If you have a family history of heart disease, you may already know the importance of a healthy diet and getting regular exercise. But if you have been diagnosed with heart disease, you may want to keep closer tabs on your heart's health. There are many tests that will help you and your doctor do this. Early diagnosis of some heart diseases means early treatment and fewer complications, so it is important to see your doctor regularly for a proper checkup.
One of the simplest and most important tests is the blood pressure monitor. Because high blood pressure has no symptoms, the only way you can know your blood pressure is by measuring it. Luckily, this can now easily be done at home.
Some, such as the cholesterol test and the blood liver enzyme test, are straight forward blood tests your doctor can order from his office. Others, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), require special equipment and you may be asked to go to the hospital for it.