The heart, a muscular pump, is an indispensable organ for the proper functioning of the human body. It never rests and it works even when we are asleep. It beats approximately 60 to 80 times a minute and pumps 4.5 to 5 litres of blood per minute. It beats harder when we feel fear, panic or joy. In short, the heart is the engine of the whole body and when it breaks down, a problem arises. The most common diseases that can affect the heart include ischaemic heart disease, which can lead to myocardial infarction, disorders of the cardiac conduction system and hypertensive heart disease.

How to protect the heart

How should we take care of this vital organ? By not smoking, avoiding excessive stress and getting enough exercise. “Obesity and overeating in general, an inappropriate and unbalanced diet, high alcohol consumption and a sedentary lifestyle are not good for the heart,” explains MUDr. Michaela Jůzlová, a cardiologist at Canadian Medical. However, heart function can be influenced by other factors that we cannot control – our age, gender and family medical history. “In the event of a diagnosis of heart disease, it is necessary to go along with the treatment determined by the attending physician. Otherwise, there is a risk of health complications and, in extreme cases, even death,” MUDr. Jůzlová adds.

How to know the heart is not healthy

Heart disease is often hidden, with no symptoms or with symptoms that are mistakenly attributed to other illnesses. The most common warning symptoms include shortness of breath. Chest pain, irregular heartbeat, fatigue, swelling and loss of appetite may also occur.

It is important to recognise and catch the disease early. Therefore, the patient should undergo regular preventive examinations and not wait for the first symptoms to appear. Another useful means of prevention is laboratory tests, thanks to which we can detect heightened risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, high cholesterol and an elevated level of uric acid. We then discuss the results in detail with the patient and come up with a proposal for the next course of action.

Testing the heart in the laboratory

For patients who suspect that they may have heart disease or who have an unfavourable family medical history, EUC Laboratories offers a tailored bundle of tests called Healthy Heart and Blood Vessels. All the patient has to do is come to a clinic and provide a blood sample, as one of the advantages of the bundle is the possibility to discuss the test results with a doctor remotely via the Doctor Online 24/7 service.

The examination is performed using venous blood, which the patient usually provides in the morning and on an empty stomach. The patient should not eat or smoke for at least 12 hours before collection of the sample. It is also recommended that the patient drink at least a quarter of a litre of water or unsweetened tea prior to collection. The results are available the next business day.

MUDr. Michaela Jůzlová, cardiologist at Canadian Medical