Category Health Care

Breast examinations can cause a woman anxiety for several different reasons. However, there are many benefits to a regular breast examination. In fact, regular breast checkups are an essential component of maintaining optimal breast health during a woman’s lifetime. Failing to engage in this essential process can leave an individual unaware of emerging health risks.

Knowing the ways that this can benefit you can encourage people to more consistently engage in this process, which ultimately has the potential to ensure better health in the long run. If you are on the fence about having a breast examination, take a look at this overview of the ways that an in-office mammogram can help you.

What Occurs During a Breast Examination?

During a breast examination, your physician will examine your breasts to determine whether or not there are abnormalities present. Should they determine that there is something to investigate further, then they will likely refer you for further testing and imaging work.

Overall, the entire process takes little time. It is usually completed within minutes. This allows patients to complete their examination at a convenient time of their choosing.

Although receiving a breast examination can be intimidating or anxiety-provoking, it beats the alternative, as failing to engage in this essential health practice can leave one completely unaware of the internal health of their breasts.

5 Benefits of a Regular Breast Examination

1. It Can Give You Peace of Mind

One of the main benefits of consistent breast examinations is that they have the potential to offer a patient peace of mind. Regardless of whether you ultimately have an issue with your breasts or not, getting them consistently examined can give you a clear answer and dispense any ambiguity.

Knowledge is power, and this applies to one’s health as well. Taking control of your relationship with your body can leave you feeling more empowered and able to respond to the potential issues that arise.

2. It Can Alert You to Developing Problems

One of the main advantages of receiving consistent examinations is that it is the most surefire way to alert you to potential developing health issues in your breasts. For almost all major health issues, it pays to catch issues that are developing early, as this increases the likelihood that you will be able to solve the issue with less stress.

In addition, taking care of issues on the earlier side can prevent further complications with other aspects of your health. Overall, it

3. It Can Give Your Doctor a Portrait of Your Health History

Medical professionals are able to offer individuals a higher level of medical care if they have a clearer portrait of an individual’s health history. If you stick to receiving treatment from the same technician, then there is a higher chance that you will be able to build a more intimate relationship with them in terms of how they understand your progress or lack of progress in major areas of your health.

This can often mean the difference between receiving high-quality care from someone who understands your body and being rushed through a process with a doctor who does not take your needs into account.

4. It Can Possibly Save Your Life

Although relatively rare, breasts can face very serious ailments, such as breast cancer. Failing to catch these conditions as they develop can have dire consequences, as it is essential to catch these types of diseases early in order to lessen their impact.

If you catch conditions like breast cancer early, you will have a significantly higher chance of beating it and maintaining a higher standard of health throughout your life. On the other hand, failing to catch cancer at the appropriate time can have deadly consequences.

5. It Can Help You in Other Medical Areas

If you determine whether or not a problem you are dealing with originates in the breasts, it can help you rule out certain health complications. This can help you determine what the correct path forward is for taking the best care of your health. Overall, as a quick and effective method of diagnosis, there’s no reason not to engage.

Your Resource for Breast Examination in Abilene 

West Texas Health is one of the most trusted clinics in Texas for providing patients with high-quality examinations and imaging care. Now that you know the benefits of a regular breast examination, contact our clinic today to discuss your options for moving forward with one in Abilene.

Nasolacrimal surgery is a procedure that helps patients with tear duct blockage. If you notice that you cannot properly cry or your eyes are constantly watering without leaking, you might be dealing with a blocked duct. There are a few reasons why you might be experiencing nasolacrimal obstruction. It is essential to identify what is causing this unhealthy buildup. After speaking with our surgeon, you will know if you should get nasolacrimal surgery.

Nasolacrimal surgery should be performed by a reconstructive plastic surgeon who has plenty of experience with this procedure. Learn more about the common symptoms and causes of tear duct blockage and find out what nasolacrimal surgery entails by reading the article below. 

