Heart Disease
112 GVR Medical P.C.
Ida Tetro, MD, DO
Board Certified Internal Medicine & Board-Certified Primary Care Physician located in Forest Hills, NY
Did you know that nearly 650,000 Americans die each year of heart disease? Many of those deaths could have been prevented, which is why Ida Tetro, MD, DO, and the team at 112 GVR Medical P.C. offer comprehensive heart disease screening and treatment to men and women in Forest Hills, Queens. If you or a loved one would like to take a proactive approach to heart health, call the New York City office to schedule a visit or try the easy online booking page to find a time that fits into your busy life.
Heart Disease Q & A
What is heart disease?
The term heart disease describes several conditions. Some of the health problems that fall under the umbrella of heart disease include:
- Coronary artery disease
- Problems with heart rhythm
- Congenital heart defects
- Problems with the heart muscle
- Heart failure
Even though heart disease is the leading cause of death and disability in the United States, many adults pay very little attention to their heart health until an issue arises.
What are some symptoms of heart disease?
It’s important to understand that not all types of heart disease create obvious symptoms, especially in their early stages. When symptoms are present, they can include:
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Rapid heartbeat
- Rapid breathing
- Sweating
- Blue-tinged skin
- Pain in the neck, back, or arms
Knowing what to look for can help you understand when to seek medical care. Listening to the messages your body sends you is an essential part of preserving your health and wellness. Scheduling routine annual physicals is also important, as Dr. Tetro can often find signs of heart disease before symptoms develop.
How is heart disease diagnosed?
Dr. Tetro uses state-of-the-art technology to guide her diagnostic process, combined with face-to-face discussions about your health history, lifestyle, and symptoms. You can rest easy knowing that she and her team are equipped to find answers and develop solutions for all of your heart health needs.
Blood testing
A blood draw can provide a lot of information about how your heart is functioning. Dr. Tetro can use a blood draw to learn more about your cholesterol levels and to check for signs of hardening arteries and other problems.
Electrocardiogram
This diagnostic tool, also called an EKG or ECG, uses electrodes to measure your heart’s electrical activity. The results are provided in a chart format, allowing Dr. Tetro to check for abnormalities.
Ankle-brachial index
This test checks the circulation in your ankle and the circulation in your arm to see if they are relatively the same. The results allow Dr. Tetro to identify potential blockage or narrowing in the arteries of your legs.
Holter monitor
This test uses a small, portable device with electrodes you wear for 24 hours. The machine records a continuous EKG as you move through your daily routine. It’s a great way to identify arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) that other diagnostic tools can miss.
Dr. Tetro will discuss which diagnostic tools are right for you. Based on the results, she can guide you into taking the next step in the diagnostic process, or she can begin a heart disease treatment plan that can improve your heart health.
Begin today by calling the office to schedule an exam. You can also book your visit using the simple online scheduling function, which is available 24 hours a day.