DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
Understanding Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT) and Electrocardiograms (EKG)
Two common diagnostic tests that play a crucial role in assessing our heart and lung health.
Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)
What is it?
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PFTs measure how well our lungs are working. They help diagnose and monitor conditions like asthma, COPD, and other lung diseases.
Types of PFTs:
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Spirometry: Measures the amount and speed of air you can inhale and exhale.
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Body Plethysmography: Assesses lung volumes and how much air remains in the lungs after exhaling.
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Diffusion Capacity Test (DLCO): Evaluates how well oxygen passes from the lungs into the blood.
Why is it important?
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Understanding your lung function can help manage breathing issues and improve your quality of life.
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
What is it?
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An EKG records the electrical activity of the heart. It’s used to diagnose arrhythmias, heart attacks, and other heart conditions.
How does it work?
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Electrodes are placed on your chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes capture the heart's electrical signals, displayed as waves on a graph.
Why is it important?
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An EKG can provide critical insights into your heart health, helping to prevent and manage heart disease.
Both PFT and EKG are non-invasive, quick, and provide valuable information that can help keep our hearts and lungs healthy.
Take care of your health, and if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us!