Causes of Tear Duct Obstruction

Your nasolacrimal duct is responsible for the release of tears, which drain toxins and other debris from your eye. Tears are necessary if you want to keep your eyes and ducts as healthy as you can. While this does not mean you need to start crying every day, it can be a cause for concern if you cannot cry at all. 

Your tear ducts might be obstructed for a number of reasons. First, you might be born with a congenital condition. It is common for babies to be born with blocked tear ducts, for example. This usually is not a cause for concern since the tear ducts become naturally unblocked within a year or so. However, you might have also had a physical injury or trauma that damaged this part of your face. Certain ailments and even some medical treatments can also cause the tear ducts to get blocked. 

Symptoms of Nasolacrimal Blockage

If you are struggling with tear duct blockage, you should go down this list of symptoms to see if your case is so severe that it warrants nasolacrimal surgery. There is a difference between finding it difficult to cry and having a real blockage that allows debris to build up in your tear ducts. 

Some of the most common symptoms of a blocked tear duct include: 

• Redness and puffiness around the eyes, especially the lower eyelids
• Your eyes are constantly tearing up.
• Your vision gets blurry.
• There is mucous coming from your eyes.
• You are consistently swollen or irritated around the eyes.
• You cannot properly blink.
• You get eye infections often, including conjunctivitis (pinkeye) 

If you are experiencing these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Depending on how long you have dealt with these issues, you might need urgent treatment. 

What Nasolacrimal Surgery Entails 

The doctor will perform a series of tests to properly diagnose you with blocked nasolacrimal ducts. This usually includes eye irrigation, vision tests, and other types of imaging. After determining the extent of your blockage, a treatment plan will be suggested. Antibiotic eye drops, and rest can sometimes relieve the blockage. In other cases, nasolacrimal surgery might be necessary. 

Dacryocystorhinostomy

Tear duct surgery, also called DCR, works in one of two ways. It can either repair a blocked tear duct or create an alternate pathway for tears to flow down, essentially solving the blockage problem. You can speak with your doctor about whether or not you want to bypass your current blockage or get rid of it completely. 

This surgical procedure requires anesthesia during surgery. Your surgeon may use external techniques or may need the assistance of a tube that goes up your nose during the procedure. Depending on the severity of your needs, you can avoid visible scar tissue as soon as you are healed. 

Recovery Time

Once you wake up from your procedure, you will feel a little uncomfortable. There may be gauze in your nose to prevent bleeding and other bandages around your face. You should be able to go home on the same day. Make sure you take your prescribed antibiotics and eyedrops home with you, as you should start with them right away. 

As long as you follow your doctor’s instructions following surgery, you should have a quick and easy recovery. Most of our patients heal up within a few weeks, boasting beautiful results and enjoying your newly repaired nasolacrimal ducts. 

Fix Your Tear Ducts with Nasolacrimal Surgery Today

The symptoms of a blocked tear duct can be frustrating and painful. If you are tired of consistently swelling and tearing up, it might be time to unblock your tear duct with our innovative surgical procedures. Visit Dr. Jennifer Murdock’s office to learn more about tear duct blockage and the appropriate treatment plan for you. 

An echocardiogram is a vital medical test. Often referred to as an “echo,” the test is essentially an ultrasound of your heart. Doctors use the test to look for issues with your heart. It tests how blood moves through the chambers and valves of your heart. Your primary care provider or cardiologist can order an echocardiogram if they are concerned about your heart health. If you have any concerns about your cardiovascular health, you should reach out to your doctor. In the meantime, this guide will explain who is a candidate for echocardiography and if you fall into this category.

Who Is a Candidate for Echocardiography?

There are several reasons someone may need an echocardiogram. The text examines your heart and can determine abnormalities. Consider the following reasons why someone may be a candidate for an echocardiogram.

Congenital Heart Disease

Some people are born with heart defects, which are characterized by problems with the formation of the heart. An echocardiogram is effective in assessing formation issues, such as a hole or an abnormal connection. Untreated heart defects can cause serious issues later on.

