Cardiac blood samples. How to check if there are heart problems? Video Methods of examination of the heart. ECG and FCG

Various diseases of the heart and blood vessels are the most common cause of death in all countries of the world, even oncological diseases are not yet ahead of them in this sad rating.

A lot of time and attention is given by various sources and professional medicine to the prevention of cancer, there are even vaccines for some tumors.

And the main problem of modern mankind - diseases of the cardiovascular system, do not receive the necessary level of attention, their prevention suffers especially.

In order to start treatment on time, each person should know the signs of diseases of the cardiovascular system and seek medical help in time if they occur.

Elementary examination methods at home and an attentive attitude to your well-being will help you see a doctor in time and start treatment.

Main symptoms

Untimely seeking medical help in case of problems with the heart and blood vessels is due to the fact that the symptoms of most of these diseases are vague, they are confused with diseases of the stomach, lungs or do not pay attention to them at all.

Even if a person understands that he has problems with his heart and blood vessels, he turns to a pharmacy for help, they sell him what they want, at best, the symptoms go away, but the cause remains and the disease progresses.

We list the main alarming signs, the appearance of which requires consultation with a cardiologist and additional examination methods:

Shortness of breath or a feeling of lack of oxygen.



The appearance of shortness of breath during running, any other physical activity is a normal physiological mechanism that allows you to provide the body with oxygen when there is an increased need for it.

In diseases of the heart and blood vessels, a feeling of lack of air and rapid breathing appears in those situations that did not require this before, in other words, shortness of breath appears with moderate physical exertion. In cases of severe heart failure, shortness of breath occurs at rest and with little exertion.

Attacks of shortness of breath at night.

When changing the position of the body from horizontal to vertical, such attacks decrease or disappear altogether. As a result, a person begins to gradually increase the size and number of pillows, eventually begins to sleep while sitting.

Few people understand that such a problem is associated with heart failure, usually such patients are brought in by ambulance with a suspected attack of bronchial asthma or with lung diseases. Indeed, these attacks can be called asthma attacks, only cardiac. Thus, acute left ventricular failure manifests itself.

The appearance of edema.



There are many reasons for their appearance. Edema associated with heart disease, first appear on the legs in the evening, gradually rising from the bottom up.

Often patients seek help from doctors when edema appears in women on the front wall of the abdomen, and in men in the scrotum. It is clear that the appearance of edema in such volumes is associated with a severe form of heart failure and such patients are subject to treatment with great difficulty.

Pain in the chest area.

Real heart pains, described in classical literature as attacks of "angina pectoris", with a big stretch can be called pain, these sensations are more like sensations of heaviness, squeezing behind the sternum.

Occur only during exercise, pass at rest after 5 minutes or disappear immediately after taking nitroglycerin under the tongue. Angina pectoris progresses over time, pain appears with less physical exertion, and may eventually appear at rest. A disease appears when the vessels of the heart fail to cope, there is a lack of oxygen in the heart.

Pain in the region of the heart.

With vegetative-vascular dystonia, they can be different. Often, people are very worried about stabbing pains in the region of the heart, which as a result turn out to be osteochondrosis or other diseases of the spine. you need to pay attention to increased pain in the chest when turning and tilting the body. Pain in the heart with the movements of the body are not connected.

Headaches, nausea, flies before the eyes, tinnitus.

All these complaints are characteristic of arterial hypertension. An increase in blood pressure very often appears in people after 50 years of age and often goes unnoticed, it is detected during the manifestation of complications.

Therefore, all people, especially those with a hereditary predisposition, need to control the level of blood pressure, starting from the age of 40.

Rhythm disturbances.

Feeling an irregular heartbeat is a reason to contact a cardiologist. In accordance with current recommendations for the treatment of such conditions, drug therapy is used in all patients who experience interruptions in the work of the heart.

Important! In addition to irregular heartbeats, you should see your doctor if your resting heart rate is above 90 beats per minute or below 60 beats per minute.

How to check the work of the heart at home?

All people over 40 years of age, regardless of the presence of the above signs, it is necessary to control the level of blood pressure, frequency and regularity of the pulse.

To measure blood pressure, any device that is affordable is suitable. It is necessary to measure blood pressure while sitting, at rest, on two arms and only on the shoulder. If you have fixed several times the pressure above or below 110/70 - 140/90, you need to contact a cardiologist.

It is not difficult to measure the pulse at home, you must adhere to the following rules: measure at rest for 60 seconds. This will also help fix irregular heartbeats, if any. In some cases, rhythm disturbances cannot be determined by the pulse. Some blood pressure monitors are also equipped with a pulse counting option.

What examinations will help detect problems?

If you have found the above complaints in yourself, recorded changes in blood pressure or pulse, you need to contact a cardiologist to make an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will prescribe additional studies that will help make an accurate diagnosis.

A mandatory study that everyone needs is an electrocardiogram. It can be used to identify problems with the rhythm, disturbances in the conduction of impulses in the heart and insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle. If there are long-standing problems that led to a change in the size of the heart muscle, then this can also be detected during the study.

The most informative method is an ultrasound of the heart, during the study, large vessels and changes in them are also clearly visible. With the help of this study, it is possible to determine almost all heart diseases: the exact dimensions of all departments and cavities, circulatory disorders in certain areas, the condition of the heart valves and large vessels.

If there are blood clots in the cavity of the heart, then this will also be visible during the study.

To clarify such a diagnosis as coronary heart disease and determine the functional class of angina pectoris, bicycle ergometry is used. During physical activity, an electrocardiogram is recorded on the exercise bike, if the subject has angina pectoris, then changes will be recorded during pain in the heart.

A study such as Holter monitoring is an ECG recording for 24 hours.

When deciphering the daily ECG, it is possible to determine changes during physical activity and compare with the sensations of the subject, all changes in the state of health are recorded in a diary indicating the exact time of occurrence of sensations.

This study is of particular value for determining rhythm disturbances, especially such as extrasystole or paroxysmal forms of atrial fibrillation.

Certain characteristic changes in blood tests in diseases of the cardiovascular system do not exist. There may be changes in blood tests for cholesterol, in the coagulation system. There are markers that can be used to determine the acute stage of myocardial infarction.

However, the presence of all these changes both in the analyzes and in the survey data does not mean a mandatory disease. All these studies can only be used as additional data, evaluated in conjunction with complaints and anamnesis of the disease by a cardiologist.

The table shows some clinics in Moscow and St. Petersburg, where you can check the heart and blood vessels, the price for an electrocardiographic study of the heart is indicated.

