ASC puts all its scientific knowledge to work for the health of your heart. The Centre offers a cardiological prevention package in line with international guidelines:
Heart disease is among the leading causes of death in Italy.
Although such diseases tend to be thought of as a medical problem that occurs only in old age or that affects almost exclusively men, both of these beliefs are false and could be dangerous to health. In fact, heart disease can develop at any age and affects both sexes. In addition, people with certain risk factors may be at a much higher risk for these diseases and the problems they can cause.
The good news: cardiology prevention can help reduce your heart disease risks by identifying the risk factors associated with the disease and providing you with the guidance and care needed to address these issues and improve your cardiovascular health.
Cardiological examination with electrocardiogram
Cardiological examination with electrocardiogram
The cardiological visit consists of a professional assessment by a cardiologist and is the key step in the process of investigating heart health. The cardiological examination is accompanied by the ECG (electrocardiogram), which allows you to have a graphic recording of the cardiac electrical activity.
During the cardiological examination, the comparison with the cardiologist also allows you to carry out an accurate examination of your lifestyle through the collection of your medical history and personal habits.
The cardiological review does not require any specific preparation. It is advisable to bring with you the reports of the last tests performed, your clinical documentation and the list of any drugs you are on.
During the appointment, the cardiologist may recommend other examinations such as an echocardiogram, stress test, Holter ECG (a continuous 24-hour electrocardiogram) or blood pressure monitoring (Holter blood pressure monitor).
Exercise stress test
This is the diagnostic test performed on an exercise bike that photographs the behaviour of the heart rate under stress in a controlled clinical environment.
The test consists of performing an electrocardiogram during a physical effort, and assessing the reactions of the cardiovascular system compared to a normal situation. The electrocardiogram is performed continuously during the test, while gradually increasing the intensity.
The test lasts about 20 minutes, during which the person will have to pedal, gradually increasing the exertion.
As for the electrocardiogram, the examination is carried out using adhesive electrodes placed on the chest. A blood pressure check is also performed during the examination.
The effort required will vary according to the capacity of the subject under examination. It is important to significantly increase the work of the heart in order to obtain valid results, again depending on the patient’s capabilities. Indeed, often the oxygen supply is sufficient in resting conditions, but decreases with increasing effort.
This type of test, which is safe and painless, does not require any special preparation and does not usually involve any type of contraindication. It is advisable to eat a light meal, to avoid smoking or alcohol and not to discontinue any medication. It is advisable to wear comfortable clothing, which allows free movement of the lower limbs. In order to improve the adhesion of pads to the skin, in male patients hair removal of the anterior part of the chest, and the central part of the area below the left nipple may be necessary.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram (or echo) is an ultrasound scan of the heart; it is a diagnostic examination that uses an ultrasound probe placed on the chest to visualise the structure of the heart muscle and blood vessels; the thickness of the heart walls and their motility during cardiac activity; and the flow of blood within its chambers (the atria and ventricles).
Once some electrodes have been placed to obtain an electrocardiographic trace, the specialist carries out the examination simply by placing a probe on the chest. A gel of water and salts is applied between the probe and the skin to prevent air, through which the ultrasound cannot travel, from getting in the way.
It is a non-invasive, painless and comfortable examination that does not require any special precautions or preparation.
Holter blood pressure monitor
The Holter blood pressure monitor is a non-invasive, painless diagnostic test that allows a dynamic 24-hour recording of blood pressure variability (i.e. “ups and downs”), as well as providing important information on nocturnal blood pressure levels, using the same principle as a blood pressure measurement with a sphygmomanometer.
Indeed, the Holter blood pressure monitor is a small, portable sphygmomanometer. The instrument must be worn for 24 hours and blood pressure is automatically recorded every 30 minutes or so (or according to the intervals decided by the cardiologist). It is important to wear comfortable clothes that are easy to remove and put back on, to reduce the risk of bumping or moving the instrument that measures blood pressure, causing it to malfunction. During this period, it is important to record in detail (clinical diary) any data useful for the interpretation of the examination, such as work activity, physical activity, perceived ailments, particular moments of stress, meals, sleep, all associated with the relevant schedules.
