Dr. Ahmet Seçkin Çetinkaya

Cardiac evaluation begins with history and examination. The nature of the chest pain, its relationship with exertion, history of shortness of breath, palpitations and fainting are questioned in detail. Family history and risk factors are recorded.

Basic examinations consist of electrocardiography, echocardiography and blood tests. Electrocardiography shows the electrical activity of the heart. Echocardiography evaluates the movement of the heart muscles, valves and pumping power.

When deemed necessary, exercise testing, rhythm monitoring or advanced imaging is planned. Which investigation is requested depends on the complaint and the level of risk. Applying the same list to everyone is not the right approach.

Electrocardiography is the recording of the electrical activity of the heart through the skin. Rhythm disorders, conduction problems and some changes in the nutrition of the heart muscle can be seen in this recording. It is an important advantage that it is fast, painless and repeatable.

However, a normal electrocardiogram does not prove the absence of heart disease. The recording taken when there are no complaints may not detect a rhythm problem that occurs from time to time or an nutritional disorder that occurs only with exertion.

For this reason, the finding and the complaint are evaluated together. When necessary, long-term rhythm monitoring is completed with exercise tests or further examinations. The decision is made by physician evaluation.

In the post-heart attack period, the aim is to support the healing of the heart muscle and prevent a new event. Therefore, regular use of drug therapy is the most basic topic. Discontinuing medications at one's own discretion increases the risks.

During the follow-up, the pumping power of the heart, rhythm status, blood pressure, blood sugar and blood lipids are evaluated at regular intervals. The course of electrocardiography findings is also monitored in patients undergoing intervention.

Lifestyle is an integral part of the treatment: quitting smoking, regular physical activity within the limits determined by the physician, reducing salt and saturated fat consumption and weight control are recommended. Cardiac rehabilitation programs can be evaluated during this process.