Considering all of the above, if you decide to check the heart and blood vessels, to determine the presence of serious diseases on your own, then you can find various symptoms in yourself, both directly related to diseases of the cardiovascular system, and reminiscent of heart disease. Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis, and even more so prescribe the necessary treatment.

For various heart diseases, a number of specific blood tests are performed. Based on the results of such studies, one can judge the state of the human cardiovascular system, the degree of heart disease. What are these specific tests, and how to take them correctly?

Specific blood test - cardiology profile

Cardiology profile called a number of specific blood tests that allow you to assess the likelihood of damage to myocardial cells and assess risk factors for diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Thanks to the cardiological profile, it is possible to identify lesions of the heart and blood vessels in the early stages, prevent the development of coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, and also assess the likelihood of myocardial infarction.

Indications for the delivery of a specific blood test - a cardiological profile

- atherosclerosis

- cardiac ischemia

- high blood pressure

- tachycardia, arrhythmia, bradycardia

- previous stroke or heart attack

What indicators are included in the cardiology profile?

Lipidogram (or lipid profile) necessary for the prevention of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

AST (aspartate aminotransferase, AST)- cellular enzyme, takes part in the exchange of amino acids in organs and tissues. An indicator of myocardial infarction is an increase in serum AST activity. Normal AST values ​​for women are no more than 31 U / l, for men no more than 37 U / l.

Creatine kinase (creatine phosphokinase, CK, CPK)- this is also an enzyme that acts as a catalyst (accelerator) for the conversion of ATP.

KFK-MV is part of the cells of the heart muscle. Normal values ​​for women are no more than 145 U / l, for men no more than 171 U / l.

LDH (lactate dehydrogenase)- a zinc-containing enzyme involved in the processes of glucose conversion and is present in almost all human tissues and organs. The normal value of LDH is less than 247 U / l.

How to take a specific blood test?

The day before the blood test, exclude the use of alcohol, smoking is prohibited 1 hour before the study. Blood is taken on an empty stomach in the morning. Only water is allowed to drink. It is also recommended to exclude physical and nervous tension, stress.

The analysis is performed within a day.

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The size of a man's heart corresponds to his fist. Some people have more, some less, but despite this, during the day, any heart passes hundreds of liters of blood through itself, directing it to all internal organs, to all parts of the body. The work of the heart is directly related to our life, so it is very important to periodically resort to its examination, and, if necessary, to treatment. Chest pain, burning sensation, tingling, shortness of breath, too frequent heartbeat - all this indicates a malfunction in the heart and is an undeniable reason for examination.

It doesn’t matter where you are caught by discomfort in the heart area - at home or at work, immediately drop everything and contact a specialist. Timely examination of the heart will not only help to avoid illness, but also save your life.

Heart attack, heart failure, hypertension and stroke affect people of all ages. Even children in our time suffer from such ailments from an early age and learn what shortness of breath or pain in the heart area is. The reasons can be hereditary predisposition, and the wrong way of life, and even bad ecology. The most important point in the treatment, on which the further prognosis of the outcome of the disease and the possibility of recovery depends, is timely tests.

What tests can reveal problems with the heart and blood vessels?

It is worth noting that some stages of various diseases of the cardiovascular system can be completely asymptomatic. And only preventive visits to the doctor and his appointment for testing can identify the problem in time and take measures to eliminate it. Consider what tests need to be done first.

1. Lipidogram. This is a blood test taken from a vein in the morning on an empty stomach to check for high cholesterol.
2. Coagulogram. Needed to determine the time of blood clotting and identify problems such as the formation of blood clots.
3. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Such an analysis is required to detect changes in the activity of the AST enzyme involved in amino acid metabolism. An increase in activity several times is a sign of a pre-infarction state.
4. Creatine kinase. This is the establishment in the blood of indicators of the intracellular enzyme crestine kinase, which acts as an indicator of myocardial damage.
5. Lactate dehydrogenase. This is also an enzyme that is present in the muscles of the heart, and enters the bloodstream only when they are destroyed.

Thus, the identification and definition of some catalysts and anomalies in the processes of hematopoiesis is very important and can save a person's life.

Cardiology profile

Cardiac profile - a set of specific blood tests that allows you to assess the likelihood of recent damage to myocardial cells and assess risk factors for developing heart and vascular diseases.

Why do you need to do a cardiology profile?

The cardiological profile allows you to identify early and latent lesions of the cardiovascular system, the risk of developing atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease and heart failure, and to assess the likelihood of myocardial infarction.

What are the indications for a cardiology profile?

• vascular atherosclerosis;
• cardiac ischemia;
• high blood pressure;
• heart rhythm disturbances - tachycardia, arrhythmia;
• stroke, heart attack.

A lipid profile (lipidogram) is necessary for the diagnosis of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

The coagulogram determines an increase in blood viscosity, which indicates an increased risk of developing complications of hypertension and coronary heart disease - heart attacks and strokes.

AST (AST, aspartate aminotransferase) is an intracellular enzyme involved in the metabolism of amino acids in the tissues of the liver, heart muscle and other organs. In myocardial infarction, serum AST activity can significantly increase even before the appearance of typical signs of a heart attack on the ECG.

Normal values ​​of ASAT:

Creatine kinase (creatine phosphokinase, CK, CPK) is an enzyme that is a catalyst - an accelerator of the rate of ATP conversion.

CPK-MB is found in the cells of the heart muscle. When myocardial cells are damaged, an increase in CK-MB activity is detected 4 hours after a heart attack.

Normal values ​​of CPK-MB:

LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) is a zinc-containing enzyme that is involved in the final stages of glucose conversion and is found in almost all human organs and tissues. The highest activity of this enzyme is observed in the cells of the heart muscle, liver, kidneys. In acute myocardial infarction, already 8-10 hours after the onset of pain, LDH activity sharply increases.

Normal LDH values:< 247 Ед/л

What preparation is needed for the study?

One day before taking blood, it is necessary to exclude alcohol intake, 1 hour before smoking. It is advisable to take blood on an empty stomach in the morning. At least 12 hours should elapse between the last meal and blood sampling. Juice, tea, coffee are not allowed. You can drink water. It is necessary to exclude increased psycho-emotional and physical stress.

What is the time frame for the analysis?

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Over the past quarter century in Ukraine, mortality due to these diseases has doubled, which cannot but cause serious concern.

One of the main symptoms of heart disease is the appearance of pain in the region of the heart, which can have different strength and direction depending on the heart disease and its severity.

The second characteristic sign of heart disease is shortness of breath, which occurs from circulatory failure.

What tests are done for heart disease?

In diseases of the heart and blood vessels, a comprehensive analysis is prescribed - a cardiological profile.

Cardiac ischemia;

What do cardiac profile indicators mean?

