Sydäntutkimukset

Sydäntutkimukset comprise a broad category of medical examinations focused on assessing the health and function of the heart. These investigations are crucial for diagnosing a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, monitoring their progression, and guiding treatment strategies. The specific type of sydäntutkimus employed depends on the patient's symptoms, medical history, and the suspected cardiac issue.

Common sydäntutkimukset include the electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), which records the electrical activity of the heart and can detect arrhythmias, heart attacks, and other electrical abnormalities. Echocardiography, often referred to as an "echo," utilizes ultrasound waves to create images of the heart's structure and function, evaluating the size of the chambers, the thickness of the walls, and the efficiency of the valves. Exercise stress testing assesses how the heart performs under physical exertion, typically by monitoring ECG and blood pressure while the patient walks on a treadmill.

Other important sydäntutkimukset involve imaging techniques such as cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT angiography, which provide detailed anatomical views of the heart and blood vessels. Holter monitoring involves wearing a portable ECG device for an extended period, usually 24-48 hours, to capture intermittent heart rhythm disturbances. Invasive procedures like cardiac catheterization allow direct visualization of the coronary arteries and assessment of pressures within the heart chambers, often used to diagnose and treat blockages. The results of these various sydäntutkimukset provide physicians with essential information to accurately diagnose and manage heart disease.