What is a Heart Test?
At Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers in Los Angeles, CA, we perform several types of diagnostic tests and cardiac testing to evaluate how well your heart functions. By studying your circulatory system, you will garner valuable information on how to best care for your heart.
Our board-certified physician in pulmonary, internal, sleep, and geriatric medicine, Dr. Abraham "Avi" Ishaaya, provides a full range of cardiac testing in Los Angeles, CA, at our state-of-the-art facility, including EKG tests, stress tests, and more to new and current patients as needed. Most of our heart tests can be administered in-house and on the same day of your scheduled appointment. We will do our best to get you the cardiac testing results promptly so that you can have the medical treatment you need in a timely manner.
Dr. Ishaaya may recommend having one or a series of heart tests if you:
- Are over the age of 45
- Are overweight
- Carry most of your weight in your midsection
- Have a family history of heart disease, stroke, or diabetes
- Live a sedentary lifestyle
- Have an unhealthy diet
- Are a smoker or continuously take in second-hand smoke
- Have a medical diagnosis of high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome, and/or sleep apnea
- Live with hormonal imbalances
Once you have had your cardiac testing completed, Dr. Ishaaya can go over treatment options, suggest lifestyle changes that you could make, and give you information that can increase your longevity and quality of life. If you need cardiac testing in Los Angeles, CA, contact Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers today.
What Are The Benefits Of Heart Testing?
Heart testing in Los Angeles, CA at Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers can help keep your heart healthier and happier with a number of great benefits, including:
- Offers multiple diagnostic testing options
- Detects possibly serious heart conditions early
- Allows you to begin treatment sooner
- Helps to achieve better treatment outcomes
- Tests are simple, quick, and comfortable
- Tests can be completed in-house
Who Should Receive Heart Testing?
Heart testing is recommended for individuals at an elevated risk for heart-related conditions. This includes those over 45 years of age, overweight individuals, people with a sedentary lifestyle, smokers, and those with a family history of heart disease, stroke, or diabetes. Additionally, anyone with high blood pressure, hormonal imbalances, hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome, or sleep apnea should consider heart testing. Dr. Avi Ishaaya's comprehensive cardiac testing, including EKGs, stress tests, and more, can detect early signs of heart issues, allowing for prompt and effective management.
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Our Heart Testing Services
Take good care of your heart with regular check-ups and testing at the first signs of a problem. Unless otherwise instructed by Dr. Ishaaya, there are no special preparations that you need to take before undergoing cardiac testing. You may eat, drink, and take your medications as you normally would before your appointment. The following heart tests are what we offer at Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers in Los Angeles, CA:
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
Dr, Ishaaya can document the electrical activity of your heart with our in-office electrocardiogram (EKG). In a private examination room, you will lie on your back and one of our technicians will apply sensors on your chest and run the test. The high-pitched sound waves of the EKG test cannot be felt while it is collecting data. In just a few minutes, you will have data on your heart's activity transcribed in graphs of wavy lines for your doctor to review and interpret for you. Dr. Ishaaya will look for specific heart issues such as an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias), unhealthy heart activity or abnormalities, explanation for certain heart conditions, and more. For EKG tests in Los Angeles, CA, contact Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers today.
Echocardiogram (ECHO)
An echocardiogram, or ECHO, is another noninvasive way to diagnose medical conditions of the heart. When you have an ECHO, we will take you to a private testing area. Depending on the type of ECHO you are to receive, we will have you change into the appropriate apparel as needed. Your technician will apply a hypoallergenic gel to the area where the transducer will touch the skin. The ultrasound transducer will be placed on the chest or abdominal wall for Dr. Ishaaya to capture various angles of the heart with sound waves. This is called a transthoracic echocardiogram.
Dr. Ishaaya can study the speed and direction of your blood flow through your blood vessels, heart valves, and heart chambers with a Doppler echocardiogram. This is a noninvasive way to evaluate the circulatory system and identify blockages, poor blood flow and pressure, and the formation of blood clots.