• Troponin can diagnose myocardial infarction. Troponin is a special protein found only inside the cells of the heart muscle (cardiomyocytes), it is practically not detected in the blood under normal conditions. However, if cardiomyocytes begin to die and collapse, and most often this happens due to a developed myocardial infarction, then troponin begins to penetrate into the general bloodstream, as a result of which its concentration in the blood increases hundreds, and sometimes thousands of times. This feature has become a key factor in making early or late diagnosis of myocardial infarction.

• NT-proBNP - brain natriuretic hormone - a protein produced in the left ventricle of the heart. Plays an important role in the diagnosis of heart failure. A blood test for D-dimer is indispensable when examining patients for various thrombotic disorders. D-dimer is a small protein fragment that is formed as a result of the breakdown of fibrin (fibrin is a blood plasma protein. Fibrin serves as the structural basis of a blood clot - ed.). Elevated levels of D-dimer in the blood indicate the tendency of the human body to form blood clots or other problems with blood clotting.

• Potassium (K) is an essential trace element in the human body. He takes part in the act of muscle contraction, the normal activity of the heart, the conduction of an impulse along nerve fibers, metabolism and enzyme activity. Potassium deficiency leads to disruption of the cardiovascular system, can cause muscle weakness. Prolonged potassium deficiency can cause cardiac arrest. Large doses of potassium cause paralysis of the heart.

• INR is an indicator purely for assessing the effectiveness and correctness of treatment with anticoagulants (drugs that reduce the activity of the blood coagulation system and prevent excessive formation of blood clots - ed.). Patients who are forced to constantly take drugs to thin the blood are required to control its coagulation abilities. This is necessary not only to assess the effectiveness of treatment, but also allows you to choose an adequate dose of funds. In the same way, a person can be saved from an overdose of anticoagulants, preventing the development of appropriate complications against this background. One of the modern methods of such control is the INR (international normalized ratio).

• The highest activity of LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), a zinc-containing enzyme, is observed in the cells of the heart muscle, liver, and kidneys. LDH activity also increases sharply in acute myocardial infarction.

What tests are done for heart disease?

Diseases of the cardiovascular system in medical practice are the most complex and dangerous, which most often lead a person to death, regardless of the age of the patient.

That is why it is necessary to keep the state of your cardiovascular system under constant control, undergo preventive examinations with a cardiologist, especially if there are certain prerequisites for the occurrence of pathologies, for example, heredity, overwork, heavy physical exertion, etc.

One of the main symptoms of heart disease is the appearance of pain in the region of the heart, which can have different strength and direction depending on the heart disease and its severity. The second characteristic sign of heart disease is shortness of breath, which occurs from circulatory failure.

The third sign of problems in the work of the heart is a rapid heartbeat, as well as interruptions in the work of the heart.

All of the above symptoms are signals of an appeal to a cardiologist, who, in order to make an accurate diagnosis, will send the patient for an additional examination, which includes passing certain tests.

What tests are given for heart disease:

Comprehensive analysis of diseases of the heart and blood vessels "Cardiac profile"

It is also worth considering that many pathological processes in the cardiovascular system are asymptomatic. Therefore, even if you are not worried about pain in the heart, shortness of breath, heart palpitations or arrhythmia, a periodic visit to a cardiologist should be included in the list of mandatory preventive measures that will help maintain your health for many years.

As with any diseases of various organs and systems, timely diagnosis and well-prescribed effective treatment of heart diseases will help not only to cure certain diseases, but also prevent serious complications, improve the quality of life, prolong it and even save it.

Cardiology profile: why is it needed?

A cardiac profile is a set of special blood tests that allows you to:

Assess risk factors for developing heart and vascular diseases;

Reveal early and latent lesions of the cardiovascular system;

To identify the risk of developing atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease and heart failure;

Assess the risk of myocardial infarction.

Cardiology profile: indications

Indications for the appointment of a complex of analyzes of a cardiological profile are:

Cardiac ischemia;

High blood pressure;

Heart rhythm disturbances, including:

What tests are included in the cardiology profile?

AST (AST, aspartate aminotransferase);

Creatine kinase (creatine phosphokinase, CK, CPK);

What do cardiac profile indicators mean?

Lipidogram (lipid profile) helps to diagnose atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

With the help of a coagulogram, the level of blood viscosity is determined. An increased value of blood viscosity indicates an increased risk of developing complications of hypertension, coronary heart disease, heart attack or stroke.

An increase in the value of AST, an intracellular enzyme involved in the metabolism of amino acids in the tissues of the liver, heart muscle and other organs, indicates an increased risk of developing a heart attack.

This is also indicated by the enzyme creatine kinase, which is a catalyst for the rate of ATP conversion. An increase in the activity of CPK-MB, an enzyme found in heart muscle cells, indicates an increased risk of myocardial infarction.

The highest activity of LDH (Lactate dehydrogenase), a zinc-containing enzyme, is observed in the cells of the heart muscle, liver, and kidneys. LDH activity also increases sharply in acute myocardial infarction.

How should one prepare for a cardiology profile?

A cardiological profile is a comprehensive blood test for the content of certain enzymes. Blood for a cardiological profile is taken in the morning, on an empty stomach.

The day before blood sampling, it is necessary to exclude the use of alcohol, as well as psycho-emotional and physical activity.

What general tests are prescribed for heart disease:

Blood chemistry;

General blood analysis;

General urine analysis;

Where can I get a complete examination?

Get tested and receive competent treatment for heart disease

You can undergo a full examination and pass the necessary tests for heart diseases, as well as receive competent effective treatment at the medical center "Medical Practice" in Novosibirsk.

Our medical center has everything necessary to qualitatively diagnose a particular heart disease and take all necessary measures to reduce the risk of complications.

Highly qualified specialists, the latest equipment, high-quality reagents, modern methods of treating diseases of the cardiovascular system - we try to do everything to make our patients satisfied with the fact that they receive high-quality medical care in one of the largest medical centers in Novosibirsk.

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Heart hurts what tests to take

Hemostasiological studies. This set of analyzes is aimed at studying the blood coagulation system.

A biochemical blood test gives the doctor additional information about the work of the heart and blood vessels, since it provides results for more enzymes.

The diagnostic center "Invivo VDP" will help to identify heart diseases thanks to modern MRI and CT devices

Cardiovascular diseases are widespread among our population, regardless of gender and age. In addition, they very often cause premature death. You can protect yourself by regularly passing the simplest tests. In this article, we will consider what kind of examination you need to undergo in a particular case.

