Tests for the heart - what do they tell us?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 ก.พ. 2022
- Broadly speaking there are 3 things that can go wrong with the heart.
1. The heart is a pump and that pump may be faulty either due to congenital problem or an acquired problem. If the pump is in any way defective then not as much blood comes out of the heart and the body and all our vital organs will get less blood than they should and this could lead to harm. So cardiomyopathies, valve problems, myocarditis and previous heart attacks all cause a problem with the pumping function of the heart.
2. The pump needs a blood supply and even though the pump itself may be strong, there may be a developing problem with the blood vessels (the coronary vessels) which may block the blood vessel and therefore damage the heart. This is how heart attacks happen and therefore a comprehensive evaluation of the heart should always include some assessment of the heart arteries even if the heart as a pump looks strong
1. Finally the heart is also an electrically driven organ and therefore a malfunction of the electrics could lead to the heart malfunctioning as a pump even if it were strong and this could cause a problem.
So virtually all the tests that we do on the heart are driven by the need to know more about the pumping ability of the heart, the heart arteries and the electrics of the heart.
So today i wanted to talk to you about what each heart test tells us about these different aspects of heart disease
1. Tests that tell you about the heart as a pump
1. The most commonly used test to assess the heart as a pump is an echocardiogram. This is an ultrasound (a bit like the type that we use on pregnant women to look at the baby). An ultrasound will allow you to visualise the heart, measure the sizes of the chambers, assess the heart valves and work out how well the heart functions as a pump. If the heart has been left damaged, then that part of. the heart will be seen not to move like undamaged parts and this can therefore reliably tell us about persisting heart damage. This is important for 2 reasons:
2. -a) It tells us that the patient’s symptoms are not due to underlying heart disease and b) the heart will cope with stress much better than if it is damaged.
An echo is easy to do, risk free and easily accessible. It is also unique because it works using the Doppler effect, you can get not only an anatomical evaluation of the heart but also physiological assessment. Nevertheless it does have some limitations:
- 1) it tells us about the present and the past but does not generally tell us about the future.
- 2) It is operator dependant and requires specialised machinery
- 3) The images you get may vary from patient to patient.
- 4) you dont see the heart in 3 dinmensions and because of the heart moves in many different ways, you are only getting a limited assessment of the heart and you dont get as good a sense of tissue composition
A more advanced way of studying the heart as a pump is through cardiac MRI. Cardiac MRI offers some great advantages:
1. You get much better spatial resultion and therefore get much clearer images
2. You have no imaging constraints
3. MRI can tell you about tissue composition
There are however problems with cardiac MRI as well. It is a super specialised discipline. It requires very expensive machinery. It is inherently uncomfortable for the patient as you have lie in a tight tunnel for up to an hour. Some patients with pacemakers and metal prosthesis cant be exposed to such strong magnetic fields. Overall though a normal cardiac MRI is even more reassuring than a normal echocardiogram.
Are there any other easier tests that can tell you about the heart as pump?
I tried to comment on the video about stents . In 2007 I had a heart attack and went to a local hospital. The cardiologist (a wonderful man) inserted two stents. In 2015 I had another angiogram and the doctor noted that one stent had blocked but my heart had made its own bypass with a corollary artery.
I try to exercise moderately and eat healthy foods. So far so good in my last exam a month ago showed my blood pressure normal and my heart seems to be fine or at least is fine as an 82-year-old heart can be. Your videos are so interesting and so informative you are a very good facilitator of good information thank you so much I enjoyed your video and I enjoy subscribing to your video.
Oh my.... THIS is like the Cliff Notes version of what to know about the heart. 😃
The insane amounts of beneficial information, nicely stated and understood, packed in even 10:15 minutes in (and still going)! Thanks for helping us learn this. Phenomenal job.
Q
I agree that 24 hr ECG's are a waste of time. No where near long enough to catch anything.