Heart Murmurs

Unusual sounds from your heart characterize a heart murmur. Doctors hear them when they use a stethoscope to listen to your heart. Murmurs occur when blood abnormally flows through your heart. An echocardiogram is used to see what is happening inside your heart.  

Heart Valve Issues

Your heart has four valves. The valves open and close to let blood flow in the right direction. Sometimes, valves may become too right or leak, which can cause health issues if left unaddressed. An echocardiogram provides your cardiology doctor with helpful information to treat the heart valve issue.

Blood Clots

Blood clots can form inside your heart. If left unaddressed, they can be highly dangerous and fatal. Echocardiography in Los Angeles is often used to determine if a patient has a blood clot. This is essential information for your doctor, as they can use it to treat the issue. 

Symptom Evaluation

Some patients have several symptoms that indicate heart issues. Common symptoms include chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, and a fast or slow heartbeat. An echocardiogram is beneficial, as your doctor can see if the symptoms are associated with your heart. From there, they can diagnose and treat the issue much more easily.

Echocardiogram Testing

An echocardiogram typically takes roughly 30-60 minutes from start to finish. You will be on a special bed in a hospital gown, so the equipment can easily be placed on your chest area. The technician will then apply gel to your chest so they can produce a more clear image. A special tool called a transducer is used to take the echocardiogram. The technician will move the transducer around your chest to get as many quality images as possible. Once the technician has taken all of the information they need, the test is over. From there, the doctor will examine your results and get back to you regarding what they found.

Echocardiography in Los Angeles

If you are at high risk for developing heart conditions, it is crucial to work with a skilled cardiologist. They can assess your risk for certain conditions and provide you with important information about how to care for your health. If you are not high-risk but have concerns about your health, consult with a medical professional right away. The team at Apex Cardiology is skilled in cardiology and has provided countless echocardiograms. Contact their team today to schedule an appointment! 

Allergies can affect people year-round, contributing to a series of negative symptoms and traits. You might be affected by the pollens that fly through the air during the spring. Or perhaps you are allergic to grass and deal with itching and irritation during the summertime. No matter what time of the year you deal with seasonal symptoms, you should invest in professional allergy services and take steps to prepare for seasonal allergies. 

If you feel allergy symptoms are starting to creep up on you, read on to learn steps you can take to prepare for seasonal allergies.

5 Steps You Can Take to Prepare for Seasonal Allergies

1. Learn Your Allergy Triggers

Different allergies stem from different triggers and allergens. It is important to recognize what exactly sparks your allergic reactions. For example, if you are allergic to flower pollens, stay indoors on particularly windy days. If you have multiple allergic reactions and cannot quite pinpoint the source, we encourage you to visit us for a comprehensive allergy test. 

2. Learn When Allergy Season Starts

Season allergies can occur every few months. Those with severe reactions might feel like they are always coming down with different allergy symptoms. Knowing when to expect seasonal flare-ups can help you prepare for the difficult times ahead. More importantly, knowing what to expect can help you avoid these problems altogether. 

Most people experience spring allergies, which can begin as early as February and last through the summer. Late summer and fall allergies exist as well, as the changing leaves and intense weather patterns take a toll on our bodies. Avoiding pollens, mold, dander, and other possible allergens during these peak times will keep your symptoms at bay. 

3. Equip Your Home with the Essentials

During particularly bad bouts of weather, you may want to stay indoors and avoid an allergic reaction—let alone a cold. If you are already struggling with an outbreak of allergies, these at-home essentials can help: 

• Combine your air conditioner and dehumidifier to create a cool and dry environment, free of moisture in the air. 
• Use designated filters and HEPA items to keep even the most microscopic of allergens out of the air in your home. 
• Try to sweep and vacuum often to keep the area clean. 

If your allergies are very serious, you might also be prescribed medication like an inhaler or an EpiPen for use in an emergency.