Symptoms of diseases of the heart and blood vessels

Very often, people do not pay attention to the presence of the following symptoms, attributing their appearance to fatigue and other ailments. Of course, you should not rush headlong to a cardiologist, having found one of the symptoms described. But to consult a doctor if these manifestations are observed over a long period of time and do not go away, it will not be superfluous.

Paleness and weakness

Anxiety, fatigue, poor sleep can be symptoms of cardiac neurosis. The pallor of the skin indicates anemia and vasospasm, and the blueness of the limbs, nose, cheeks, and ears indicates the presence of cardiopulmonary insufficiency.

Edema

Kidney problems, which people sin in case of regular swelling by the end of the day, are not the only reason for the increase in the lower extremities. The reason for this is a large amount of salty foods, because of which both the kidneys and the heart suffer. It becomes unable to pump blood, which subsequently accumulates in the legs and causes heart failure.

Dizziness, nausea, headache

The frequent appearance of these symptoms may be the first "bell" of an impending stroke, and also indicates an increase in blood pressure.

Dyspnea

One of the signs of heart failure and angina may be shortness of breath and feeling short of breath.

Cardiopalmus

If you did not exercise and did not experience an emotional upsurge, and your heart “jumps out of your chest”, this symptom may indicate a malfunction of the heart: impaired blood supply, heart failure, tachycardia, angina pectoris.

chest pain

This is one of the surest signs of heart problems. Acute chest pain that occurs even at rest may be a sign of angina pectoris, which, in turn, is a precursor to coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction.

What tests are taken to detect diseases of the heart and blood vessels?

Oddly enough, but to diagnose the state of the cardiovascular system, the doctor prescribes the most common laboratory tests: general and biochemical blood tests. Based on their results, one can judge the main processes occurring in the body.

Complete blood count (CBC): interpretation of the results

It gives an idea of ​​the level of hemoglobin, the number of leukocytes, erythrocytes, platelets, erythrocyte indices, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and other indicators. Deciphering the results of this seemingly simple analysis, the doctor can detect several disorders in the body at once:

a low level of hemoglobin (the norm for men is g / l, for women - g / l) indicates kidney problems, anemia, internal bleeding may indicate; an increase in the number of leukocytes (the norm is from 4 to 9 x109 cells per liter) suggests the development of an inflammatory process; a decrease in red blood cells (the norm for men is 4.4-5.0 x1012 / l, for women - from 3.8 to 4.5 x1012 / l) is a sign of chronic inflammatory processes and oncological diseases, and their increase indicates dehydration of the body; a lack of platelets (in men, the norm is 200-400 thousand U / μl, in women - 180-320 thousand U / μl.) leads to problems with blood clotting, and too much - to the formation of blood clots; a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a clear sign of an inflammatory process. The norm of ESR for men is 1-10 mm / h, for women - 2-15 mm / h.

Biochemical blood test: what do deviations from the norm indicate?

Thanks to it, the doctor receives additional information about the work of the heart and blood vessels, since it provides results for a larger number of enzymes.

ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) are always tested in pairs so that the doctor can see and separate heart and liver lesions. Their increase, in most cases, indicates problems with the muscle cells of the heart, the occurrence of myocardial infarction. The norm of ALT in women is up to 31 U / l, in men - up to 41 U / l. The norm of AST in women is also up to 31 U / l), and in men - up to U / l.

LDH - lactate dehydrogenase (for women, the norm is U / l, for men - U / l) and CPK -creatine phosphokinase and especially its MB-fraction (MB-CK) increase in acute myocardial infarction. The laboratory norm of CPK is 10-110 IU, and the isoenzymes of CPK-MB are 4-6% of the total CPK. Myoglobin increases in the blood as a result of the breakdown of the muscle tissue of the heart or skeleton. The norm for men is 19 - 92 mcg / l (average - 49 ± 17 mcg / l), for women - 12 - 76 mcg / l (average - 35 ± 14 mcg / l). Electrolytes (ions K +, Na +, Cl-, Ca2 +) also tell a lot: an increase in the content of potassium in the blood serum (normal 3.6 - 5.2 mmol / l) entails a violation of the heart rhythm, the possible development of excitation and ventricular fibrillation ; a low level of K + can cause a decrease in myocardial reflexes; insufficient content of Na + ions (norm 135 - 145 mmol / l) and an increase in chlorides (norm 100 - 106 mmol / l) are fraught with the development of cardiovascular insufficiency. Cholesterol, contained in the blood in large quantities, is the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. On average, the norm for total cholesterol is considered to be from 3.61 to 5.21 mmol / liter, the level of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) should be in the range from 2.250 to 4.820 mmol / liter, and high-density cholesterol (HDL) - from 0.71 to 1.71 mmol/liter. C-reactive protein appears in the body during an inflammatory process or tissue necrosis that has already occurred, since it is contained in the blood serum of a healthy person in minimal values. The norm for children and adults is the same - less than 5 mg / l.

Coagulogram

The results of this analysis, which is sometimes prescribed in addition to the main ones, give the doctor an idea of ​​the process of blood clotting, its viscosity, the possibility of blood clots or, conversely, bleeding. The table below shows the main indicators of this analysis.

Note that during pregnancy, the results of the coagulogram differ from the norms presented above.

A referral for a UAC, a biochemical blood test and a coagulogram is prescribed by the attending physician, and the results of the study can be obtained within 1-2 days, depending on the equipment of the laboratory.

How to protect yourself from diseases of the heart and blood vessels?

Getting rid of excess weight, which significantly increases the risk of developing diseases of the cardiovascular system, is in the first place. For normal blood circulation, to exclude the formation of blood clots, it is necessary to expose your body to physical activity every day. This doesn't mean hitting the gym every day, walking will suffice initially, increasing the distance every few days.

Compliance with the diet reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood and thus has a positive effect on the condition of the vessels. Fresh vegetables, berries and fruits, which contain antioxidants useful for our body, cleanse and strengthen the walls of blood vessels. Vessel thrombosis, for example, is fought by acids contained in fatty fish, walnuts and almonds.

Refusal to use alcohol and tobacco, of course, will be useful not only for the heart and blood vessels, but also will have a beneficial effect on the healing of all body systems.

Knowledge base: Chronic heart failure

Chronic heart failure

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a disease in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to supply the body with oxygen. It can occur as a result of many diseases of the cardiovascular system, among which coronary heart disease, hypertension, rheumatoid heart disease, and endocarditis are the most common. A weakened heart muscle is unable to pump blood, throwing less and less of it into the vessels.

Heart failure develops slowly and in the initial stages manifests itself only with physical exertion. Characteristic symptoms at rest indicate a severe stage of the disease. Progressing, CHF significantly worsens the patient's condition, leads to a decrease in performance and disability. The result of it can be chronic liver and kidney failure, blood clots, strokes.