Ask your doctor for a zio patch. Is a better type of holter monitor. It has no wires and very comfortable, can be used as long as you want, i had it done for 7 days. Google it. Cheers
Hi my son is 14 years 24 hours holter done they diagnos my son sick sinus syndrome and recommended pacemaker, they said during daytime my son heart rate normal when sleeping is slow, echocardiogram is normal, what is your opinion with 24 hours holter monitor? Is it accurate to diagnose only for 24 hours? Thank you please im so stress right now 😭🙏
@@rosalinebautista6071 Hi I am sorry about your son, ask your doctor for 72 hours holter monitor to confirm diagnosis, holter monitor is better than zio patch in certain circumstances because it has more leads(wires) which gives more details of the heart rhythm. If your son has no symptoms doctors wait and monitor situation but if he has symptoms then pacemaker is the recommended treatment however sometimes ablation is also tried but its more risky. Ultimately your doctor is the best person but ask for 72 hours holter to confirm diagnosis. Ask your son to have healthy diet and healthy lifestyle it may help his condition. I hope he gets better.
@@nerowolf6623 thank you, his basketball athletes at school, were going to state for further test, coz were in japan right now. Hope and pray when they test his ok that time 🙏🙏🙏
Not always. If you want to figure out if someone needs a pacemaker, it could be useful if the resting EKG isn’t reliable enough.
You are an amazing person to give this information so freely, so clearly and to make it so simple to understand! THANK YOU VERY MUCH! I am so appreciative of your expertise and wonderful kind manner! I hope many more people, who are suffering with anxiety, inadequate or inappropriate testing and confusion find your channel! It has helped me enormously!!
Dr Gupta you are an exceptional educator! Love watching your vids - so informative an easy to follow.
Hello Doctor, you do make difficult medical jargon and terminology sound so simple and lucid. This is exactly how we lay people can understand every word you say. Keep it up.! ❤️
Hi Doc, knowing the different types of test and their functionality is quite informative. Thanks
Very educational since I have 20:22 Afib & 2 ablations.. the testing & funcitional are important to me Thanks Doc
Thank you for taking the time to share an excellent summary (apparently with no ulterior motive, solely to help those in need). Kudos Doctor!. I live in a part of the world that lacks the level of healthcare common in western countries. Given that I have chest pain, and after being dismissed from the ER with a 'prescription' for acetaminophen (after a blood test and ECG), I am going tomorrow to see a cardiologist... armed with this information I feel much better about having an informed discussion with the doc. thanks again, I've learned a lot from your presentations!
Recently read a report that radioactive treatment works to improve heart function!! Can it help in scarred heart condition or any new improvement to remove scar & improve heart function.
Sounds like texas healthcare
Always helpful thanks
My Cardiologist said I have a "strong heart" and I had no idea what he meant but you've defined it and it helps alot. Thanks!
This was a very educational video. Thank you so much! I have PSVT. I go to my new cardiologist tomorrow, and was wondering about what tests he might want me to have and low and behold, your video gave me all the info I needed. I found this video very helpful. Thank you!
Thank you so much for your videos, Dr. Gupta. Watching them is a blessing for me.
The best ever explanation of the tests. Finally some of the things they did to test me, makes sense. They never really explained in dept why they did the different tests, so I felt left quite confused and not at all reassured. Thanks you so much for this video.
You always bring light in my day when I am watching you explaining heart function.!!
I wish more cardiologist was more like you!!! Thanks Dr. Blessings 🙏✝️
Dr Gupta, I have watched multiple videos of yours today and over the past one week given my condition. Your sessions are immensely educational. Your kindness and thoughtfulness is extraordinary. Thank you. I live in Asia and it is a pity I will never be in York to consult with you. Thank you so much.
Your videos are a God sent for people like me who have doctors that are unable or unwilling to take the time to explain all of this. I understand that doctors don’t have a lot of time to spend with us but you do - and I wish we could repay you somehow for your kindness. Thank you
Thank you so much. I very much appreciate the knowledge you share in your vlogs. Very helpful.
Thank you so much for your kindness to share your knowledge. May God bless you for your all your kindness.
You have a talent for simplifying the complex…😎👍. I am a retired healthcare provider, educator and research scientist at from a major university. I appreciate your patient centered focus and a holistic understanding of the importance of quality of life paired with clinical knowledge and skill!
Dr you are simply wonderful in explaining
Thanks for all the great information, I am a CRT-D patient and have learned so much from your awesome videos. Thanks for taking the time to create them..😃
Very informative. Thanks for sharing Dr.
Thankyou for this, it puts the tests I have had into context, and makes my question to my cardiologist more informed. Your videos are invaluable
Glad it was helpful!
