A word about 'cardiac health check-ups'.
Q. Nowadays many hospitals, clinics and path labs have come up with a variety of health check-ups especially cardiac health check-ups. Many corporates doing annual check-ups. So how useful are they, who should get it done and when?
Ans. Doing a variety of unnecessary investigations in healthy individuals without any symptoms is a big no. It should not be done and are totally useless.
Q. 2. What tests do you say are useless as part of cardiac health checkup in apparently healthy individuals.
Ans. Ecg, echo, TMT, stress test, ct angio should not be done at all, do not add any value to your overall health status.
Q3. Why do you say these tests are useless.
Ans. They are useless because many trials around the world over last 20 years have proven beyond doubt, that even if you have underlying blockages in heart, which does not cause any symptoms, then treating them will neither prevent you from a future heart attack nor prolong your life.
It is also possible that today you have ECG, echo normal and still, you develop a heart attack tomorrow. So these tests give a false sense of security which has no value actually.
Also due to this false security, such people with normal reports have a tendency to continue their unhealthy lifestyle
Q4. What are the tests you say are useful?
Ans. Know your blood pressure, blood sugar, lipid profile (cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride and HDL) and body mass index (BMI) as part of your routine health check-up. That's it.
In lipid profile, there is no use of getting unnecessary tests like lp (a), homocysteine, apo (b) and a variety of other scary variables that you commonly see in the report.
Note - in a specific subset of people who have a strong family history of cardiac disease or sudden cardiac death may undergo ECG, echo, TMT as part of routine evaluation
Lastly and most importantly no health check-up can replace a healthy lifestyle and exercise. It is the surest way of avoiding heart ailments.
Advancement in science and technology has largely contributed to the field of medicine. The methods of diagnosis for some of the very serious conditions have become readily available for the masses. Furthermore, there are a number of diagnostic tests in cardiology that give details about the condition of the heart. These tests help to find out which treatment options are best suited for the patient. Some of the most common among them include Echocardiography (also called echocardiogram test), Treadmill Test (TMT), and Electrocardiogram (ECG).
Echocardiography
An Echocardiography test is a visual outline of the movement of the heart. It is a test in which sound waves are used to produce live pictures of the heart. The picture is referred to as echocardiography. The doctor can monitor how the heart and its valves are working. The images help them spot fluid in the sac around the heart, blood clots in the heart, issues with the aorta (the most important artery connected to the heart) among several other possible complications.
Echocardiography is a pain-free test which can be done in the hospital or in the doctor’s office. The test normally takes up to half an hour. A standard or quality-based echo does not require any particular follow-up or preparations. A heart specialist or cardiologist will examine the results from the echo. After having echo, a person normally goes back to normal activities immediately.
Treadmill Test (TMT)
In a treadmill test, a person is asked to exercise on a treadmill and he or she is hooked up to the machine called electrocardiogram machine. This process allows the doctor to monitor the heart rate. The treadmill test is also known as an Exercise Stress test. This test helps the doctor determine if the heart receives sufficient oxygen and proper flow of blood when exercising. It could be directed for those who have been experiencing symptoms of coronary heart disease (which is also called coronary artery disease) and pain in the chest. This test is usually considered safe. But some exceptional risks include fainting, collapsing, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and heart attack.
However, these instances are rare since the test is usually performed under the supervision of a cardiologist so that any kind of emergency during the test can be effectively managed.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
The electrocardiogram is the oldest and the simplest of all the methods of cardiac investigation. It is an image of the electrical conduction that record the patterns of electrical signals in the heart. It is a very common test used to find out the heart problems and detect the status of the heart in many situations.
During an ECG, electrodes/sensors are attached to the chest and sometimes to the limbs for monitoring the electrical activity of the heart. This test is painless and non- invasive which provides quick results.
Take Away
These are some of the tests to detect heart problems. However, doctors recommend these tests depending upon an individual’s health condition.
Osteoarthritis is a Non Inflammatory disease that affects many joints, knee joint most common. In normal joint, a firm, rubbery material called cartilage covers the end of each bone. Cartilage provides a smooth, gliding surface for joint motion and acts as a cushion between the bones. In Osteoarthritis, the cartilage breaks down, causing pain, swelling and problems moving the joint. This disease, that mostly affects women, worsens over the time and should be treated as early as possible.
Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis
Symptoms of osteoarthritis vary, depending on which joints are affected and how severely they are affected. However, the most common symptoms are pain and stiffness, particularly first thing in the morning or after resting. Affected joints may get swollen, especially after extended activity. These symptoms tend to build over time rather than show up suddenly. Some of the common symptoms include:
Treatment Options For Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a chronic (long-term) disease. There is no cure, but treatments are available to manage symptoms. Long-term management of the disease will include several factors:
Physical Activity: One of the most beneficial ways to manage OA is to get moving. While it may be hard to think of exercise when the joints hurt, moving is considered an important part of the treatment plan. Simple activities like walking around the neighborhood or taking a fun, easy exercise class can reduce pain and help maintain (or attain) a healthy weight. Strengthening exercises build muscles around OA-affected joints, easing the burden on those joints and reducing pain. Aerobic exercise helps to improve stamina and energy levels and also help to reduce excess weight. Talk to a doctor before starting an exercise program.
Weight Management: Excess weight adds additional stress to weight-bearing joints, such as the hips, knees, feet and back. Losing weight can help people with OA reduce pain and limit further joint damage. The basic rule for losing weight is to eat fewer calories and increase physical activity.
Stretching: Slow, gentle stretching of joints may improve flexibility, lessen stiffness and reduce pain. Exercises such as is great ways to manage stiffness.
Braces: For varus and valgus deformity of knee joint, brace very helpful like Unloader Knee Brace has importent role in Osteoarthritis knee.
Management: Medical:
Glucosamine/Chondroitin- Glucosamine/Chondroitin 1500 mg/1200 mg daily, they are diet supplement used in mild and moderate osteoarthritis knee. Major component of joint cartilage. Supplements are derived from the shells of shellfish (such as shrimp, lobster and crab) or from vegetable sources. Slows deterioration of cartilage, relieves osteoarthritis(OA) pain and improves joint mobility.
For Pain Management
NSAIDs
Cox-2 inhibitors
Opioids
Intraarticular Injections
Surgical Management
Knee pain or functional status has failed to improve with non-operative management
Types of Surgery
Which type of surgery you require it will be decide by your orthopaedic surgeon after clinical and radiological examination.
Joint Replacement Surgery: Joint surgery can repair or replace severely damaged joints, especially hips or knees. A doctor will refer an eligible patient to an orthopaedic surgeon to perform the procedure.
Knee replacement has become the most common form of joint replacement surgery. Between 1991 and 2010, the incidence of knee replacements increased by over 161%, due partly to improvements in the science of knee replacement implants, experience of surgeons, and the growing population of knee replacement patients. Although public perception can be influenced by negative advertising and press, the fact is that knee replacement surgery is one of the most successful surgical procedures performed today.
Success rates and quality of life improvements for knee replacement patients are reliably very high. Nine out of 10 knee replacement patients experience an immediate relief from knee pain, and 95% report they are satisfied with their procedure. Approximately 90% of replacement knee joints last 10 years, while 80% are good for 20+ years, depending on patient health and activity levels. Outcomes vary from patient to patient depend upon level of deformity and grade of Osteoarthritis.
Positive Attitude: Many studies have demonstrated that a positive outlook can boost the immune system and increase a person's ability to handle pain.
Preventive Measures
Osteoarthritis is a Non Inflammatory disease that affects many joints, knee joint most common. In normal joint, a firm, rubbery material called cartilage covers the end of each bone. Cartilage provides a smooth, gliding surface for joint motion and acts as a cushion between the bones. In Osteoarthritis, the cartilage breaks down, causing pain, swelling and problems moving the joint. This disease, that mostly affects women, worsens over the time and should be treated as early as possible.
Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis
Symptoms of osteoarthritis vary, depending on which joints are affected and how severely they are affected. However, the most common symptoms are pain and stiffness, particularly first thing in the morning or after resting. Affected joints may get swollen, especially after extended activity. These symptoms tend to build over time rather than show up suddenly. Some of the common symptoms include:
Treatment Options For Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a chronic (long-term) disease. There is no cure, but treatments are available to manage symptoms. Long-term management of the disease will include several factors:
Physical Activity: One of the most beneficial ways to manage OA is to get moving. While it may be hard to think of exercise when the joints hurt, moving is considered an important part of the treatment plan. Simple activities like walking around the neighborhood or taking a fun, easy exercise class can reduce pain and help maintain (or attain) a healthy weight. Strengthening exercises build muscles around OA-affected joints, easing the burden on those joints and reducing pain. Aerobic exercise helps to improve stamina and energy levels and also help to reduce excess weight. Talk to a doctor before starting an exercise program.