Timely diagnosis and treatment can slow down the development of the disease and prevent dangerous complications. An important role in stabilizing the condition is given to the right lifestyle: weight loss, low-salt diet, limiting physical and emotional stress.

Congestive heart failure, heart failure.

Heart failure, congestive heart failure.

Clinical manifestations of heart failure depend on its duration and severity and are quite diverse. The development of the disease is slow and takes several years. If left untreated, the patient's condition may worsen.

The main symptoms of chronic heart failure include:

shortness of breath during physical exertion, when moving to a horizontal position, and then at rest; dizziness, fatigue and weakness; lack of appetite and nausea; swelling of the legs; accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites); weight gain against the background of edema; fast or irregular heartbeat; dry cough with pinkish sputum; decreased attention and intelligence.

General information about the disease

By contracting, the heart provides continuous circulation of blood through the vessels. Together with the blood, oxygen and nutrients enter all organs and tissues, and the end products of metabolism, including fluid, are removed. This is achieved by alternating two phases: the contraction of the heart muscle (called systole) and its relaxation (diastole). Depending on which of the phases of cardiac activity disrupts its work, they speak of systolic or diastolic heart failure.

Systolic heart failure is the result of weakness of the heart muscle and is characterized by insufficient ejection of blood from the chambers of the heart. Its most common causes are ischemic heart disease and dilated myocardiopathy. More commonly seen in men. Diastolic heart failure develops when the heart muscle loses its ability to stretch. As a result, a much smaller volume of blood enters the atria. The most common causes are arterial hypertension, hypertrophic myocardiopathy and stenosing pericarditis.

The human heart can be conditionally divided into right and left halves. Pumping blood to the lungs and saturating it with oxygen is ensured by the work of the right parts of the heart, and the left parts are responsible for delivering blood to the tissues. Depending on which departments do not cope with their task, they speak of right ventricular or left ventricular heart failure. With impaired work of the left departments, shortness of breath and cough come to the fore. Right-sided insufficiency is manifested by systemic edema.

To select the necessary drugs, it is very important to determine the mechanism of occurrence of heart failure and its type.

The presence of at least one of the following risk factors is sufficient for the development of chronic heart failure. The combination of two or more factors greatly increases the likelihood of the disease.

The risk group includes patients with:

high blood pressure; ischemic heart disease; myocardial infarction in the past; heart rhythm disturbances; diabetes mellitus; congenital heart disease; frequent viral diseases throughout life; chronic renal failure; alcohol addiction.

The diagnosis of "chronic heart failure" is made on the basis of a history of the disease, characteristic symptoms, and the results of laboratory and other studies.

In the general blood test, most often there are no changes. In some cases, moderately severe anemia can be determined. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) may be elevated, especially when heart failure is the result of rheumatic heart disease or infective endocarditis. Urinalysis is important in order to diagnose renal complications and rule out renal origin of edema. One of the possible manifestations of chronic heart failure is a high level of protein in the urine. Total protein and protein fractions in the blood may be reduced due to their redistribution into the edematous fluid. Glucose in the blood. It is important to exclude diabetes mellitus as one of the risk factors for heart failure. Cholesterol. high and low density lipoproteins. There is a clear relationship between elevated cholesterol levels and the development of atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and hypertension. High cholesterol and lipoprotein levels in heart failure may indicate a more severe course of the disease. Sodium and potassium in the blood. In chronic heart failure, their level in the blood serum can change significantly due to edema. Blood composition control is especially important when prescribing diuretic drugs. brain sodium

Cardiac examination

Often, a person who first feels any complaints from the cardiovascular system, during the initial visit at the outpatient stage, immediately receives treatment, bypassing a full-fledged cardiological and related examinations, which should include both instrumental and laboratory diagnostic methods.

Depending on the predominance of clinical symptoms, three main groups of patients can be conditionally distinguished:

1. Patients with complaints of pain in the heart area

2. Patients with high blood pressure

3. Patients with rhythm disturbances, interruptions in the work of the heart

Various combinations of clinical symptoms are also possible (rhythm disturbances and pain in the heart against the background of high blood pressure).

The minimum examination should include:

Examination by a cardiologist with a detailed collection of complaints and physical examination (auscultation, percussion) ECG (ECG in 12 leads, ECG on a long tape, cardiotopography, ECTG-60, ECG with isometric load) Ultrasound (ultrasound) of the heart, vascular dopplegraphy, transesophageal Ultrasound (often necessary in case of rhythm disturbances to exclude the presence of blood clots in the heart cavities), ultrasound of the kidneys, adrenal glands, thyroid gland 24-hour monitoring of blood pressure and ECG (Holter monitoring) (endocrinologist, gynecologist, oculist, gastroenterologist, neurologist, nephrologist, etc.) Laboratory tests: biochemical blood test (glucose, electrolytes, lipid spectrum, cholesterol, and other cardiac enzymes), determination of the level of certain hormones (thyroid gland, brain natriuretic peptide) .

Heartache

The most common reasons:

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) Valvular heart disease Neurocirculatory dystonia (NCD)

A special role should be assigned to the differential diagnosis of pain in diseases of the spine (osteochondrosis).

An important role in the examination is given to ECG changes, including during exercise tests and daily monitoring, as well as changes in the biochemical blood test (lipoproteins, triglycerides). If necessary, coronary angiography is performed to establish the final diagnosis and determine further treatment tactics. Treatment can be conservative (medication), endovascular (angioplasty and placement of a stent in the coronary arteries through the brachial or femoral artery), surgical (coronary bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass or on a beating heart).

If osteochondrosis of the spine is suspected, a consultation with a neurologist is required, which determines the amount of necessary studies (CT, MRI, etc.)

High blood pressure

First of all, it is necessary to exclude the symptomatic nature of arterial hypertension (hypertension caused by diseases of specific organs). Such hypertension includes hypertension against the background of diseases of the kidneys and their vessels, tumors of the kidneys and adrenal glands, brain tumors, vascular disease (coarctation of the aorta, other vascular pathology.) Endocrine causes of increased blood pressure deserve special attention, especially in women after 45 years.

If the cause of hypertension cannot be found (and this happens in about 95% of cases), such hypertension is considered idiopathic, or essential (it is an independent disease), and requires treatment with special drugs. It is very important to understand that this disease requires systematic, often lifelong treatment. A very common mistake is the practice of taking antihypertensive drugs only to reduce high blood pressure, and not taking them constantly and regularly. (See Guidelines for Lowering Blood Pressure.)