4. List and Track Your Symptoms

If you are ready to get medical help for your seasonal allergy problems, you have come to the right place. When you reach out to our West Texas Health experts, we will ask you to describe the exact symptoms you are experiencing. Depending on the type of seasonal allergies you get, as well as how intense your symptoms are, there might be a specific type of treatment that works for you. 

Many allergy symptoms are similar to those of a common cold. Fever, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, coughing, watery eyes, itchiness, rash, and fatigue can all be signs that you are having an allergic reaction. 

5. Get Started with an Appropriate Treatment Plan

The longer you go without seeking appropriate care for seasonal allergies, the worse your symptoms can get. Instead of waiting for your health to deteriorate, you can get essential medical care in Abilene by reaching out to our friendly experts today. We can help you narrow down your allergy symptoms to pinpoint the exact trigger. With a combination of education and prescribed medication, you can set yourself up for an allergy-free future. Get started with us today to learn more! 

Any healthcare physician will tell you about the importance of scheduling a screening mammogram regularly. This is an opportunity to assess the health of your breasts while checking for any abnormalities. These preventative measures can possibly save you from years of pain and expensive treatment. Below, we cover what to know ahead of your screening mammogram.

What to Know Ahead of Your Screening Mammogram

If you are getting a mammogram in Abilene for the first time or for the first time in a while, you are probably eager to learn more. In this article, we will discuss what to know ahead of your screening mammogram so you can be fully prepared for your appointment.

The Preparation Process

You do not need to do anything in particular before your appointment, such as fasting or taking a certain medication. But it is important that you are also mentally prepared. To help the process run more smoothly, make sure you wear clothing with a top that is easily removable. A mammogram requires you to remove all clothing above the waist.

You can bring lotion or deodorant with you to apply after the mammogram, which can provide some instant relief and comfort. However, make sure that you do not use these products before your screening. Certain products can show up as spots on mammogram results, but they will look indistinguishable from other spots, which could be a cause for concern.

During Your Appointment

If you have had a mammogram before, you should bring your records with you. This can help the doctor gauge whether or not there have been any changes since your last screening. Before you begin, you should let the doctor know whether you have implants or if you are breastfeeding. If you have trouble standing up straight and still, please let us know so we can provide you with the proper means of accessibility.

The Mammogram

You will be in a standing position during your mammogram screening. There will be two plates on which each breast will be put. Two upper plates will come down and compress your breast tissue slowly during the screening. It will feel like your breasts are being squished, which can cause some discomfort. You will feel the machine rotating a few times in order to capture images and X-rays of your breast tissue.

Your appointment will last around 45 minutes or less, but the time you will spend with your breasts in the mammogram machine is much shorter. Most screenings take just a few minutes! The machine spends about 15 seconds taking each image, and the doctor will likely take a few images of each breast.

Do Mammograms Hurt?

Some people experience pain during the mammogram screening. Most experience discomfort. A lot of people have avoided their necessary mammogram screenings in the past because they worry about the painful process.

While mammograms can be a bit painful, the sensation only lasts a few seconds at a time. We need to compress your breast tissue to get an accurate and detailed reading of your chest area, as well as to prevent radiation from reaching other parts of your body. You can take Advil or Tylenol prior to your appointment to help ease any feelings of pain.

Assessing Your Results

Once the radiologist receives your mammogram images, testing will begin. The doctor will look for any signs of abnormality, including solid masses that may or may not be cancer. Mammograms are also helpful to measure things such as breast density, fibrous tissue, calcifications, and more.

In some cases, you will receive your results on the very same day that you had your mammogram screening. You may have to wait until the next business day. However, you can usually find your results pretty fast. If you are called back for a second mammogram, do not panic – this is common and can mean a lot of different things. Your doctor may want to simply give you another screening to establish a record of your breast health.

Get in touch with your trusted Abilene gynecologists to schedule your mammogram screening today.

