Is it Time to Check Your Heart?

There are several different tests and investigations used to diagnose heart disease. The tests your doctor chooses for you will depend on your risk of heart disease, your history of heart problems and the symptoms you might have.

Exercise Stress Test Introduction

A stress test can be used to detect heart disease. Stress tests are tests performed by a doctor and/or trained technician to determine the amount of stress that your heart can manage before developing either an abnormal rhythm or evidence of ischemia (not enough blood flow to the heart muscle). The most commonly performed stress test is the exercise stress test.

The exercise stress test — also called a stress test, exercise electrocardiogram treadmill test, graded exercise test, or stress ECG — is a test used to provide information about how the heart responds to exertion. It usually involves walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bike at increasing levels of difficulty, while your electrocardiogram, heart rate, and blood pressure are monitored.

Echocardiogram (Echo)

This test uses ultra sound (sound waves) to study the structure of your heart and how the heart and valves are working. A probe is passed over your chest and heart which sends out and records these sound waves showing a moving image of your heart on a computer.

CT Calcium Scoring Test

The calcium-score screening heart scan, is a test used to detect calcium deposits found in atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary arteries of heart disease patients. State-of-the-art computerized tomography (CT) methods, such as this one, are the most effective way to detect coronary calcification from atherosclerosis, before symptoms develop. More coronary calcium means more coronary atherosclerosis, suggesting a greater likelihood of significant narrowing somewhere in the coronary system and a higher risk of future cardiovascular problems.

Your doctor uses the calcium-score screening heart scan to evaluate risk for future coronary artery disease.

Carotid Doppler Ultrasound

Carotid (ka-ROT-id) ultrasound is a painless and harmless test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of the insides of your carotid arteries.

You have two common carotid arteries, one on each side of your neck. They each divide into internal and external carotid arteries.

The internal carotid arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your brain. The external carotid arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your face, scalp, and neck.

Over time, plaque can harden or rupture (break open). Hardened plaque narrows the carotid arteries and reduces the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain.

If the plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form on its surface. A clot can mostly or completely block blood flow through a carotid artery, which can cause a stroke.

A piece of plaque or a blood clot also can break away from the wall of the carotid artery. The plaque or clot can travel through the bloodstream and get stuck in one of the brain’s smaller arteries. This can block blood flow in the artery and cause a stroke.

A standard carotid ultrasound shows the structure of your carotid arteries. Your carotid ultrasound test might include a Doppler ultrasound. Doppler ultrasound is a special test that shows the movement of blood through your blood vessels.

For the month of December in celebration of His Majesty the King’s birthday Phyathai Sriracha Hospital has the following health check up promotion on offer for only 3,890 baht

• Physical examination

• Vital signs & body mass index

• Eye test (short and long sight)

• Chest x ray

• Electrocardiogram

• Ultrasound of the whole abdomen

• Urine examination

• Complete blood count

• Fasting blood sugar (diabetes)

• Cholesterol

• Triglycerides

• Low density lipoprotein

• High density lipoprotein

• BUN & creatinine (kidney function test)

• SGOT &SGPT (Liver function test)

• Uric acid (gout)

• PSA (prostate)

The following tests have been discounted by 50% if added in combination with the check up program above

• Exercise stress test = 2,500

• Echocardiogram = 2,500

• Carotid Doppler ultrasound = 2,800

• CT Calcium scoring = 1,790

No need to make an appointment for the health check up program as it’s a walk in service and remember no food and drink after midnight the night before you decide to do your tests. If you should need any more information then contact Phyathai Sriracha Hospital on number 089 7500293 Email: [email protected] www.phyathai-sriracha.com