Rhythm disturbances, interruptions in the work of the heart

A key role in the diagnosis belongs to the data of the electrocardiogram (ECG). To find out the causes of arrhythmia, it is necessary to exclude organic causes (damage to the valvular apparatus of the heart) - for this, ultrasound of the heart is performed - and coronary heart disease. Some arrhythmias may be congenital. A frequent cause of arrhythmia may be a dysfunction of the thyroid gland, which requires a full endocrinological examination (consultation of an endocrinologist, determination of the level of hormones in the blood). When establishing the cause and determining the nature of the rhythm disturbance, an electrophysiological study (EPS) of the heart may be necessary.

What do the results of a clinical blood test say?

It is hardly possible to find a person who has not done a clinical (or general) blood test at least once in his life. This is one of the most frequently used tests for diagnosing various diseases; such a professionally performed study can tell a doctor a lot about the patient's health status.

Most often, people, independently receiving the results of a clinical blood test in the laboratory or listening to their interpretation from a doctor, do not understand what this or that indicator means and how they are related to their condition. Of course, the patient should not “replace” the doctor and try to make a diagnosis based on the results obtained, etc. The purpose of this article is to familiarize a wide range of readers with the main indicators of a complete blood count, so that the terminology used by doctors when communicating with patients is not a "secret with seven seals", and the doctor and patient would better understand each other.

For a general blood test, blood is taken from a finger (or from a vein) in the morning on an empty stomach. The night before, it is recommended to refrain from fatty foods, as this can affect the number of leukocytes. Stress can also distort the blood picture - even a quarrel with someone on the way to the clinic.

For taking the analysis, disposable sterile instruments are used. The laboratory assistant performing blood sampling must work either in disposable gloves or in rubber gloves, which are disinfected with disinfectant solutions after each blood sampling, and which he changes as necessary.

Traditionally, blood is taken from the fourth finger of the left hand, which is carefully wiped with cotton wool and alcohol, after which an injection is made with a special needle into the flesh of the finger to a depth of 2-3 mm. The first drop of blood is removed with cotton wool soaked in ether. First, blood is taken to determine hemoglobin and ESR, then to determine the number of erythrocytes and leukocytes, after which blood smears are made using glasses and the cell structure is studied under a microscope.

In addition, you need to take into account that each laboratory has its own “norms” for a general (clinical) blood test, so it’s better to ask the doctor all the questions.

A general blood test helps a doctor of any specialty. Based on the results of a blood test (hemogram), the doctor can competently assess the state of the body, make a preliminary diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment in a timely manner.

So, a general (clinical) blood test shows:

erythrocyte count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), hemoglobin content, leukocyte count, leukocyte formula and other indicators, each of which we will dwell on in detail.

Erythrocytes are also known as red blood cells. In humans, 1 mm³ of blood contains 4.5-5 million red blood cells. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, carry oxygen and carbon dioxide. An increase in the number of red blood cells is a sign of diseases such as leukemia, chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease. Anemia (decrease in the number of red blood cells) can be caused by stress, increased physical activity, starvation. If it is not possible to immediately determine the cause of the decrease in the number of red blood cells, then it is better to go to a hematologist and undergo an additional examination.

A significant increase in the content of red blood cells may indicate erythremia (one of the blood diseases). In addition, an increase in the number of red blood cells (erythocytosis, polycythemia) is observed in acute poisoning, when, due to severe vomiting and diarrhea, there is a large fluid deficit in the body; with acidosis (due to metabolic disorders during exacerbation of certain diseases); with loss of fluid for various reasons (heat, illness, great physical exertion); with prolonged cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases, when the body is not sufficiently supplied with oxygen and increases the number of red blood cells in an attempt to still deliver oxygen to the tissues; or when a person is in the highlands, when he ceases to have enough oxygen.

The color index - its normal value in people of any age is 0.85-1.15. The color index of blood is an indicator of the degree of saturation of red blood cells with hemoglobin and reflects the ratio between the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood. When its values ​​\u200b\u200bare different from the norm, then this basically indicates the presence of anemia. In this case, anemia is divided into:

Hypochromic - color index less than 0.85;

Hyperchromic - a color index greater than 1.15.

However, anemia can also be normochromic - when the color index remains within the normal range.

Reticulocytes are young forms of red blood cells. Children have more of them, adults have less, because the formation and growth of the body has already been completed. An increase in the number of reticulocytes can be observed with anemia or malaria. A decrease in the number of reticulocytes or their absence is an unfavorable sign in anemia, showing that the bone marrow has lost the ability to produce red blood cells.

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) determines how quickly erythrocytes settle in a test tube, separating from blood plasma. In women, the ESR rate is slightly higher than in men; during pregnancy, the ESR increases. Normally, the ESR value in men does not exceed 10 mm/hour, and in women - 15 mm/hour. The ESR indicator may vary depending on various factors, including due to various diseases.

An increase in ESR in a blood test is one of the indicators that makes a doctor assume that a patient has an acute or chronic inflammatory process (pneumonia, osteomyelitis, tuberculosis, syphilis), as well as an increase in ESR is characteristic of poisoning, myocardial infarction, injuries, bone fractures, anemia, kidney disease, cancer. It is observed after operations, and as a result of taking certain medications. A decrease in ESR occurs during fasting, with a decrease in muscle mass, while taking corticosteroids.

Hemoglobin is a complex iron-containing protein contained in red blood cells - erythrocytes - of animals and humans, capable of reversibly binding with oxygen, ensuring its transfer to tissues. The normal content of hemoglobin in human blood is considered to be: in men 130-170 g/l, in women 120-150 g/l; in children - 120-140 g / l. Blood hemoglobin is involved in the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide, maintains pH balance. Therefore, the determination of hemoglobin is one of the most important tasks of a general blood test.

Low hemoglobin (anemia) can be the result of a large blood loss, a decrease in hemoglobin occurs when there is a lack of iron, the necessary material for the construction of hemoglobin. Also, low hemoglobin (anemia) is a consequence of blood diseases and many chronic diseases that are not associated with them.

Higher than normal hemoglobin levels can be an indicator of many blood disorders, while a complete blood count will also show an increase in red blood cells. Elevated hemoglobin is typical for people with congenital heart defects, pulmonary heart failure. An increase in hemoglobin can be caused by physiological reasons - in pilots after flights, climbers, after significant physical exertion, the hemoglobin level is higher than normal.

Leukocytes are the defenders of our body from foreign components. In the blood of an adult, leukocytes contain an average of 4-9x10 9 / l. White blood cells fight viruses and bacteria and cleanse the blood of dying cells. There are several types of leukocytes (monocytes, lymphocytes, etc.). The leukocyte formula allows you to calculate the content of these forms of leukocytes in the blood.

