What are the cardiovascular diseases?
Diseases of the heart compromise one of the most important epidemics of our age, affecting more and more people every day. The World Health Organization however, reports that the incidence of cardiovascular disease can be halved by controlling cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, cholesterol and smoking.
Coronary artery diseases (heart attacks)
Cerebrovascular diseases (Styroke)
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Peripheral artery disease
Rheumatic heart diseases
Congenital heart diseases
Heart failure
Heart muscle disorders
Heart valve diseases
Rhythm disorders
Cardiovascular Imaging Modalities we use at our Clinic:
Electrocardiography (ECG)
It is the recording of the electrical activity of the heart with the help of electrodes attached to the chest wall, arms and legs. ECG is the basic cardiac examination used with routine exam. It can be repeated according to the patient's complaints, especially during chest pain or palpitations.
Echocardiography (ECHO)
ECHO is a method of imaging the heart with the help of ultrasound waves. In this way, the heart muscle, heart valves and large vessels are evaluated. With special measurements taken during ECHO, intracardiac pressures and the pump function can be evaluated. Valuable information is obtained through ECHO regarding heart valve diseases, heart failure, and congenital heart diseases. The biggest advantages are that it is reproducible and noninvasive as no dye/radioactive material or needle is used.
Stress ECG (Treadmill test)
Exercise test is performed while the patient walks on a treadmill. Cardiac ECG and blood pressure are measured at regular intervals and ECG records are then analyzed. The main purpose of this test is to evaluate the stress response of the heart by increasing the heart rate. By evaluating ECG and blood pressure changes, one can get an idea about the circulation of the heart and rhythm problems. Since the stress test is not a highly sensitive diagnostic method, it is evaluated together with other diagnostic methods, laboratory tests and the patient's complaints.
24-48 hours ECG Holter (Rhythm Holter)
Rhythm Holter examination records the heart rhythm for 24 hours and helps diagnose rhythm disorders and possible heart problems. It is an essential test for diagnosis, especially in patients with palpitations, fainting, and stroke. The recording period can be increased to 48 hours if deemed necessary. The device, which looks like a mobile phone, is connected to the chest wall with 3-4 cables. For a better recording, its position can be fixed with a net. With the device attached, the person can continue their normal daily activities.
Ambulatory blood pressure measurement (Blood Pressure Holter)
This is an indispensable test in the diagnosis and follow-up of high blood pressure. It is necessary to understand how blood pressure progresses during the day, to evaluate the effect of drug therapy, to regulate medication hours, and to investigate whether there is an expected decrease in blood pressure at night. The device consists of a blood pressure cuff attached to the arm and a measuring device to which the cuff is connected. Blood pressure is measured and recorded at certain intervals planned within 24 hours.