Just found your videos and watching everyday and learning so much.My mother diagnosed with congestive heart failure few months ago and Iam listening your valuable videos to learn more how I can help my mother to have quality and long life.Is it possible that I can talk to you regarding my mother's reports.Please answer if possible. I really need help
Superbly explained at a lay person level!
I really appreciate getting these information from you dr,thank you
Hi Dr.Gupta, All your videos are useful as you explain everything so clearly in layman’s terms. You are a blessing to this world. I just adore you. God bless you.
You always explain things so well ! thanks again Dr Gupta your the best 🙂
That was awesome thanks for sharing, it takes the scary factor out of these tests
Thank you. My sister has SVT for 20+ years but it is really annoying her now. Caring for our mother who had a massive ICH on the left side is getting to her. Additionally the COVID booster triggered so many side effects in her. My sister went to the ER 3× recently. She wore a Zio last month. 7 SVT lasting seconds episodes over a week but my sister pushed the button dozens of times. My sister is finding great comfort with your videos.
Thank you Dr. Gupta for taking the time to educate us through this and other very informative video. I've been diagnosed with paroxysmal AFib and has been so concerned about it. It is reassuring to see your videos. I wish I could be your patient; it would give me such comfort.☺ Many, many Thanks! Bless you.
Thank you very much for your very specific, detailed, clear explanation. Very valuable comprehensive information.
Excellent coverage in simple terms. Thank you.
Thank you Dr.Gupta, very informative, understandable in simple language. Awesome!
Thank You again for these great VIDEOS!
what you're doing is purely for the purpose of helping people. thank you, dr Gupta, you are our cardiologist online.
Thank you doctor for that easy-to-understand discussion about performing heart tests to reveal heart disease.
Thanks….. to you Dr Gupta, simple, straightforward n very informative….
Thank your very much for this information Dr Gupta as it was very informative and helps me understand the tests I am having.
Great doctor ! Thank you.
Thank you. Have an ecg soon for a “wonky” pulse detected by my respiratory rehab nurse.. this will help me ask the right questions!
Very explained, Dr. Just learnt that there are 3 ways of looking at the heart for its comprehensive function. Thank you so much 🙏
That was awesome! So clear and easy to understand. Thank you Dr. Gupta.
Thank you, doctor, for sharing so freely with us that do not get information from our doctors. One thing, perhaps you could turn up the volume on your videos - for us with hearing issues, thank you. The volume on my pc is at 100%. Thank you also for the written transcript, it is very helpful.
Very well presented...lot of useful information...Thanks...
Wow, Just amazing, Dr Sanjay Gupta. Grateful to you! Have bookmarked it to further share as needed
Very useful and informative, thank you.
Fantastic, beautifully explained, very useful and clear to me now. Thank you
Very good information!!! Thank you doctor.
Thanks doc for highly informative advice about heart problem!
Great video Dr Gupta! My hospital last month gave me the KardiaMobile 6L device which connects to your phone via Bluetooth and allows you take a 6 lead ECG anytime and monitor overtime. So far it’s been useful.
Hi just wanted to say a big thankyou for all your videos online ..
They have helped me understand my heart condition n made me aware to take it seriously so I could explain better to doc/ cardiologist my symptoms I'm feeling ..I'm been diagnosed with unstable angina n now on meds n awaiting
More tests which were worrying me ..
Godbless you ..forever grateful as my family depend on me to be around a bit longer ..♥️🙏
Appreciate your insightful advice, putting in a layman term. God bless!
Thank you so much, as I did just have many of the tests you discussed. Now I have a better understanding.
Great explanation, thanks.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Very informative and understandable
, thank you so much, Dr. Gupta! I really learn a lot from your videos, you are a great educator!
I have a Dobutamine stress echocardiogram this Friday. I walked out before when they went though all the possible risks.
Thank you for your very informative video. I feel like I understand heart problems better and how they are diagnosed.
thank you for these very helpful and informative explanations.
Man, I wish you were my Doctor. Thank you for all of your knowledge and explanations.
My doc, I send you greetings from Ghana 🇬🇭. Respect ✊🏼
Your explanations are amazing!
Thank you doctor for informative lecture. Well explained.