If leukocytes are found in an increased number in a blood test, this may mean the presence of viral, fungal or bacterial infections (pneumonia, tonsillitis, sepsis, meningitis, appendicitis, abscess, polyarthritis, pyelonephritis, peritonitis), and also be a sign of body poisoning (gout ). Past burns and injuries, bleeding, postoperative condition of the body, myocardial infarction, lung, kidney or spleen infarction, acute and chronic anemia, malignant tumors, all these “troubles” are accompanied by an increase in the number of blood leukocytes.

In women, a slight increase in leukocytes in the blood is also observed in the period before menstruation, in the second half of pregnancy and during childbirth.

A decrease in the number of leukocytes, which a blood test can show, may be evidence of viral and bacterial infections (flu, typhoid fever, viral hepatitis, sepsis, measles, malaria, rubella, mumps, AIDS), rheumatoid arthritis, kidney failure, radiation sickness, some forms of leukemia, diseases of the bone marrow, anaphylactic shock, exhaustion, anemia. A decrease in the number of leukocytes can also be observed while taking certain medications (analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs).

Platelets - these cells are also called platelets. They are the smallest blood cells. The main role of platelets is participation in blood coagulation processes. In blood vessels, platelets can be located at the walls and in the bloodstream. At rest, platelets are disc-shaped. If necessary, they become like a sphere and form special outgrowths (pseudopodia). With their help, platelets can stick together or stick to a damaged vascular wall.

A decrease in the number of platelets is observed in women during menstruation and during a normal pregnancy, and an increase occurs after exercise. Also, the number of platelets in the blood has seasonal and daily fluctuations. Usually, platelet control is prescribed when taking certain medications, when the capillaries burst for no reason, nosebleeds are frequent, or when being examined for various diseases.

An increase in the number of platelets in the blood (the so-called thrombocytosis) occurs when:

Inflammatory processes (acute rheumatism, tuberculosis, ulcerative colitis);

Hemolytic anemia (when red blood cells are destroyed);

Conditions after removal of the spleen;

It is noted in the treatment of corticosteroids;

Some rarer diseases

A decrease in the number of platelets (thrombocytopenia) is observed in a number of hereditary diseases, but appears much more often in acquired diseases. The number of platelets decreases with:

severe iron deficiency anemia;

Some bacterial and viral infections;

Thyroid diseases;

The use of a number of drugs (vinblastine, chloramphenicol, sulfonamides, etc.);

Systemic lupus erythematosus.

Hematocrit is the proportion (as a percentage) of the total blood volume that is made up of red blood cells. Normally, this figure is in men -%, in women -%.

The volume of erythrocytes in comparison with plasma increases with:

Dehydration (dehydration), which happens with toxicosis, diarrhea, vomiting;

Congenital heart defects, accompanied by insufficient oxygen supply to the tissues;

Finding a person in high altitude conditions;

Insufficiency of the adrenal cortex.

The volume of red blood cells in relation to plasma decreases with blood thinning (hydremia) or with anemia.

Hydremia can be physiological if a person immediately drank a lot of liquid. After significant blood loss, compensatory hydremia occurs when blood volume is restored. Pathological hydremia develops in violation of water-salt metabolism and occurs with glomerulonephritis, acute and chronic renal failure, with heart failure during the period of convergence of edema.

Blood formula. The study of the leukocyte formula is of great diagnostic value, showing characteristic changes in a number of diseases. But these data should always be evaluated together with other indicators of the blood system and the general condition of the patient.

For various diseases, a combination of the following signs is looked at: the total number of leukocytes; the presence of a nuclear shift of neutrophils (the so-called "shift according to the formula to the left", that is, the appearance in the blood of young, immature forms of neutrophils); the percentage of individual leukocytes; the presence or absence of degenerative changes in cells.

Timely diagnosis plays an important role in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. It is often sufficient to conduct a standard ECG to make a correct diagnosis. In other cases, a diverse study of the heart is required, which allows you to establish the exact cause of the disease and conduct effective treatment.

Cardiac examinations help to identify cardiovascular diseases of various levels of severity. If earlier only a physical examination was used, today a variety of research methods and advanced technologies are used.

Timely examination of the heart can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, a group of which ranks first among the main causes of death.

Each patient entering the cardiology department or visiting a doctor in a polyclinic due to heart disease undergoes a standard set of studies. If after this it is not possible to establish the root cause of the pathology, then narrowly focused diagnostic methods are used.

Video Worrying about the heart? Where to start the survey?

Primary examination of the patient's heart

The very first method of diagnosing a patient with cardiovascular pathology is a physical examination at the first appointment with a doctor. Initially, an examination is performed to identify visual changes (edema, cyanosis, pulsations in the neck). After that, with the help of tapping, the doctor determines the boundaries of the heart, which in pathological cases change.

Auscultation of the heart is an important method of physical examination, with the help of which pathological rhythms and murmurs, the severity of heart tones are determined.

A phonendoscope is used for auscultation. The same instrument, in combination with a tonometer, measures blood pressure. In the process of listening to heart tones, their sound, sequence is studied. In the normal state, two constant tones are heard, the first and second. With one or another pathology, additional, as well as the third and fourth tones, can be detected.

Video Basic physical methods of examination of the heart

Instrumental diagnostic methods

Progressive technologies allow today to conduct the most complex and previously inaccessible research. This is extremely important for prescribing the right treatment, since an accurate diagnosis is the key to effective therapy. As a rule, they start with standard methods - electrocardiography, ultrasound of the heart. If necessary, the examination is supplemented by an electrophysiological study, MRI, CT, angiocardiography.

Frequently used instrumental diagnostic methods:

• Electrocardiography.
• Echocardiography.
• Angiocardiography.

Some of these methods are painless, while others, on the contrary, refer to invasive diagnostics. But all, without exception, are carried out with the help of special equipment, which to a greater or lesser extent affects the human body.

Electrocardiography

It is a valuable research method in cardiology, with the help of which most cardiovascular diseases are diagnosed. The first electrocardiogram was taken by Willem Einthoven, who developed a string galvanometer, recorded in the twentieth century, almost the same ECG as it is done today. The same researcher developed a system for designating the resulting teeth, which is still widely used.

Registration of the electrical activity of the heart is carried out using an electrocardiograph, which today use thermal paper for recording. If the device is completely electronic, then the received data can be stored in a computer.

Electrical indicators are determined using electrodes, which on the electrocardiograph show a potential difference in the form of teeth. To obtain them, standard leads (I, II and III) are used, which, in accordance with the charges, are superimposed on the right arm and left leg (+) and the left arm (-). Amplified leads are also recorded, designated as aVR, aVL, aVF, which are taken from the limbs. In addition to these six leads, unipolar chest leads are recorded, from V1 to V9, but V1-V6 are most often determined.

