Cardiac Screenings

Early detection of cardiac issues is a vital part of preventing serious cardiovascular events like a heart attack or stroke. At Austin Medical Group in Austin, Texas, the skilled healthcare professionals use innovative technologies like electrocardiograms (EKGs) to evaluate your heart’s health. To learn more about cardiac screening measures like EKGs, call Austin Medical Group or book an appointment using the online scheduling tool.

EKG Q & A

What is a cardiovascular event?

A cardiovascular event is any disruption to the beating of your heart that causes damage. Your heart is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood and nutrients throughout your body. If this function is interrupted, damage or injury can occur. Cardiovascular events are also known as cardiac events, coronaries, heart attacks, and myocardial infarctions.

Conditions that can lead to a cardiovascular event include:

  • Cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart)
  • Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
  • Coronary or carotid artery disease
  • Heart and blood vessel disease
  • Heart valve disease

Cardiovascular diseases can also lead to stroke. During a stroke, blood supply is cut off to your brain and damage occurs.

What are the symptoms of a cardiovascular event?

Symptoms of a heart attack can vary between men and women. You might experience:

  • Discomfort in the center of your chest
  • Pain or discomfort in your neck, jaw, arms, back, or stomach
  • Cold sweats, nausea, vomiting, or lightheadedness

While men more commonly experience chest pain, women typically experience back or jaw pain, nausea and vomiting, and shortness of breath.

What is a cardiac risk assessment?

To protect your heart’s health, your doctor at Austin Medical Group administers a series of tests and evaluates certain health factors proven to indicate your risks for a serious cardiovascular event. This assessment examines your:

  • Age and family history
  • Weight and diet
  • Exercise and activity level
  • Blood pressure
  • Alcohol consumption and whether you smoke
  • Other conditions like diabetes

These risk factors enable your doctor to monitor you closely and provide specialized, personal, and preventive care to help you maintain your best health.

How are EKGs used to test the heart?

At Austin Medical Group, your doctor uses an electrocardiogram to evaluate your heart’s electrical activity. The combination of an EKG and your cardiac risk assessment provides a complete overview of your heart’s health.

With this information, your doctor develops a personalized healthcare strategy to protect your heart and keep your entire body as healthy as possible. Your doctor can also detect potential cardiovascular issues as early as possible, so they can implement the best treatment options.

To learn more about cardiac risk assessment and EKGs, call Austin Medical Group or book an appointment online.