Best Primary Care Doctor in Stone Oak, Live Oak, San Antonio Texas
Cardiac Evaluation With Echo
Echocardiogram In San Antonio | Live Oak | Stone Oak | Southside | Schertz | New Braunfels | Austin | Texas
Cardiac evaluation, such as an echocardiogram, can reveal valuable information about your heart health. At Hillside Primary Care clinics, located in Stone Oak, Southside, and North Star neighborhoods of San Antonio, Castle Hills, New Braunfels, Schertz, and Live Oak, Texas, Dr. Derin Patel, MD, and the team of cardiac specialists understand the importance of thorough cardiac care that includes different types of cardiology testing. Call Hillside Primary Care today or schedule an appointment online for a heart evaluation test with an echo near you.
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 your cardiologist essential information that helps determine which cardiac tests you need to evaluate your heart 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 evaluation tests include:
Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram or ECG test 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 echocardiogram in San Antonio typically takes about one hour, but the cardiac specialists at our clinics may recommend combining it with other procedures to thoroughly evaluate your heart health.
Electrocardiogram (EKG) : An EKG measures your heart’s electrical signals to assess how well your heart is beating. Discrepancies in the EKG test, such as fast or slow beats, can indicate arrhythmias and other heart disorders.
Exercise stress test : An 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 work : When 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 at our health care clinics may recommend multiple types of cardiac testing during your heart evaluation to paint a complete picture of your cardiovascular health.
Why Might You Need A Heart Evaluation?
The Hillside Primary Care doctors typically recommend 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 dealing with excess weight
- 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 for cardiac evaluation with echo in San Antonio, Texas and nearby areas.