Weight Management: Excess weight adds additional stress to weight-bearing joints, such as the hips, knees, feet and back. Losing weight can help people with OA reduce pain and limit further joint damage. The basic rule for losing weight is to eat fewer calories and increase physical activity.
Stretching: Slow, gentle stretching of joints may improve flexibility, lessen stiffness and reduce pain. Exercises such as is great ways to manage stiffness.
Braces: For varus and valgus deformity of knee joint, brace very helpful like Unloader Knee Brace has importent role in Osteoarthritis knee.
Management: Medical:
Glucosamine/Chondroitin- Glucosamine/Chondroitin 1500 mg/1200 mg daily, they are diet supplement used in mild and moderate osteoarthritis knee. Major component of joint cartilage. Supplements are derived from the shells of shellfish (such as shrimp, lobster and crab) or from vegetable sources. Slows deterioration of cartilage, relieves osteoarthritis(OA) pain and improves joint mobility.
For Pain Management
NSAIDs
Cox-2 inhibitors
Opioids
Intraarticular Injections
Surgical Management
Knee pain or functional status has failed to improve with non-operative management
Types of Surgery
Which type of surgery you require it will be decide by your orthopaedic surgeon after clinical and radiological examination.
Joint Replacement Surgery: Joint surgery can repair or replace severely damaged joints, especially hips or knees. A doctor will refer an eligible patient to an orthopaedic surgeon to perform the procedure.
Knee replacement has become the most common form of joint replacement surgery. Between 1991 and 2010, the incidence of knee replacements increased by over 161%, due partly to improvements in the science of knee replacement implants, experience of surgeons, and the growing population of knee replacement patients. Although public perception can be influenced by negative advertising and press, the fact is that knee replacement surgery is one of the most successful surgical procedures performed today.
Success rates and quality of life improvements for knee replacement patients are reliably very high. Nine out of 10 knee replacement patients experience an immediate relief from knee pain, and 95% report they are satisfied with their procedure. Approximately 90% of replacement knee joints last 10 years, while 80% are good for 20+ years, depending on patient health and activity levels. Outcomes vary from patient to patient depend upon level of deformity and grade of Osteoarthritis.
Positive Attitude: Many studies have demonstrated that a positive outlook can boost the immune system and increase a person's ability to handle pain.
Preventive Measures
In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!
Osteoarthritis is a Non Inflammatory disease that affects many joints, knee joint most common. In normal joint, a firm, rubbery material called cartilage covers the end of each bone. Cartilage provides a smooth, gliding surface for joint motion and acts as a cushion between the bones. In Osteoarthritis, the cartilage breaks down, causing pain, swelling and problems moving the joint. This disease, that mostly affects women, worsens over the time and should be treated as early as possible.
Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis
Symptoms of osteoarthritis vary, depending on which joints are affected and how severely they are affected. However, the most common symptoms are pain and stiffness, particularly first thing in the morning or after resting. Affected joints may get swollen, especially after extended activity. These symptoms tend to build over time rather than show up suddenly. Some of the common symptoms include:
Treatment Options For Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a chronic (long-term) disease. There is no cure, but treatments are available to manage symptoms. Long-term management of the disease will include several factors:
Physical Activity: One of the most beneficial ways to manage OA is to get moving. While it may be hard to think of exercise when the joints hurt, moving is considered an important part of the treatment plan. Simple activities like walking around the neighborhood or taking a fun, easy exercise class can reduce pain and help maintain (or attain) a healthy weight. Strengthening exercises build muscles around OA-affected joints, easing the burden on those joints and reducing pain. Aerobic exercise helps to improve stamina and energy levels and also help to reduce excess weight. Talk to a doctor before starting an exercise program.
Weight Management: Excess weight adds additional stress to weight-bearing joints, such as the hips, knees, feet and back. Losing weight can help people with OA reduce pain and limit further joint damage. The basic rule for losing weight is to eat fewer calories and increase physical activity.
Stretching: Slow, gentle stretching of joints may improve flexibility, lessen stiffness and reduce pain. Exercises such as is great ways to manage stiffness.
Braces: For varus and valgus deformity of knee joint, brace very helpful like Unloader Knee Brace has importent role in Osteoarthritis knee.
Management Using Medications
Glucosamine/Chondroitin- Glucosamine/Chondroitin 1500 mg/1200 mg daily, they are diet supplement used in mild and moderate osteoarthritis knee. Major component of joint cartilage. Supplements are derived from the shells of shellfish (such as shrimp, lobster and crab) or from vegetable sources. Slows deterioration of cartilage, relieves osteoarthritis(OA) pain and improves joint mobility.
