Posts

Showing posts from February, 2022

How 2D Echo & Stress Test are Different?

Image
  What is a  2D Echo Test ? 2D Echo is a non-invasive, ultrasound test wherein images of the heart are captured when an individual is at rest. These images showcase the structure & working of the heart, displaying a cross-sectional ‘slice’ of the beating heart, chambers, valves & the major blood vessels inside the heart. When to get a 2D Echo Test Done? A doctor usually recommends a 2D Echo test when an individual: Experiences chest pain due to unknown reasons Has had a heart attack Has a congenital hrt defect Has had rheumatic fever What is a  Stress Test ? Stress test is also a non-invasive procedure. It helps evaluate the working of the heart when it’s subjected to physical stress. It’s also known as exercise stress test or treadmill stress test as it generally involves the use of a treadmill for increasing the heart rate of the individual during the test. When to get a Stress Test? Stress test is generally prescribed by a doctor for: Diagnosis of heart conditi...

Tips to prevent Obesity for Kids & Adults

Image
  What is Obesity? Obesity is basically the accumulation of excessive or abnormal fat that poses health risks in individuals. These health risks may include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, certain cancers, etc. The chronic nature of these health risks depends on the severity of obesity in a kid or adult. What are the Causes of Obesity? In simple terms, obesity arises when an individual consumes more calories than he/she burns via exercise and daily activities Having said that, genetic, behavioural, metabolic & hormonal influences on body weight can play a role in an individual becoming obese. The major risk factors of obesity are: Lifestyle choices Family inheritance & influences Certain diseases & medications Social & economic problems Age and other factors like stress, pregnancy, insomnia, etc Obesity Symptoms and Signs The common signs & symptoms of obesity are breathing problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, joint pain in lower...

What does ECG test show?

Image
  What is ECG? ECG  stands for Electrocardiogram. It’s a simple test that helps check the heart rhythm & electrical activity and detect signs of heart disease. Small electrode patches are attached to the skin of the chest, arms and legs which help record the electrical activity of the heart. Heart signals are recorded by a machine, which are then examined by a doctor to check if they’re normal or abnormal. When is ECG Used? ECG is used in the investigation & identification of a potential heart problem in a person who is experiencing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, etc. It’s generally recommended by a doctor who thinks there might be an issue related to the heart. The ECG test may help detect: Arrhythmias – heart beating very slowly, too fast, or in an irregular manner Coronary heart disease – heart’s blood supply is obstructed or blocked by a build-up of fatty substances Heart attacks – supply of blood to the heart gets abruptly ...

What is a Color Doppler Test?

Image
  What is a Color Doppler test? Color Doppler  is a non-invasive ultrasound test wherein colours are superimposed on an image of a blood vessel which helps indicate the speed & direction of blood flow in the vessel. What is a Color Doppler test used for? The  Color Doppler  test enables doctors to watch and evaluate blood flow through arteries & veins in different parts of the human body like the abdomen, arms, legs, neck & brain or within internal organs like the liver or kidneys. In a pregnant woman, this test can be used to assess blood flow in the unborn baby to check the health of the fetus. This is completely safe as  Color Doppler  is a non-invasive imaging test with zero risk of radiation exposure. What are the benefits of Color Doppler test? Following are the major benefits of the  Color Doppler  test: Offers a visual overview of blood flow within the vessel or heart Helps evaluate flow direction & velocity Assists in the ...

What are the types of X-rays?

Image
  What is an X-ray? X-ray is one of the most common types of imaging study used worldwide. It involves capturing images of bones & soft tissues present inside a human body. These pictures are then examined by healthcare professionals to diagnose various health conditions and create treatment plans accordingly. Who needs an X-ray? The x-ray test is generally used for everyone, from babies to adults, with the only exception being pregnant women. This is because the radiation from an x-ray can be harmful to the fetus. An X-ray is usually advised by a doctor to: Inspect for a broken bone, dislocated joint and other bone injuries Determine the reason behind symptoms like pain & swelling Examine for the presence of foreign objects in the body Check for structural problems in the bones, joints or soft tissues Conduct routine screenings for cancer and other illnesses Help in planning & assessing treatments How the test is performed? An x-ray is generally conducted in a diagnost...

Why a Stress Test is important?

Image
  What is a  Stress test ? Also known as exercise  Stress test , the  Stress test  helps doctors inspect your heart’s working during physical activity. As exercise causes the heart to pump more vigorously and rapidly, the  Stress test  helps identify issues related to blood flow in the heart. The test generally comprises walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike. The difficulty level is gradually increased and your breathing, heart rhythm & blood pressure are monitored. Why is the  Stress test  done? A doctor generally advises the  Stress test  if you have signs/symptoms of coronary artery disease or an abnormal heart rhythm, also called arrhythmia. A  Stress test  is used to: Help in creating a treatment plan for heart issues Diagnose the chronic nature of an existing heart condition Monitor the effects of an ongoing heart treatment A doctor may suggest a  Stress test  to: Diagnose coronary artery d...

How to choose a Pathology Lab?

Image
  What is a  Pathology Lab ? A  Pathology Lab  is a medical laboratory wherein tests comprising the analysis of blood, urine, other body fluids and tissue samples are conducted to examine and diagnose disease. Pathology Lab s have assumed greater importance in recent times with an increase in disease infection among individuals due to rising pollution, climate change & hectic lifestyle patterns. Laboratory tests play a crucial role in medical science as they help doctors diagnose the disease an individual is suffering from and plan the subsequent treatment. How to choose a  Pathology Lab ? Here are the important points you should take into consideration when selecting a  Pathology Lab : Experience and legacy of the lab & staff Quality of medical infrastructure Qualification and expertise of the medical professionals Accuracy of test reports Customer service Clinico Diagnostic Centre & Pathology Lab One of Mumbai’s leading diagnostic chains and a...

How to read the 2D Echo test result?

Image
  What is a  2D Echo  Test? 2D Echo  stands for 2-Dimensional Echocardiography. It’s a non-invasive imaging technique that helps assess the functioning of the heart and its various sections. This test generates images of the different parts of the heart using sound vibrations, making it simple for doctors to inspect for blockages, blood flow rate & damage. What are the types of  2D Echo  tests? Many types of  2D Echo  tests are in existence, with Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE) the most common type employed in most tests. Other prominent types comprise Stress Echocardiography and Transesophageal Echocardiography. What does the  2D Echo  test result show? The result of a  2D Echo  test helps detect: Underlying heart diseases or issues Congenital heart diseases & blood clots/tumours Heart valve malfunction Abnormal blood flow inside the heart What all things should be there in the results? The  2D Echo  tes...

Is a PET scan different from a CT or MRI scan?

Image
  What is a  PET Scan ? PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography. This scan is primarily used to identify initial signs of cancer, heart disease & brain disorders and sometimes to help diagnose Alzheimer’s and epilepsy. PET Scan involves the usage of a safe injectable radioactive chemical named radiotracer and a device called PET scanner. The PET scanner detects diseased cells that absorb vast amounts of the radiotracer, which symbolises a potential health issue. Benefits of  PET Scan The perks of PET scan include helping: Measure vital functions, like blood flow, oxygen use & blood sugar (glucose) metabolism Detect organs & tissues that aren’t working properly Identify cancerous tumour cells to help assess cancer spread (metastasis) Monitor & evaluate the success of an ongoing treatment plan Types of  PET Scan There are many different types of PET scans. However, the most commonly used PET scans include: PET/CT Scan As the name suggests, a PET/CT ...