

• Myth: I feel good, so I have no heart problems.

  • Fact: Many SPZs are asymptomatic until a serious event occurs, such as myocardial infarction or stroke. Regular medical examinations are important for identifying risk factors and early detection of diseases.

• Myth: I take medicines for high blood pressure or high cholesterol, so I do not need to worry about a healthy lifestyle.

  • Fact: Medicines are important to control these conditions, but a healthy lifestyle is also necessary to improve the general state of health and reduce the risk of complications.

• Myth: Myocardial infarction is always severe chest pain.

  • Fact: Symptoms of myocardial infarction can vary from person to person. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, pain in the hand, jaw or back, as well as dizziness.

XI. Preventive measures to maintain heart health

Prevention plays a key role in maintaining the health of the heart and reducing the risk of SVD.

• Healthy nutrition:

  • Use a lot of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
  • Limit the consumption of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, sodium and added sugar.
  • Choose low -fat sources of protein, such as fish, a bird without skin, legumes and nuts.
  • Use vegetable oils instead of animal fats.

• Regular physical activity:

  • Strive at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of intensive aerobic activity per week.
  • Turn on strength training for at least two days a week.
  • Find the classes that you like and which is easy to include in your daily routine.

• Maintaining a healthy weight:

  • Strive for a healthy body weight index (BMI).
  • Reduce weight gradually by 0.5-1 kg per week.
  • Combine healthy nutrition and regular physical activity.

• Refusal of smoking:

  • Smoking harms the heart and blood vessels.
  • Raise smoking as soon as possible.
  • Seek the doctor for help or use other resources, such as nicotine plasters or chewing gum.

• Alcohol use restriction:

  • If you use alcohol, do it moderately (no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men).
  • Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and triglycerides.

• Stress management:

  • Find healthy ways to control stress, such as meditation, yoga, deep breath, hobbies or communication with friends and family.
  • Avoid unhealthy ways to overcome stress, such as smoking, drinking alcohol or overeating.

• Regular medical examinations:

  • Regularly visit a doctor to measure blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels.
  • Follow the recommendations of the doctor on screening and vaccination.

• Sufficient sleep:

  • Strive by 7-8 hours of sleep per day.
  • The lack of sleep can increase blood pressure and stress.

• Control of blood pressure:

  • Regularly measure blood pressure and consult a doctor if it is increased.
  • Follow the doctor’s recommendations for the treatment of high blood pressure.

• Cholesterol level control:

  • Pass the blood test for cholesterol and consult a doctor if cholesterol is increased.
  • Follow the doctor’s recommendations for the treatment of high levels of cholesterol.

• Blood glucose control:

  • Pass the blood test for glucose regularly if you have risk factors for diabetes.
  • Follow the doctor’s recommendations for the treatment of diabetes.

Compliance with these prophylactic measures will help you maintain heart health and reduce the risk of SVD.