Heart disease is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and it can have various causes, including genetics, lifestyle, and diet. At Echomed, we understand the importance of identifying and managing risk factors for heart disease, including the ones that are often overlooked.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the sneaky diet triggers that can increase your risk of developing heart disease. By recognizing these triggers and taking steps to avoid them, you can reduce your chances of developing this life-threatening condition.

At Echomed, we specialise in echocardiograms, which can help detect heart disease in its early stages. By partnering with us, you can take a proactive approach to managing your heart health and reducing your risk of heart disease.

Avoid ‘Bad’ Fats

Maintaining a healthy heart is important for all of us. But what should we be looking out for on the food labels? In order to ensure that our hearts stay healthy and strong, it’s important to avoid any foods that have the words ‘trans,’ ‘hydrogenated,’ or ‘partially hydrogenated’ on the label. 

These types of fats are not beneficial to our health as they can raise bad cholesterol levels, which can increase your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Trans fats also make it more difficult for your body to absorb good antioxidants from other foods, making them even more detrimental to your heart health. 

By avoiding these unhealthy trans fats, you’ll be sure to protect yourself from any potential harm related to their consumption. To further protect yourself, you can book in for a heart scan and ensure that you stay up to date with your heart’s health. If you are wondering what the cost of a heart scan is, at Echomed we offer different packages, starting from £325 for an Echocardiogram.

Processed Meats

Processed meats have long been a part of the human diet, but are they really good for our hearts? Many have grown up with these salty, preserved products as regular meals. But recent research suggests that eating processed meats can increase one’s risk of cardiovascular disease – and even mortality. 

A 2019 study published in the “European Heart Journal” looked at the relationship between eating processed meat and the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study involved a large group of 134,297 people from 21 countries and followed them for an average of 9.5 years.

The results showed that people who ate more than 160g of processed meat per day had a 44% higher risk of heart disease compared to those who ate less than 20g per day. The study also found that those who ate more processed meat had a 72% higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

While the study cannot prove causation, only correlation, it does provide strong evidence that eating processed meat is linked to heart-related issues. The findings are consistent with previous research and suggest that reducing processed meat intake may be beneficial for heart health.

Increased Caffeine Intake

Caffeine is a popular and widely-consumed stimulant, found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and other foods. Many of us rely on caffeine to wake up in the morning or to power through our day. But can caffeine consumption lead to heart disease? 

Research has shown that consuming too much caffeine can cause some cardiovascular issues such as increased blood pressure and elevated heart rate. It’s important for people to be mindful of their daily consumption so that they do not exceed recommended levels. A moderate amount of caffeine per day – around 200 mg – is generally considered safe for most healthy adults. However, it may be wise for people with existing heart conditions or high blood pressure to talk to their doctor before increasing their intake.

Echomed – What Is The Cost Of A Heart Scan

Echomed offers a variety of different services to ensure that you can stay ahead and understand your heart. Echocardiograms start from £325, however our range of services allow you to see in depth into the overall health of your heart. For more information on pricing and options, get in touch today.

Heart scans can be an important part of keeping your heart healthy, but do you know how often you should get one?

With the advances in medical technology, there are more options than ever before when it comes to heart scanning. It is essential to understand which type of scan and how often it should be done in order to monitor your heart health. In this article, our cardiologist doctors will explore different types of heart scans and provide advice on how often they should be done.

When Should You Get A Heart Scan?

Having a heart scan can help identify any potential health problems or risks before they become serious. Knowing when to have a heart scan is important for both preventing and managing conditions that might affect your cardiovascular system. 

In general, adults often get their first heart scan between the ages of 40 and 45 (or 35 if family history of cardiac conditions exists). This initial screening is recommended for anyone who has not been previously diagnosed with a disorder that affects the way the heart functions. It is also recommended for anyone over the age of 40 who has risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity or high cholesterol levels.

How Long Is A Heart Scan Good For?

The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as family history, age, lifestyle and risk factors. Generally speaking, most specialists recommend that individuals have a heart scan every five years or so. However, if you have certain risk factors, such as high cholesterol or diabetes, it may be recommended that you have one more frequently—perhaps every three years or so. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the best timeline for having scans based on your individual circumstances.

Should Everyone Have A Heart Scan?

Though most people may not think they need a heart scan at their age, it can provide valuable insight into how healthy your heart really is. Whether or not everyone should get a heart scan depends on several factors such as current health conditions, family history, lifestyle habits like diet and exercise, as well as age. Your doctor will be able to assess each of these factors to determine if a heart scan would be beneficial for you. 

It’s important to make sure that your overall cardiovascular health stays strong throughout life so that you can stay healthy and active for years to come.

Get In Touch – Cardiologist Doctors

In conclusion, getting a heart scan is an important step in taking care of our health and well-being. While there is no one answer to how often you should get a heart scan, it is important to keep up with your cardiologist doctor’s recommendations and consider having regular scans if you have any risk factors for cardiovascular disease. It’s also important to make sure that you are eating healthy, exercising regularly, and managing any stress in your life.

