Monitoring your blood pressure regularly provides valuable insights into the strain placed on your heart. Elevated blood pressure signifies that your heart is exerting more effort than necessary. Without intervention, this condition could lead to heart damage or even heart failure.

For those interested in using a home blood pressure monitor, it is important to take measurements consistently at the same time every day. Since blood pressure naturally varies throughout the day, a twice-daily check might be ideal. Many find it effective to record their blood pressure once in the morning — at least 30 minutes post-wakeup, prior to coffee and breakfast — and once more before bedtime.

Elevated cholesterol levels can lead to plaque accumulation in your arteries, limiting the blood flow back to the heart. This build-up increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke if the arteries are obstructed or if a blood clot forms.

Just like high blood pressure, keeping an eye on your cholesterol levels is often the first step in maintaining a healthy heart.

Electrocardiography, also referred to as EKG or ECG, is a swift and painless diagnostic procedure carried out in a doctor's office. Its purpose is to detect any irregularities in heart function.

This test uses small electronic sensors applied with an adhesive to your skin. As you sit still, the heart's electrical activity is captured and charted, allowing any heartbeat or rhythm discrepancies to be easily observed.

An EKG might be suggested if you have symptoms related to heart issues, such as breathlessness or an irregular heartbeat. Additionally, it could be necessary before undergoing surgery, particularly if you have conditions like hypertension, heart disease, or diabetes.

Echocardiography, often referred to as an "echo," uses ultrasound technology to assess how well the blood flow through the heart. This non-invasive and painless procedure involves the gentle movement of a hand-held device across the skin above your heart. By emitting harmless sound waves, it generates a real-time visual of your heart's activity. Typically, this test is administered when heart-related symptoms are present.

In a cardiac stress test, also known as an exercise stress test, an EKG is utilized to assess how your heart performs under physical strain. Typically, this evaluation takes place using either a treadmill or a stationary bicycle. For those who are unable to perform rigorous physical activity, medication may be administered to simulate exercise by increasing the heart's workload.

Learn more about your heart health with our comprehensive blood flow studies, ideal for patients ages 40 and above who may be at risk for heart disease.

Using advanced ultrasound and Doppler technology, these noninvasive examinations simply glide a handheld device over your skin, utilizing sound waves to explore the vascular system. As sound waves reflect off your tissues and moving blood, our machine captures any changes with a distinct “whoosh” sound.

These exams allow us to detect potential blood clots, aneurysms, heart, or leg valve issues, and narrowing or blockage in your arteries.