After 24 hours, the Holter blood pressure monitor is removed and returned to the specialist facility with the clinical diary. The cardiologist evaluates the data from the records by comparing them with the notes on the activities performed and delivers the results (report) together with a prescription for treatment or other investigations, if necessary.
There is no preparation required before undergoing this investigation. Once the Holter blood pressure monitor is applied, however, it is important to carry out all normal daily activities, avoiding particularly intense physical activities (sports).
24-hr dynamic ECG (Holter heart monitor)
This diagnostic method is used to continuously monitor the electrical activity of the heart throughout the day. The 24-hour dynamic ECG (or Holter ECG) is a portable electrocardiogram that evaluates the patient’s cardiac response while performing usual daily activities.
Monitoring with this instrumental investigation can be even longer, in fact it can be prolonged for up to 48 hours and even up to five days, if so required by medical indications.
The dynamic ECG (Holter ECG) is a small portable device (recorder) connected to the skin by electrical wires and special adhesive pads placed on the chest. Pads and wires capture and transmit the electrical activity generated by the heart to the device which, in turn, records it in its memory. In this way the system is able to store all heartbeats (usually for a 24-hour period).
During the recording of this special electrocardiogram, the subject will have to perform their daily activity without limitations, making sure that the pads do not detach from the skin due to excessive movements.
The analysis of the trace recorded over 24 hours makes it possible to define the presence of a rhythm disturbance (arrhythmia) or a defective blood supply to the heart (ischaemia) and to correlate any symptoms experienced by the person with the alterations in the electrocardiogram.
After 24 hours (or 48 hours to 5 days), the Holter ECG is removed and returned to the specialist facility, preferably with the activity diary at the various times. The data will be downloaded using special software and the cardiologist will make their assessment by comparing them with the notes on the activities performed and deliver the results (report) together with a prescription for treatment or other investigations, if necessary.
The examination does not require any kind of preparation. In order to improve the adhesion of pads to the skin, in male patients hair removal of the anterior part of the chest, and part of the area below the left nipple may be necessary.
48-hr / 5-day dynamic ECG (Holter heart monitor)
This diagnostic method is used to continuously monitor the electrical activity of the heart throughout the day. The 48-hr / 5-day dynamic ECG (or Holter ECG) is a portable electrocardiogram that evaluates the patient’s cardiac response while performing usual daily activities.
Monitoring with this instrumental investigation can be even longer, in fact it can be prolonged for up to 48 hours and even up to five days, if so required by medical indications.
The dynamic ECG (Holter ECG) is a small portable device (recorder) connected to the skin by electrical wires and special adhesive pads placed on the chest. Pads and wires capture and transmit the electrical activity generated by the heart to the device which, in turn, records it in its memory. In this way the system is able to store all heartbeats (usually for a 48-hr / 5-day period).
During the recording of this special electrocardiogram, the subject will have to perform their daily activity without limitations, making sure that the pads do not detach from the skin due to excessive movements.
The analysis of the trace recorded over 48-hr / 5-day makes it possible to define the presence of a rhythm disturbance (arrhythmia) or a defective blood supply to the heart (ischaemia) and to correlate any symptoms experienced by the person with the alterations in the electrocardiogram.
After 48 hours to 5 days, the Holter ECG is removed and returned to the specialist facility, preferably with the activity diary at the various times. The data will be downloaded using special software and the cardiologist will make their assessment by comparing them with the notes on the activities performed and deliver the results (report) together with a prescription for treatment or other investigations, if necessary.
The examination does not require any kind of preparation. In order to improve the adhesion of pads to the skin, in male patients hair removal of the anterior part of the chest, and part of the area below the left nipple may be necessary.
Examinations of the arteries and veins
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