lunes, 22 de febrero de 2010

Heart Screening Checklist

Check your heart list:
___Heart and vascular exam by health care provider
___Blood pressure, pulse, weight, height
___EKG

For further evaluation, especially if symptoms are present, and/ or if there is a strong family history of heart and vascular disease see a cardiologist.

Tests may include:
___Doppler echocardiogram (checks heart valves, size, etc.)
___Stress test - nuclear, doppler or exercise (heart function)
___Heart MRI scan (artery disease)
___Interventional studies like cardiac catherization, angiogram (checks artery blockage, valve function)

Heart health habits:
  1. Maintain a healthy weight.
  2. Eat healthy small portions.
  3. Exercise regularly - every little bit counts! Just do it regularly.
  4. Keep blood pressure under control.
  5. Keep stress level low.
  6. Get adequate sleep.
  7. Take an aspirin a day if in a high risk group. Check with your health care provider.
  8. Love, laugh, and let go!

Have a happy, healthy heart!

J.L. Richardson, MD, family medicine, is the author of the award winning Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.

www.mypatienthandbook.com

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