Heart scans are an increasingly important and popular test to detect heart disease early. Over 150,000 Brits die from heart disease annually, which is why early detection and management is imperative. Our experts here at EchoMed provide in-depth heart scans and ECG testing to provide you with the peace of mind you need. 

Why Are Heart Scans Important?

Heart scans are an important tool that doctors can use to diagnose a variety of heart conditions and issues. Heart scans can detect a range of inherited and acquired diseases before they progress and worsen. Early detection can prevent further issues in the future that may have developed if left untreated. 

How Does An Ultrasound Scan Work?

During an echocardiogram, our Doctors will place a small, hand-held device called a transducer on your chest. The transducer emits painless ultrasound waves that bounce off your heart and create images that are displayed on a screen.

These images can provide information about the size and shape of your heart, the thickness of its walls, the movement of its valves, and the flow of blood through its chambers. The test can also show areas of the heart that may have been damaged by a heart attack or other conditions.

Find out more about what will happen at your appointment here.  

Understanding The Results

Understanding echocardiogram results requires some basic knowledge of the anatomy and function of the heart.

The echocardiogram will examine certain parameters, such as the size and structure of the chambers of your heart, its ejection fraction (or average volume of blood pumped out with each beat), the presence of any leaks or restrictions in your heart valves, and the direction and speed of blood flow through your heart; our Doctors will help you understand the results of your echocardiogram.

Your Doctor will analyse these results in detail, and may recommend further testing or treatment if any problems are identified. It’s important to follow-up with your Doctor to discuss the results and any next steps that may be necessary.

Who Needs A Heart Scan?

Heart scans have a particularly high yield in people aged over 40. However, current and former smokers have a much higher risk of developing heart disease at any age. Likewise, people with diabetes and high blood pressure are also at an increased risk of developing a cardiac problem. Genetics and family history also play a role in the development of heart muscle conditions, such as cardiomyopathy, or blocked coronary arteries. It is advisable to get regular heart scans if you have any of these risk factors.

Book Your Heart Scan Today – ECG Testing Specialists

Our cardiac experts in Farnham (Surrey) and Hartley Wintney (Hampshire) can perform ECG testing and a cardiac ultrasound scan that takes less than 60 minutes, providing you with in-depth results within 24 hours. These painless procedures allow our experts to identify any underlying issues before they deteriorate. If you would like more information, please get in touch with us here. 

Are you looking for ways to stay in good heart health despite your hectic lifestyle? With the right tips and tricks, it is possible to incorporate healthy habits into a busy schedule and keep our hearts strong. In this article, we will look at several practical heart health tips that can be easily incorporated into a busy lifestyle. From simple dietary changes to ECG testing, to easy-to-follow exercise routines, these tips will help you make small adjustments that can make a big difference to your overall heart health.

Diet Tips

Maintaining a healthy heart can seem difficult when life is busy. With work, family, and social commitments taking precedence, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest nutrition advice. However, there are some simple dietary changes you can make to help improve your heart health even if you don’t have much time. 

Making small changes such as limiting processed foods and opting for more natural foods like whole grains and lean proteins will help give your body what it needs without taking up too much of your precious time in the kitchen. Additionally, including plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet is always beneficial for your overall health – aim for at least five servings each day! If meal prepping ahead of time isn’t an option for you then look into frozen veggies or other convenience food options that are still packed full of essential vitamins and minerals.

Quick Exercises For Your Heart

Having a healthy heart is essential to living a long, comfortable life. Exercising regularly is one of the best ways to ensure your heart stays in great condition. Taking time out of your day for some quick workouts can make all the difference in keeping your heart healthy. 

For those who are short on time and don’t have access to a gym, there are plenty of simple exercises you can do at home that will help boost your heart health. This could be anything from jumping jacks and squats to stretching and running up stairs. Even taking a brisk walk around the neighbourhood or doing yoga in your living room can make a difference! 

Try incorporating some of these easy exercises into your daily routine for just 10 minutes each day.

Get In Contact – ECG Testing

Our Cardiologist Doctors recommend cardiac screening to anybody concerned about the possibility of heart muscle disease, whether they have symptoms or not. 

If you have any questions about genetic cardiac conditions, please email us directly at admin@echomed.co.uk

We often hear about the positive effects that exercise and a healthy diet can have for heart health. However, there is more that can be done to ensure that your heart is kept in good working order. As expert providers of heart scans such as ECG testing, we will guide you through a few tips. 

Get Your Sleep 

Sleep is fundamental for heart health. A lack of sleep puts you at greater risk of cardiovascular disease regardless of age. We suggest that you make getting adequate sleep a priority. Where possible, aim for approximately 7 to 8 hours most nights. Those with sleep apnea should get treated, as this can sometimes be linked to heart disease and arrhythmias.

Try Not To Sit for Long Periods 

Staying seated for extended periods of time can be bad for your health, regardless of how much exercise you do. Those who work long hours sitting at desks should take action to counteract this. We suggest that you take time regularly throughout the day to break up those long periods of time spent sitting at your desk. 

