The Importance of Cardiovascular Testing

The composition of a person’s blood can be a good indicator of overall health. More specifically, there are certain tests that can precisely identify substances that give insight on cardiovascular health. A lipid panel is a comprehensive analysis of triglycerides and cholesterol, which are fats that tend to accumulate in the bloodstream. The normal standards for these parameters vary according to age and gender. Our physician will carefully look at your cardiovascular testing results to determine if you have a normal or abnormal concentration of fat.

According to universal standards in North America, an adult should have triglyceride levels that are less than 150 mg/dL. The LDL cholesterol level, which is considered bad cholesterol, should be detected at under 130 mg/dL. The HDL cholesterol, which is considered good cholesterol, should be registered at more than 40 mg/DL. A total cholesterol reading that exceeds 240 mg/dL indicates a high risk of cardiovascular disease. The only way to effectively manage lipid levels in the blood is through diet and exercise. Instead of eating a lot of saturated and trans fats, it’s important to consume unsaturated fats that include fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6.

Many personal trainers use simple formulas to determine the cardiovascular fitness of person. First, the resting heart rate should be carefully measured by a traditional method or with a digital device. This parameter refers to the rate at which the heart beats when a person does routine tasks, such as sitting or standing upright. The maximum heart rate defines the performance of the heart after about a minute of intense exercise. By knowing the resting heart rate, maximum heart rate and age, it’s possible to get a fair overview of cardiovascular stamina. The simplest way to determine pulse is to place two fingers on the wrist and count the total number of beats per minute. Many smart watches and fitness watches include heart rate monitors that instantly generate BPM readings in real time.

Our physician might need to perform a cardiac stress test in order to determine the heart health of the patient. During this method of cardiovascular testing, a person is asked to exercise on a treadmill, stationary bicycle or other type of machine normally found in commercial gyms. Multiple electrodes with gel pads are placed on various parts of the chest and arms. A cardiac stress test gauges the flow of blood as a function of the intensity of exercise. Additionally, electrocardiography is used to analyze the rhythm of the heart. An electrocardiogram can be used to identify irregularities in the heart beat. The ultimate goal of a stress test is to determine if a patient is at risk of common cardiovascular problems that can have life-threatening implications in the long term.

A person who is overweight and already has high blood pressure is likely to perform poorly during this common test. Routine exercise can surely help an individual earn normal scores in a traditional cardiac stress test.

Cardiovascular testing can come in many different forms, but each method can provide valuable insight into the state of a patient’s cardiovascular health. We can help you learn more about the importance of cardiovascular testing at Cardiac Associates of North Jersey in Oakland. Contact us today to schedule your first appointment.