Functional diagnostics plays a key role in assessing the mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases and the capabilities of the human body as a whole.
Functional diagnostics allows for the determination of:
• Breathing parameters
• Electrical activity of the heart
• Heart rhythm
• Blood pressure indicators, and more.
ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY (ECG)
ECG allows for the detection of heart rhythm disorders and myocardial ischemia. It provides the doctor with complete information about the functioning of the cardiovascular system of the patient. Using a monitor, the cardiologist records not only the ECG but also blood pressure, heart rate, and other indicators.
Reasons for performing an ECG:
• Assessment of heart rhythm
• Detection of myocardial ischemia
• Diagnosis of arrhythmias
• Evaluation of heart valve conditions
• Post-infarction monitoring
• Preparation for surgical interventions
• Assessment of medication effects
• Detection of myocardial hypertrophy
ECG is a simple, quick, and painless diagnostic method that provides valuable information about the condition of the heart.
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY (ECHOCG)
Echocardiography is one of the most important methods of functional diagnostics used to assess the heart's condition. Using ultrasound waves, the doctor can visualize the heart's anatomy and its valves, as well as assess its functional capabilities.
EchoCG allows for the detection of various pathologies such as:
• Heart defects (including congenital and acquired)
• Myocardial hypertrophy
• Valve dysfunction (stenosis, insufficiency)
• Heart aneurysms
• Post-myocardial infarction complications
• Pericarditis (inflammation of the pericardium)
• Conditions related to heart failure
• Left and right ventricular dysfunctions
• Blood clots in the heart cavities
• Changes in blood flow (including mitral and aortic valve pathologies)
The procedure is completely painless and safe, making it ideal for patients of all ages. EchoCG results help the doctor determine the treatment strategy and monitor the heart's condition over time.
HOLTER MONITOR
The heart is structured in such a way that certain disruptions in its function can only manifest under specific conditions. This is why Holter monitoring is conducted over a period of 24 hours or more.
The latest generation "Holter" device, which is the smallest in the world and weighs less than an average mobile phone (120 grams), is used for monitoring heart rhythm. It is virtually invisible under clothing. Over the course of a day, information about the heart’s activity is recorded on a portable device, after which the cardiologist decodes the data and diagnoses the condition.
24-HOUR BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING (ABPM)
ABPM reveals how blood pressure behaves during everyday activities. The study helps the doctor determine the presence or risk of hypotension and hypertension. The doctor attaches a special sensor to the patient’s body, and over the next 24 hours, the person leads their usual lifestyle while the rhythm and pressure are continuously recorded.
TREADMILL TEST (EXERCISE STRESS TEST)
The treadmill test is a highly informative method that allows the assessment of the cardiovascular system under physical stress. If myocardial ischemia is hard to detect at rest, during exercise the symptoms become much more apparent. Timely conduction of this test helps to detect potential risks of myocardial infarction and prevent its development.
At OKİ Hospital, treadmill tests are performed on a modern Swiss-made cardiocomplex by Schiller. During the test, the patient walks on the treadmill, where speed and incline are gradually increased. The test lasts from 5 to 20-30 minutes, depending on the patient's physical condition.
The treadmill test is recommended for athletes as it helps visualize hidden cardiovascular pathologies, reducing the risk of sudden health deteriorations during training and competitions.
The test measures:
• Aerobic endurance
• Work capacity level
• Maximum oxygen consumption
• Recovery speed based on heart rate and blood pressure
• Maximum heart rate
It is non-invasive, safe, and conducted by experienced specialists, ensuring maximum accuracy of results and comfort for the patient.
SPIROMETRY
Spirometry is performed to assess lung function and diagnose respiratory diseases. This test helps measure the volumes of air that a person can inhale and exhale, as well as the speed of these processes.
Spirometry is used to diagnose:
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Respiratory infections
• Pulmonary emphysema
Assessments of functional respiratory disorders:
• Determining the degree of airway obstruction (e.g., in asthma)
• Assessing airway resistance
Monitoring chronic conditions:
• Monitoring the condition of patients with COPD, asthma, or other respiratory diseases
• Assessing treatment effectiveness
Preoperative assessments:
• Spirometry can be used before surgeries to assess lung function and predict potential risks during anesthesia or surgery.
Disease progression forecasting:
• In some cases, spirometry is used to determine the stage of a disease, such as in the early stages of chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
The procedure helps detect pathologies in the early stages, when symptoms are still mild, and also monitors disease progression in patients with chronic respiratory disorders.