Eat Healthy Fats 

Fats are essential as part of any diet. This includes saturated, polyunsaturated and unsaturated fats. However, trans fat (or trans-unsaturated fatty acid) is not needed as part of your diet and has been shown to accelerate the development of heart disease and strokes throughout life.  Trans fats clog arteries by raising your bad cholesterol level and lowering good cholesterol. As experts in heart and ECG testing, we recommend that you read the labels on food to ensure that trans fat is kept to a minimum. 

Try to Avoid Second-hand Smoke 

Studies have shown that you are 25 – 30% more likely to develop heart disease if you are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke.  This happens as the chemicals emitted from cigarette smoke cause plaque build-up in your arteries. To prevent this, avoid smoking and standing around people who are smoking where possible. It is also very important that children are kept clear of second-hand smoke as well. 

Practise Good Dental Hygiene and Floss

Dental health is a marker of overall health, including your heart. Those with periodontal gum disease often have the same risk factors for heart disease. Furthermore, bacteria in the mouth can move into the bloodstream and, occasionally, cause heart valve infection known as ‘endocarditis’. Thus, you should floss and brush your teeth daily to prevent gum disease. 

Contact Us – Echocardiogram and ECG Testing 

Here at our comfortable clinic in Farnham, we make heart scans quick and painless. Book a heart scan with us today to future-proof your cardiac health. If you have any questions about our services, or want more information about genetic cardiac conditions, please email us directly at admin@echomed.co.uk.

Here at our clinic in Farnham, we provide state-of-the-art cardiac diagnostics. If you are concerned about possible cardiac symptoms, or want reassurance about the structure and function of your heart, we are easily accessible and here to help. But what will happen at your appointment? Here is what you can expect for the cost of a heart scan with EchoMed. 

Who will Perform Your Scan? 

Our scans are performed by a professional sonographer with specialist cardiac ultrasound training. Our team members are accredited by the British Society of Echocardiography.

How are Scans Performed? 

Echo scans are non-invasive diagnostic scans. Therefore, no equipment is inserted into the body and no treatment is delivered. A hand-held ultrasound probe is coated with gel and passed across the surface of the chest. From this, painless ultrasound waves are used to create moving images of the heart. 

To ensure accurate measurements, we will measure your height and weight. The heart will be scanned from several different angles.

Usually, an echo scan will take around 15-30 minutes to complete. Upon completion, you can leave immediately; there is no need for an observation or waiting period. 

What is Included alongside Your Scan? 

Alongside the cost of a heart scan booking, you are also guaranteed preliminary same day results. This is followed by a complete study report that will be sent to you and your GP within 24 hours. Images will be stored securely and can be accessed remotely by other physicians, if needed, through an encrypted portal. If required, we may also schedule a complimentary follow-up consultation with our medical director to discuss any abnormal results. 

Summary

We hope this article helped to summarise everything you can expect for the price of a heart scan with EchoMed. Our quick and painless heart scans can be immensely beneficial in ensuring that you are prepared for whatever the future throws your way. Even if you happen to show no symptoms of poor heart health, our scans can provide you with peace of mind on the structure and performance of your heart. 

Contact Us – Enquire About the Cost of a Heart Scan 

Here at our comfortable clinic in Farnham, we make heart scans quick and easy. Book a heart scan with us today to future-proof your cardiac health. If you have any questions about our services, or want more information on genetic cardiac conditions, please email us directly at admin@echomed.co.uk.

We believe it is immensely important to invest in your cardiovascular wellbeing. Whether that be through a healthy diet or through echocardiogram or ECG testing, you should ensure that your heart’s health is a priority. In this article, we will suggest 3 reasons why you should book a heart scan. 

Symptoms 

Firstly, it is important that you check your heart health with the help of a professional if you have any symptoms that concern you. The earlier you have your check up, the better the chances of early diagnosis, which can have a positive impact. 

But what symptoms should you look out for? Here are a few to keep an eye on: 

• Breathlessness
• Tiredness or Fatigue
• Ankle Swelling 
• Coughs, especially when they occur frequently at night. 

Don’t panic if you experience these, but make sure you get checked out if you are worried.

Family Heart Conditions 

You do not necessarily need to show any symptoms of an unhealthy heart to apply for ECG testing and other related heart scans. For example, if a close family member has a heart condition that can be inherited, you should look into booking a heart scan. Even if there are no signs of any problems, it can still provide great peace of mind to find out for sure. 

Knowledge is Power

Heart scans are not just reserved for the elderly and those with poor health. Heart scans can be important as they provide you with valuable information. With this knowledge, you will be able to make lifestyle modifications and take steps that will ensure a healthier and happier tomorrow. 

Early detection can change your life for the better. 

Summary 

It is important, if you are experiencing any symptoms such as those we have outlined above – like shortness of breath or frequent coughing – that you seek medical advice regarding your heart health. However, heart tests such as ECG testing are not just reserved for those with poor health. At EchoMed, we like to make scans available as quickly and easily as possible. By booking with us online, you can receive peace of mind regarding your heart health, with same day results.

Contact Us – Echocardiogram and ECG Testing 

Here at our comfortable clinic in Farnham, we make heart scans quick and easy. Book a heart scan with us today to future-proof your cardiac health. If you have any questions about our services, or would like more information on genetic cardiac conditions, please email us directly at admin@echomed.co.uk.