ECG allows you to determine:

• cicatricial changes;
• violation of blood supply;
• dystrophic manifestations;
• signs of myocardial infarction;
• signs of rhythm disturbance.

A standard ECG does not always make it possible to accurately establish pathological changes in the heart, therefore, if necessary, other studies based on electrocardiography are used:

• 24-hour ECG monitoring - detects mild arrhythmias that are difficult to fix using a standard ECG. The patient is required to wear a portable electrocardiograph from one day to 5-7 days, which records the activity of the heart, after which the doctor analyzes the data obtained.
• ECG mapping, or precordial mapping - when using a large number of electrodes, a long study is carried out, as a result of which even the most severe and difficult to diagnose diseases can be successfully identified. All information received by the device is processed by a computer, therefore, the results obtained are highly accurate.
• Load texts (veloergometry, treadmill test) - are performed in order to determine heart lesions that are not detected in the normal state. When performing physical activity, favorable conditions are often created for the occurrence of arrhythmias or other disorders of the heart. In particular, with the help of bicycle ergometry, angina pectoris, coronary heart disease, etc. are determined. A repeated examination can determine exercise tolerance, the effectiveness of previous treatment, and prognostic value.
• Intraesophageal electrocardiography - an active electrode is inserted into the esophagus, which is brought as close as possible to the heart. Using this method, it is possible to assess the performance of the atrioventricular connection and the atria. It is often used at the stage of diagnosing various types of rhythm disturbances, especially heart blockades.
• Vectorcardiography - when using a projection graph, a three-dimensional figure is built that reflects the electrical activity of the heart. In the presence of rhythm disturbances, corresponding changes in the vector of cardiac activity are recorded.
• Gastrocardiomonitoring is a method of simultaneous study of the electrical activity of the heart and acidity in the stomach and esophagus. According to the method of conducting, non-Holter monitoring is similar, only during the day not only the electrocardiogram is recorded, but also pH-metry. The examination is often used in the process of diagnosing gastrointestinal and cardiovascular diseases.

Electrocardiography is one of the safest and easiest research methods to perform. It is available at any level of medical care, so if possible and desired, you can get quite a lot of reliable information about the state of the heart.

Video Methods of examination of the heart. ECG and FCG

echocardiography

This method is more commonly known as ultrasound, or ultrasound of the heart. The principle of operation of the study is based on capturing signals that were reflected from various structures of the heart. Depending on the acoustic density, the signal is perceived differently, but in the end, the corresponding image is formed.

Used to detect organic heart disease, congenital and acquired defects, as well as to assess the functionality of the myocardium. It is considered the method of choice when examining people with complaints of weakness, dizziness, pain in the heart, loss of consciousness, frequent heartbeat.

Based on ultrasound, a number of modified cardiac examinations have been created:

• Doppler echocardiography - an ultrasound monitor shows intracardiac blood flow, which allows you to see heart defects, pathological shunts and chords, to assess the hemodynamics of the heart.
• One-dimensional echocardiography - allows you to see the heart in one plane. A rather rough diagnosis, which is used to obtain the size of the organ, the thickness of its walls. Data are also obtained on the work of the valvular apparatus, the contractility of the heart.
• Two-dimensional echocardiography is a more informative study compared to the previous one. This is achieved by obtaining a three-dimensional image of the heart and its structures.
• Stress-ECHO is one of the options for stress tests. Combines the methods of ultrasound and bicycle ergometry. First, an ultrasound diagnosis is performed, and after the patient “rides” on a bicycle, an ultrasound scan is performed. As a result, ischemic heart disease, obstruction of the coronary vessels is determined, the effectiveness of therapy is evaluated.

Ultrasound is not prescribed in cases with chronic smoking, bronchial asthma, in the presence of large mammary glands or excessive hair growth of the chest. Also, the study is not carried out with deformities of the chest, infectious diseases of the skin in this area.

EchoCG refers to harmless and painless research methods. It is performed quite quickly and, if necessary, is repeated the required number of times.

Video Echocardiography, ultrasound of the heart, research methodology

Angiocardiography

The method refers to X-ray studies, during which a radiopaque substance is used. With the help of the study, it turns out to study the chambers of the heart, as well as the nearest veins and arteries.

A radiopaque substance is injected into the cavity of the heart and coronary vessels, for which a special catheter is used. It is supplied to the heart and blood vessels through the femoral or subclavian artery. As a result of the injection of a contrast agent, the structural parts of the heart become visible, for the evaluation of which a series of images is taken. Before the procedure, a sedative and antihistamine medication is required.

The study is often carried out before heart surgery in order to clarify the necessary physiological parameters of the myocardium. Also, the method is quite effective in the diagnosis of heart defects, violation of the structure of the nearest large vessels. With the widespread use of echocardiography, angiocardiography has become less commonly used. But in some cases, this method is indispensable, because it allows you to more accurately determine the anatomical structures of the heart.

Angiocardiography refers to invasive diagnostic methods, therefore it is relatively infrequently used. Nevertheless, if necessary, it helps to obtain more accurate data than with echocardiography.

Video Angiography and stenting of the heart vessels

Laboratory tests

Often prescribed in the presence or high risk of determining concomitant pathology. Also, with some lesions of the heart, certain substances are released into the blood, fixed with the help of special laboratory tests.

Common laboratory tests for heart disease:

• Urinalysis - the kidneys are sensitive to the state of the cardiovascular system. With edema, after an attack of paroxysmal tachycardia, septic endocarditis, the quality and quantity of urine changes. Basically, violations are expressed in a decrease in the specific gravity of urine, the determination of hyaline cylinders, erythrocytes, and protein in the urine.
• A blood test is quite informative in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. In particular, often with heart defects increases the number of red blood cells. Such a change is associated with oxygen starvation in case of cardiac insufficiency. Inflammatory processes often affect the endocardium, myocardium and other structures of the heart. At the same time, leukocytosis develops and ESR increases.
• Sputum examination - carried out only in cases where there is a suspicion of acute left ventricular failure. With this pathology, stagnation in the lungs is observed, as a result of which bloody-foamy sputum is formed. In some cases, it may be colorless, which is often noted with severe pulmonary congestion. Microscopic analysis of sputum allows you to determine the "cardiac cells", the presence of which is characteristic of myocardial infarction and heart failure.

During each study, it is required to carefully follow the requirements of the doctor conducting the diagnosis. This will help you get faster and better results. It will also subsequently prevent the development of complications, so the joint cooperation of the doctor and the patient will contribute to the achievement of the desired result.