Are you frequently experiencing chest pains, shortness of breath, fainting, palpitations, and dizziness? Then, you may need to have a cardiovascular exam. These exams usually entail evaluating the health of your heart and other parts of your body, such as your neck, hands, and face. This examination also helps determine the cardiovascular problem that may be the main cause of your symptoms. The heart, veins, arteries, and other blood vessels constitute your cardiovascular system. They help carry blood to different body organs continuously. A complete cardiovascular examination involves vein evaluation, vital sign assessment, chest inspection, lung observation, abdomen evaluation, and pulse examination. In this article, we will tell you why you need to visit a cardiovascular doctor Tomball.
During the Exam
When you attend your cardiovascular examination, your healthcare provider will perform various evaluation procedures to monitor your:
Blood pressure
Before your blood pressure is recorded, you will be requested to sit on a chair with your feet on the floor and your back supported. You are also advised to avoid drinking caffeine, smoking, or exercising thirty minutes before your blood pressure is measured to avoid inaccurate readings.
Heart rate and rhythm
Your physician will listen to your heart rate and check for any abnormal heart sounds. For a more accurate heart evaluation, your doctor will feel your radial pulse to determine the origin of the abnormal heart sound, if present.
Respiratory rate
Normally, your respiratory rate increases with anxiety or heart problems. If you experience difficulty in breathing, your doctor may prescribe oxygen masks.
Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is critical in preventing the risk of cardiovascular problems. If you are overweight, your doctor may recommend various treatments to help manage your weight.
Pulses
Your healthcare provider will monitor the peripheral pulses in your legs and arms by checking their volume, elasticity, and symmetry. If your doctor does not indicate any pulse, it might be an indication of arterial complications that are triggered by obesity.
Peripheral veins
During your cardiovascular exam, your physician will evaluate your veins to check for tenderness and inflammation that can be triggered by certain medical conditions. Damaged veins can also result in abnormal heartbeats.
Chest and lungs
Your doctor will inspect your chest for any abnormal heart impulses that may indicate a cardiovascular problem. Your lungs will also be examined for signs of pulmonary edema, which is usually triggered by cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure. Your physician will also check for any abnormal lung sounds like wheezes and crackles that can also be an indication of cardiovascular problems.
Face and hands
When inspecting your face, your healthcare provider will check the color of your tongue, in and around your mouth, for any indicators of anemia. Your doctor will also inspect your hand and check for nail clubbing, tobacco staining, and splinters.
Cardiovascular problems like heart failure, heart attack, stroke, and heart valve complications can have an adverse effect on your everyday routines and functionality by limiting your mobility. If left untreated, it can result in pain, discomfort, or death. Fortunately, there are various treatment solutions and medical evaluations, such as cardiovascular examinations, that help access your overall health. These tests will determine the immediate cause of your vascular problem and identify the most suitable treatment to help regain your normal body functioning.