Trips to medical clinics, especially when it involves undergoing tests, cause a lot of stress and anxiety to many patients. Not only are they anxious about the results of the tests, but they are also worried about how much pain and discomfort are involved. A nuclear stress test is a common medical procedure that may intimidate patients. However, understanding what it is and what to expect during the procedure can help ease worries and lessen stress. So, does a nuclear stress test hurt? This is one of the common questions cardiology doctors may get from patients when they are told to have one.

What Is a Nuclear Stress Test?

A nuclear stress test is a type of stress test that uses imaging to see how the blood flows from the heart into the heart muscle while the patient is at rest and during exercise. It is usually ordered by a cardiologist and done by a doctor or radiology technologist.  A small amount of radioactive material called a tracer will be injected into the patient’s bloodstream. This will make the blood vessels and heart muscle more visible when a special camera takes pictures of the blood flow in and around the patient’s heart.

Doctors usually use this test to diagnose coronary artery disease. But there are also other things it can do. It can:

• assess how well the heart muscle is pumping
• identify any blocked arteries
• determine if the heart has any damage
• check if a person has had a heart attack
• determine if a person’s heart is capable of managing physical activities
• determine the reason for chest pain 

Does a Nuclear Stress Test Hurt?

Concerns about pain and discomfort are normal, and knowing that the procedure does not cause any significant amount of pain aside from the prick of the needle when the tracer is injected into the bloodstream is a great relief to many patients.

One might experience muscle fatigue, breathlessness, chest discomfort, dizziness, and shortness of breath during the exercise part of the test. Patients should inform the healthcare provider at once if they start experiencing any of these.

If your doctor has ordered a nuclear stress test for you, feel free to tell him how you feel. Knowing what to expect and discussing your anxieties with your doctor will do a lot of good in calming your nerves.

What to Expect on the Day of the Procedure

1. A health provider will insert an IV into your arm, and the tracer will be injected into the bloodstream. If you feel cold at first, that is normal.
2. Electrodes will be placed on your chest, arms, and legs.
3. These electrodes will be connected to an EKG machine.
4. Your blood pressure will also be monitored.
5. You will be asked to stay still as you lie on a table and then exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike after that. You will have to continue exercising with increasing intensity until your heart has reached a target rate. However, this should not be a cause for worry because you can stop anytime you feel uncomfortable or when you experience bothersome symptoms.

How to Prepare for the Procedure

1. Your doctor may tell you not to eat, drink, or smoke before the test. You may also be required to avoid caffeine the day before and on the day itself.
2. Since some medicines may affect test results, it would be wise to inform your doctor of the medications you are presently taking just in case there is a need to stop taking some of them temporarily. However, do not stop taking any medications without your doctor’s consent or advice.
3. If you have asthma, make sure to bring your inhaler to the clinic with you.
4. Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes. Refrain from applying lotion, oil, or anything on your skin on the day of the nuclear stress test.

Post-Test Information

You may be asked to rest for a while after the test as the clinic continues to monitor your heartbeat and breathing. You can go back to your regular activities afterward unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise. 

Remember to drink a lot of water to help get the tracer out of your system.

Common Concerns 

Radiation exposure

A nuclear stress test usually takes two to four hours, and the amount of radiation patients are exposed to is usually low and safe. Besides, the benefits of accurate diagnosis that the stress test can give far outweigh the minimal risks associated with radiation.

Driving after the test

Most patients can drive themselves home, but if you are unsure, ask a family member or a trusted friend to take you to the clinic and bring you home afterward.

Take the Nuclear Stress Test as Your First Step to Better Health

It is normal to feel stressed, worried, and anxious if your cardiologist orders a nuclear stress test. But your new knowledge about what it is, what to expect, the fact that it does not hurt, and its many benefits will hopefully empower you to make the right decision to put your fears aside and schedule your much-needed nuclear stress test today. 

