October 12, 2023- Whole-person health has become an increasing priority for primary care physicians. Taking care of a patient in this way includes early diagnosis of chronic illnesses and disease management. Cardiovascular diseases are one chronic illness that can be diagnosed early when physicians perform clinical diagnostic testing on a regular basis. As the leading cause of death globally, according to the World Health Organization,1 it is important to test early and often for cardiovascular diseases.
Primary care physicians can impact the early diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases by performing effective and non-invasive electrocardiogram (ECG) tests. ECGs can help physicians diagnose heart conditions including abnormal heart rhythms and coronary artery disease in a primary care setting.
In the United States, someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds.2 Cardiovascular disease is America’s costliest disease. And, by 2035, direct medical costs of cardiovascular diseases are projected to be at least $749 billion