For Pain Management
NSAIDs
Cox-2 inhibitors
Opioids
Intraarticular Injections
Surgical Management
Knee pain or functional status has failed to improve with non-operative management
Types of Surgery
Which type of surgery you require it will be decide by your orthopaedic surgeon after clinical and radiological examination.
Joint Replacement Surgery: Joint surgery can repair or replace severely damaged joints, especially hips or knees. A doctor will refer an eligible patient to an orthopaedic surgeon to perform the procedure.
Knee replacement has become the most common form of joint replacement surgery. Between 1991 and 2010, the incidence of knee replacements increased by over 161%, due partly to improvements in the science of knee replacement implants, experience of surgeons, and the growing population of knee replacement patients. Although public perception can be influenced by negative advertising and press, the fact is that knee replacement surgery is one of the most successful surgical procedures performed today.
Success rates and quality of life improvements for knee replacement patients are reliably very high. Nine out of 10 knee replacement patients experience an immediate relief from knee pain, and 95% report they are satisfied with their procedure. Approximately 90% of replacement knee joints last 10 years, while 80% are good for 20+ years, depending on patient health and activity levels. Outcomes vary from patient to patient depend upon level of deformity and grade of Osteoarthritis.
Positive Attitude: Many studies have demonstrated that a positive outlook can boost the immune system and increase a person's ability to handle pain.
Preventive Measures
In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!
Osteoarthritis is a Non Inflammatory disease that affects many joints, knee joint most common. In normal joint, a firm, rubbery material called cartilage covers the end of each bone. Cartilage provides a smooth, gliding surface for joint motion and acts as a cushion between the bones. In Osteoarthritis, the cartilage breaks down, causing pain, swelling and problems moving the joint. This disease, that mostly affects women, worsens over the time and should be treated as early as possible.
Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis
Symptoms of osteoarthritis vary, depending on which joints are affected and how severely they are affected. However, the most common symptoms are pain and stiffness, particularly first thing in the morning or after resting. Affected joints may get swollen, especially after extended activity. These symptoms tend to build over time rather than show up suddenly. Some of the common symptoms include:
Treatment Options For Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a chronic (long-term) disease. There is no cure, but treatments are available to manage symptoms. Long-term management of the disease will include several factors:
Physical Activity: One of the most beneficial ways to manage OA is to get moving. While it may be hard to think of exercise when the joints hurt, moving is considered an important part of the treatment plan. Simple activities like walking around the neighborhood or taking a fun, easy exercise class can reduce pain and help maintain (or attain) a healthy weight. Strengthening exercises build muscles around OA-affected joints, easing the burden on those joints and reducing pain. Aerobic exercise helps to improve stamina and energy levels and also help to reduce excess weight. Talk to a doctor before starting an exercise program.
Weight Management: Excess weight adds additional stress to weight-bearing joints, such as the hips, knees, feet and back. Losing weight can help people with OA reduce pain and limit further joint damage. The basic rule for losing weight is to eat fewer calories and increase physical activity.
Stretching: Slow, gentle stretching of joints may improve flexibility, lessen stiffness and reduce pain. Exercises such as is great ways to manage stiffness.
Braces: For varus and valgus deformity of knee joint, brace very helpful like Unloader Knee Brace has importent role in Osteoarthritis knee.
Management: Medical:
Glucosamine/Chondroitin- Glucosamine/Chondroitin 1500 mg/1200 mg daily, they are diet supplement used in mild and moderate osteoarthritis knee. Major component of joint cartilage. Supplements are derived from the shells of shellfish (such as shrimp, lobster and crab) or from vegetable sources. Slows deterioration of cartilage, relieves osteoarthritis(OA) pain and improves joint mobility.
For Pain Management
NSAIDs
Cox-2 inhibitors
Opioids
Intraarticular Injections
Surgical Management
Knee pain or functional status has failed to improve with non-operative management
Types of Surgery
Which type of surgery you require it will be decide by your orthopaedic surgeon after clinical and radiological examination.
Joint Replacement Surgery: Joint surgery can repair or replace severely damaged joints, especially hips or knees. A doctor will refer an eligible patient to an orthopaedic surgeon to perform the procedure.