Vaccines are vital for your health and well-being. Whether your child is due for some important preventative medication or you are looking to build up an immunity to common diseases, you might be wondering: Can you have a walk-in vaccination? Will any doctor’s office allow you to get a quick vaccine with a same-day appointment?

Can You Have a Walk-In Vaccination?

At West Texas Health, the answer is yes! We invite you to visit our comprehensive immunization center where we have same-day services available for many different vaccinations. Find out what types of vaccines are available and what treatments you and your family are eligible for right away. With your trusted Abilene doctors, you can boost your health and your immune system as soon as today!

Preventing Common Illness With a Single Shot

One of the biggest reasons why patients will put off getting their vaccines is fear of pain. If you have never had a vaccine before or if it’s been a very long time since you last had one, you might be intimidated by the process. You might envision a cold and clinical waiting room where you have to endure a long and torturous appointment.

Fortunately, our immunization processes are not as daunting as that. We offer quick and easy vaccine options for patients on the go. Most of our vaccines can be administered in a single injection, although some patients will require more than one medication. A small needle prick is the only kind of pain you should expect. Before you know it, the immunization process will be over as quickly as it began.

Same-Day Vaccinations Offered at West Texas Health

As a proud member of the Privia Medical Group, we hold ourselves to a high standard of healthcare and customer service. We understand the immediate needs of our community and work always to provide accessible, same-day services to all patients. Instead of searching far and wide to find same-day vaccines, you can simply call your reliable neighbors in Abilene and we will get you on our calendar.

We offer a wide range of required and approved vaccines for children and adults, including:

• Tetanus
• Diphtheria
• Whooping cough
• Hepatitis B
• HPV
• Measles/Mumps
• Chickenpox
• RSV

We also offer the flu (influenza) vaccine during certain seasons of the year, as well as updated COVID-19 vaccines using the Moderna brand. We carry a wide range of vaccines so that the correct medication can be made available to patients based on age and current immune health.

Lower Your Risk – Increase Your Benefits

Vaccines are one of the easiest and most important ways to keep your body healthy. You can prevent diseases while building up a powerful immunity against illness. Vaccines carry virtually no risk. However, there are a few side effects to be aware of.

Vaccines function by putting trace amounts of the disease into your body, helping you build strong antibodies against it. You may temporarily feel the symptoms of this disease, which can include things like nausea, feverishness, sore muscles, and fatigue. These symptoms should only last for a couple of days at most. As your body continues to process the vaccine, it builds a shield that keeps you healthy and protects you from getting sick in the future.

Schedule Your Same-Day Vaccine Today!

We allow walk-in appointments for many essential vaccines. Many of our immunization services are required by the CDC, which is why make it a priority to offer these vaccinations all day long. Make sure you and your children do the best for your health by scheduling a much-needed vaccine with our Abilene doctors. You can make a healthy decision for yourself as soon as today. Get in touch with us to learn more!

A Doppler heart test is a non-invasive medical test that creates images of your heart. The test is performed using a handheld device that transmits sound waves throughout your chest. This creates images of your heart that provide valuable information to your doctor. This includes your heart’s function, structure, and blood flow. The test is commonly used to monitor and diagnose heart-related conditions. If your doctor recommends the test, you may wonder, what does a Doppler heart test feel like? Below you will find more information about the test and what to expect.

What Does a Doppler Heart Test Feel Like?

A Doppler heart test is non-invasive and fast. You may wonder what to expect if your doctor recommends a Doppler heart test. In many cases the preparation is minimal. Your cardiology doctors will provide you with instructions on how to prepare. Most often, you will just need to avoid drinking or eating a few hours before the test. Once you are at the office, you will lie on a table so the sonographer can perform the test. The test involves you lying down on a table. The gel is applied to your chest as the transducer is used to create the images of your heart. In some cases, you may need to change positions or hold your breath. This ensures optimal image quality. Once the test is over you can resume your normal activities. 

Why Do I Need A Doppler Heart Test?