Stress Test (ECHO)
We can also evaluate the functionality of your heart during physical exertion with a type of echocardiogram called a stress test at our Los Angeles, CA facility. We will have a technician administer the test and record the results before, during, and after the stress test on your heart for the best results. If you are scheduled for a stress test, we do ask that you bring workout clothes, socks, and tennis shoes to be appropriately dressed for the activity on the treadmill. For cardiac stress tests in Los Angeles, CA, contact our office for a consultation.
Arterial ultrasounds
We have venous, arterial, and carotid ultrasound testing that we can perform based on any presenting symptoms, medical needs, or as a preventive measure. An arterial ultrasound also uses sound waves to produce an image of the area targeted. With this type of noninvasive vascular study, Dr. Ishaaya can hone in on specific areas, such as the carotid arteries in the neck, blood flow within the veins, the size and shape of the thyroid gland, and more.
Cardiometabolic Testing
There are a series of blood tests (within one blood drawl) called cardiometabolic testing to give Dr. Ishaaya an inside look at your heart health via your blood. These tests can speak volumes as to the health of your heart. Cardiometabolic testing can assess your risks for heart disease and diabetes. With these results, you will know what you need to work on to improve your cardiovascular health and make changes for your metabolism.
At-Home Holter Monitor Testing
Dr. Ishaaya can also provide patients (who qualify) with an at-home Holter Monitor System. It is a small device worn for 24 – 48 hours to document the rate and natural rhythms of the heartbeat for an extended period of time without having to be in a doctor's office.
Understanding Your Results
Dr. Ishaaya and our team will take the time needed to explain the results of your heart test, EKG test, stress test, or series of cardiac tests. In the event you have an abnormal test result, Dr. Ishaaya will make a plan of action for you. If he is unable to treat what the test results found, Dr. Ishaaya will refer you to a specialist that can meet your needs.
You may have a follow-up appointment once all of your tests are in so that the next steps can be discussed. Together, we will make treatment goals to maintain or improve your heart health.
If your tests reveal a problem, your doctor may use these tests to assess the progression of the condition or the effectiveness of your current treatment plan. Regular follow-ups and adjustments to your treatment may be recommended based on the test results.
Heart Testing FAQ
What is the best way to check for heart problems?
An echocardiogram (ECHO) is one of the most common and effective ways to check for heart problems. An echocardiogram uses ultrasound, or high-frequency sound waves, to make an image of your heart to study the direction and speed of blood through the blood vessels, heart valves, and chambers. At Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers in Los Angeles, CA, we use several diagnostic methods, including EKG tests, stress tests, cardiometabolic testing, and more. An echocardiogram diagnostic test helps Dr. Ishaaya to identify problems like poor blood flow and pressure, blockages, and blood clots.
What are the signs of an unhealthy heart?
Many different conditions can affect the heart, but indicators of heart disease can often include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Heart fluttering
- Racing heartbeat
- Slow heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Fainting, or almost fainting
- Lightheadedness
If you are having any of these symptoms, especially if they are recurring, you should always see your doctor.
What foods do cardiologists say you should avoid?
Most of the top foods that cardiologists say to avoid are also foods many of us already know are unhealthy, like:
- Processed meats (bacon, sausage, certain lunch meats)
- Processed snacks (chips, cookies, etc.)
- Things with added salt
- Desserts
- Fast food
- Coconut oil
- Energy drinks
How do I prepare for an EKG?
An EKG does not require any sort of preparation; however, it is not a good idea to use oil-based lotions on your skin on the day of the test. You can continue your regular routine without eliminating caffeine or changing your diet before the test.
What can an echocardiogram tell me about my heart’s health?
Obtaining an echo at Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers in Los Angeles, CA can reveal a variety of information about your heart, such as the size, shape, and movement of your heart’s valves, blood vessels, and chambers. An Echo can detect abnormalities, assess heart health, and accurately diagnose cardiovascular issues.
We are all heart
To live a long, healthy life, you have to take care of your heart, right? At Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers in Los Angeles, CA, we have heart testing technologies available for you as a preventive measure or when symptoms arise. For cardiac testing, EKG tests, stress tests, and more in the Los Angeles, CA area, call and schedule an appointment to meet with Dr. Ishaaya to discuss the matters of your heart.