Knee replacement has become the most common form of joint replacement surgery. Between 1991 and 2010, the incidence of knee replacements increased by over 161%, due partly to improvements in the science of knee replacement implants, experience of surgeons, and the growing population of knee replacement patients. Although public perception can be influenced by negative advertising and press, the fact is that knee replacement surgery is one of the most successful surgical procedures performed today.
Success rates and quality of life improvements for knee replacement patients are reliably very high. Nine out of 10 knee replacement patients experience an immediate relief from knee pain, and 95% report they are satisfied with their procedure. Approximately 90% of replacement knee joints last 10 years, while 80% are good for 20+ years, depending on patient health and activity levels. Outcomes vary from patient to patient depend upon level of deformity and grade of Osteoarthritis.
Positive Attitude: Many studies have demonstrated that a positive outlook can boost the immune system and increase a person's ability to handle pain.
Preventive Measures
Osteoarthritis is a Non Inflammatory disease that affects many joints, knee joint most common. In normal joint, a firm, rubbery material called cartilage covers the end of each bone. Cartilage provides a smooth, gliding surface for joint motion and acts as a cushion between the bones. In Osteoarthritis, the cartilage breaks down, causing pain, swelling and problems moving the joint. This disease, that mostly affects women, worsens over the time and should be treated as early as possible.
Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis
Symptoms of osteoarthritis vary, depending on which joints are affected and how severely they are affected. However, the most common symptoms are pain and stiffness, particularly first thing in the morning or after resting. Affected joints may get swollen, especially after extended activity. These symptoms tend to build over time rather than show up suddenly. Some of the common symptoms include:
Treatment Options For Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a chronic (long-term) disease. There is no cure, but treatments are available to manage symptoms. Long-term management of the disease will include several factors:
Physical Activity: One of the most beneficial ways to manage OA is to get moving. While it may be hard to think of exercise when the joints hurt, moving is considered an important part of the treatment plan. Simple activities like walking around the neighborhood or taking a fun, easy exercise class can reduce pain and help maintain (or attain) a healthy weight. Strengthening exercises build muscles around OA-affected joints, easing the burden on those joints and reducing pain. Aerobic exercise helps to improve stamina and energy levels and also help to reduce excess weight. Talk to a doctor before starting an exercise program.
Weight Management: Excess weight adds additional stress to weight-bearing joints, such as the hips, knees, feet and back. Losing weight can help people with OA reduce pain and limit further joint damage. The basic rule for losing weight is to eat fewer calories and increase physical activity.
Stretching: Slow, gentle stretching of joints may improve flexibility, lessen stiffness and reduce pain. Exercises such as is great ways to manage stiffness.
Braces: For varus and valgus deformity of knee joint, brace very helpful like Unloader Knee Brace has importent role in Osteoarthritis knee.
Management: Medical:
Glucosamine/Chondroitin- Glucosamine/Chondroitin 1500 mg/1200 mg daily, they are diet supplement used in mild and moderate osteoarthritis knee. Major component of joint cartilage. Supplements are derived from the shells of shellfish (such as shrimp, lobster and crab) or from vegetable sources. Slows deterioration of cartilage, relieves osteoarthritis(OA) pain and improves joint mobility.
For Pain Management
NSAIDs
Cox-2 inhibitors
Opioids
Intraarticular Injections
Surgical Management
Knee pain or functional status has failed to improve with non-operative management
Types of Surgery
Which type of surgery you require it will be decide by your orthopaedic surgeon after clinical and radiological examination.
Joint Replacement Surgery: Joint surgery can repair or replace severely damaged joints, especially hips or knees. A doctor will refer an eligible patient to an orthopaedic surgeon to perform the procedure.
Knee replacement has become the most common form of joint replacement surgery. Between 1991 and 2010, the incidence of knee replacements increased by over 161%, due partly to improvements in the science of knee replacement implants, experience of surgeons, and the growing population of knee replacement patients. Although public perception can be influenced by negative advertising and press, the fact is that knee replacement surgery is one of the most successful surgical procedures performed today.
Success rates and quality of life improvements for knee replacement patients are reliably very high. Nine out of 10 knee replacement patients experience an immediate relief from knee pain, and 95% report they are satisfied with their procedure. Approximately 90% of replacement knee joints last 10 years, while 80% are good for 20+ years, depending on patient health and activity levels. Outcomes vary from patient to patient depend upon level of deformity and grade of Osteoarthritis.
Positive Attitude: Many studies have demonstrated that a positive outlook can boost the immune system and increase a person's ability to handle pain.
Preventive Measures
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