A Doppler heart test is an effective tool that your medical provider may recommend for a variety of reasons. Most of these reasons are either to diagnose or monitor a heart-related issue. Below are some of the common reasons why you may need a Doppler heart test.

Congenital Heart Disease: 

A Doppler heart test can evaluate congenital heart disease. This condition involves a defect in one or more of the heart structures during the formation of the fetus.

Heart Failure: 

Heart failure is a condition where the heart muscle becomes weak or stiff during heart relaxation. This results in inefficient blood plumping that can cause serious issues. This includes fluid buildup in the blood vessels and lungs, in addition to swelling in the feet, ankles, and other parts of the body.

Cardiomyopathy: 

A Doppler heart test is an effective tool to evaluate cardiomyopathy. This is a condition characterized by an enlargement of the heart due to thick or weak heart muscles.

Heart valve disease involves a malfunction in one or more of the heart valves. This can cause abnormalities in blood flow in your heart. A Doppler heart test can examine if heart valve disease has impacted your valves. This is common among those who have the condition, as the valves can narrow and restrict blood flow. The condition can also cause leaks, with blood flow moving backward.

Cardiac Tumor: 

A cardiac tumor can occur in any one of the chambers of your heart. It can also be present on the outside surface of your heart or within the muscles. If your medical provider thinks you may have a cardiac tumor, a Doppler heart test can be used to diagnose and monitor the issue.

Cardiology Specialists

Your heart health is critical to your overall health. Because of this, issues with your heart health need to be treated promptly and with care. Apex Cardiology has the top cardiologists who have the necessary skills and experience to address your heart-related issues. They understand how stressful heart health issues can be and are committed to ensuring your comfort and care. Contact their team today if you need care related to your heart health!

It should go without saying that having a healthy heart is vital to living life to its highest potential. Poor heart health has the potential to be highly debilitating and in its most intense degree, deadly. Below, we cover how to destress your heart.

However, there are many different ways that an individual can take their heart health into their own hands and try to improve it, in conjunction with the recommendations of cardiology doctors. Doing so can make the difference between having a healthy heart and developing issues down the line.

How to Destress Your Heart

If you’re considering the health of your heart and would like to stay on top of it any way that you can, take a look at this list of ways that you can help to destress your heart.

Stress and the Heart

Over time, stress has the potential to impact one’s heart health in profound ways. That being said, the exact science behind this can be somewhat difficult to pin down, as every individual’s experience of stress is somewhat different.

However, the effects of stress on the heart have the potential to impact the heart in severe ways, leading to a number of devastating consequences, including the following conditions:

• Heart disease
• Mood disorders
• Sleep issues
• Appetite issues
• Decreased energy

In addition, stress can influence one’s behavior, which can lead one to making decisions that are furtherly unhealthy for one’s heart. This includes drinking excessive alcohol, smoking, or eating unhealthy food. Thus, stress management becomes a balancing act between coping with stress and dealing with unhealthy habits.

Ways to Destress the Heart:

1.  Exercise

Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health in general, and it greatly improves your prospects for delaying the development of various health issues of the heart. The type of exercise that you choose to engage in is up to you. However, aerobic exercise is considered key for the maintenance of heart health. Jogging, swimming, and other types of exercise can help improve your blood pressure, strengthen your heart muscle, and help you maintain a healthy weight.

2.  Meditation

Meditation is another activity that can help you maintain a sense of equilibrium surrounding the health of your heart. There are many different styles of meditation available to try, and you don’t have to be an adherent to a particular religion to participate in them. Meditation has been shown to relax the body and the mind, and give individuals an edge in the health of their heart.

3.  Stay Positive

Staying positive has the potential to give you a boost in your heart health. Laughing and keeping a positive attitude has been shown to benefit one’s health in general, and reduce stress hormones, reduce inflammation in the arteries, and increase the beneficial types of cholesterol.

