From the Winter 2011 Healthy Woman publication
Today there are a host of tests and assessments available when it comes to treating and preventing heart disease, according to Derek Gasper, DO, Board Certified Family Medicine Physician with Glendale Primary Care. "Screenings and heart assessments often help to reveal underlying abnormalities in time for patients to make lifesaving changes. For example, a simple lipid measurement can help establish your risk for heart disease, which we can address with medication or lifestyle changes."
So here's the inside scoop on what you can expect if your physician suggests one or more of the following six assessments to help evaluate your risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke.
1. Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
How: You'll lie back on an examining table as disk-shaped electrodes (a bit larger than a bottle cap) are applied with non-allergenic adhesive to your arms, legs and chest. During this safe, painless test, the electrodes connected to the EKG machine detect and display the electrical activity of your heart.
What it reveals: Any irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
When is it recommended: “An EKG is a basic yet effective tool to measure the electrical activity of your heart, revealing any underlying electrical disorders or arrhythmias,” said Gasper.
2. Carotid Exam
How: As you are lying on an exam table, a technician will apply a bit of gel to your neck and move a transducer (a sort of wand about the size of a roll of coins) device over the area to create images of the carotid arteries.
What it reveals: The presence of plaque in the artery as well as an idea of the degree of plaque, giving some indication of whether it may obstruct the flow of blood.
When is it recommended: “I encourage patients to have this exam when elements of their history, lifestyle or clinical exam reveal an elevated risk for vascular disease. Revealing a large plaque in the artery before a stroke occurs is a great way to prevent one from happening,” said Gasper.
3. Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Screening
How: Gentle pressure cu£s are placed around your upper arms and ankles. A small ultrasound device measures the systolic pressures, which represent the highest pressure when your heart is actively moving blood throughout your body.
What it reveals: Narrowing arteries – also known as – that distribute blood If problems are revealed your legs or arms, there the same problems are that supply blood to your heart.
When is it recommended: “I recommend this test if a patient has signs or symptoms of PAD, especially a painful ache, cramping or an uncomfortable tired feeling in the legs during walking which could indicate PAD,” said Gasper.
4. Echocardiogram
How: As you are lying on an exam table, a technician spreads a small amount of warm gel on your chest and then gently presses a transducer (a sort of wand about the size of a roll of coins) device against your skin, directing a harmless, painless ultrasound beam at your heart. It creates millions of pulses of ultrasound each second, which a computer converts into a moving image to provide a multi-dimensional “picture” of your heart.
What it reveals: An echocardiogram shows how your heart is beating and pumping blood, identifying any abnormalities in the heart muscle and valves.
When is it recommended: “An echocardiogram can identify or rule out problems with the valves or changes in your heart that may affect your heart’s ability to pump,” said Gasper. “The echocardiogram gives us an actual ‘picture’ of the heart and reveals both structure and function.”
5. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Exam
How: As you are lying on an exam table, a technician applies gel to your abdomen and uses a transducer (a sort of wand about the size of a roll of coins) device to check for any enlargement of the abdominal aorta.
What it reveals: The presence of an aneurysm, which is a blood vessel dilated to larger than normal size.
When is it recommended: “I normally screen for AAA in patients over the age of 65 when there is history of high blood pressure and smoking,” said Gasper.
Visit the Porter Health System website
Valparaiso Campus
814 LaPorte Avenue
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: 219-263-4600
6. Lab Work (lipid, CRP, blood sugar)
How: The technologist will draw one small tube (less than 10 ml or about two teaspoons) of blood from your arm.
What it reveals: In the lab, blood can be tested for C-reactive protein (CRP), which indicates inflammation. The lipid test measures cholesterol in the blood, both High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) or “good cholesterol” and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) “bad cholesterol.” The blood sugar test reveals any elevated levels of sugar in the blood, which may indicate diabetes.
When is it recommended: “I generally look for lab work in patients over the age of 35 or even earlier in those with higher risk factors, such as a family history of high cholesterol,” said Gasper.
“Lab work can be an effective way of uncovering markers for conditions such as diabetes, strokes and heart disease.”
Dr. Gasper is a member of the medical staff at Porter. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gasper, call 219.464.9521.