Thank you for this informative presentation. It helps me be more responsible for my heart health. 🙋🤸
Wow --now I have a better understanding about all the tests I have experienced. So far, so good. I really appreciate all you do for us, especially the information that offers us "peace of mind". God bless you.
Thanks Doctor. I listen to all your talks. And this one I'll have to listen again. I never heard of BNP before..
So helpful...thank you for keeping it simple.
Very informative hosp called my echo stress off as BP and heart rate were very high thanks to your explanation I I'm much clearer on this
Very very useful instructio s from a cardiologist which is much needed in my case.wish i could carry this info with me!!! Thank you Dr Gupta!
Thank you Doctor for your excellent information.
My immediate thoughts are I wish you were here in the US. I want at least one doctor like you but especially a cardiologist . If you heard my story you would cringe and it’s not that bad except in my mind. Thank you for doing these videos. Everything is explained for a layperson. Wonderful and appreciated.❤️
My diagnosis of severe aortic stenosis by echo cardiogram was surprising given that I am able to carry on my usual life walking, curling and exercising. This explains why the diagnosis and the symptoms are not consistent. I am awaiting an assessment for a TAVI which will have a cardiac angiogram and CT with contrast.
Very helpful. Thank you.
Thank you 🙏
Wow! Incredibly well explained... Amazing information. Thank you!
Dr. Gupta thank you very very much..
Thank you for the explanation of the tests, I have asked my doctor if it's possible to get a calcium coronary scan here in Canada. My cardiologist suggested the test requiring the contrast dye, but I get a reaction to that, so I'm still hoping for the other test.
Thank u Doc for such valuable info❤️
Thank you. This is very clear.
The nurse that took my blood tests said that the blood was very slow at coming out on the 8th February, 2022. Thank you for your video.
That has happened to me too. The solution that works in my case is to drink 16 ounces of plain water about an hour before the blood draw.
Very informative Dr Gupta 👍
I have a phobia about my heart, because of my past , reaching heart, Heart flutters, hearts skippering, heart beating so fast I felt like my blood was going to come out of my ears. Was given nerve pills, of course didn’t do any good. Now I have gas and I think it’s may be my heart. I saw your videos and I was afraid to watch you but Findlay I got enough nerve to watch your video, I am so glad I did, you were so claim , when you explained about the heart and now I have better understanding about my heart. Thank you so much 😊. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos
Thank you!
Great lesson.
Thx
Thank for your explanation
This was so helpful to me! Thank you!
Simply Fantastic!
Dr Sanjay gupta sir very exhaustive description of the heart, it's functions, pumping ,blood circulation and infect every detail about the heart whichcan make any one to understand the heart as an viral organ our body. Thanks 28/05/2024
Thank you so much!
Thank you for another great informative video! I just had the echo/stress/echo test today myself because I have had some spikes during exercise which I thought was a return of psvt. But after looking at my 2 week monitor & the stress test did also induce a small spike my doctor said it is lower chamber not psvt. He said all looks good on echos. So next I am give the two options you mentioned. Angiogram or CT Angiogram. I have opted for the CT as it is non invasive. I am hoping it shows fine 😉
I just had a BNP blood test and it came back as 46,last year it was 35...I dont know if 46 is good or bad but it is certainly going up.Im 70 years old
You are a blessing on earth. Lots of prayers and love ❤ 😍 💖 ❣
Thank you Doctor Gupta
Always great information thanks
Thank you Doctor, take away message - live everyday as if it is your last!
Many thanks, this is reassuring. I get arrhythmia mostly at night which commonly wakes me up and is scary. Been waiting for ablation for some time.
Big respect to you and thank you for sharing this very important information you have a big heart beautiful soul peace and love
I’m having a T2* MRI performed on Tuesday to find out if my Hemochromatosis caused any heart damage. My original Ferritin 3 years ago was 4580. I’m now at 65, but I’ve had low diastolic pressure recently - going into the 40’s. My most recent BNP was 292. I’m praying that Hemochromatosis didn’t damage my heart.
How are you now
Wonderful video… thank you
Thank you 🙏💜
Sir, doctors like you are needed these days. Instead of giving thousands of money to other doctors i would like to consult with you. You are doimg great. I trully appreciate your approach. Let me know if i can contribute a little to your work(donation)
Thank you so much