4.  Unplug

We are constantly barraged with various types of information in our modern world due to the fact that we have unlimited amounts of information at the end of our noses all of the time. Although this access to information and entertainment has many benefits, the stress it can induce can affect one’s health over time. Taking some time to unplug from television and your phone can be a big boost to your health in general and give you more time to focus on the things that are truly important in life.

5.  Find Ways to Destress

Sometimes, destressing can be a highly personal process and one that can be quite fun. Actively seeking out things that reduce your stress and make you feel better can involve many different things. This can include activities like the following:

• Listening to music
• Taking a bath
• Taking a long walk
• Picking up a hobby
• Focusing less on work

Of course, you’ll have many other options on your hands in terms of finding the things that destress you on a personal level. Brainstorming this with your physician is one of the things that you can do when you consult with your cardiologist.

The Top Cardiologist in Los Angeles

Setting up a consultation with a professional cardiologist can give you a head start on attaining optimal heart health. That’s why finding one that you connect with can be a key element of your long-term health plan. When it comes to the health of your heart, short cuts simply won’t do.

Apex Cardiology is the top cardiologist in the Los Angeles area, giving its patients the best treatment options possible to give them optimal heart health. If you want to talk with an expert about your heart health, then contact us today to schedule a cardiac stress test. 

A stress test shows how your heart performs, including how well blood flows through your heart. The test is a diagnostic procedure that measures your heart during periods when it is forced to work harder than usual. Stress tests reveal a lot of information that can help your medical provider better understand your heart health. You may wonder, how often should I get a stress test? Below you will find helpful information about if and how often you should be tested.

How Often Should I Get a Stress Test?

In many cases, people do not ever need to get a stress test. However, if you do, it’s important to follow your cardiologist’s recommendations when it comes to your heart health. If you need to get tested, your doctor determines when and how often you should be retested. In many cases, a retest is not necessary. This is because a stress test is often performed to diagnose your heart-related symptoms. Once diagnosed, cardiology doctors use the information from the stress test to create a comprehensive treatment plan.

Reasons to Get a Stress Test

A nuclear stress test is an effective tool used by cardiologists. It can reveal helpful information about your heart-related issues. Below are some of the reasons you may need a stress test.

Symptom Evaluation: 

A stress test is beneficial if you have symptoms of a heart-related issue. A doctor will recommend a stress test if this is the first time you have had symptoms. Additionally, if you were previously diagnosed with a heart-related issue and your symptoms have gotten worse, a stress test is a beneficial tool. Common symptoms that indicate the need for a stress test include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, and heart palpitations. A stress test is valuable as it can reveal the heart issue and indicate if further testing is required.

Treatment Determination and Assessment: 

A stress test can assess your heart-related symptoms and help your doctor determine which treatment is right for you. Additionally, a stress test can be later used to determine if that treatment is working. A stress test can help manage your heart health, including diagnosing the issue and assessing the effectiveness of your current treatment. In some cases, patients with heart conditions have to stop certain activities. This is generally not permanent, but it is necessary until the heart issue is resolved. Because of this, a stress test can determine whether you can return to your normal activities.

Assessment Tool For High-Risk Patients: 

If you are high risk for cardiovascular disease, a stress test may be necessary to initially evaluate your heart function. Risk factors include patients with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, lack of exercise, an unhealthy diet, excess alcohol consumption, or a family history of premature heart disease. Early intervention is key when it comes to managing your heart health. Those at a higher risk need to consult with medical professionals early and regularly to ensure optimal health.

The Importance of Heart Health

Your heart health is critical to your overall health. In fact, your heart is your body’s lifeline as it is responsible for distributing blood all throughout your body. A healthy and efficient heart ensures optimal cardiovascular and overall health. However, issues with your heart can impact your daily life and long-term health. If you have a family history of heart health issues or have any symptoms of heart problems, contact a medical professional right away. A cardiologist can help diagnose and treat your condition. They can also help you with preventative measures to ensure your heart stays healthy.