Family Practice vs Internal Medicine. You may wonder if there is any difference between family practice and internal medicine. There need be no wonder as there are specific differences between family practice and internal medicine. When family medical practitioners deal with the comprehensive health of all individuals, internal medicine practitioners specialize in some category.
Common tests for heart function include: Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heartbeat. An ECG gives two major kinds of information. First, by measuring time intervals on the ECG, a doctor can determine how long the electrical wave takes to pass through the heart.
A stress test can determine if you have heart disease. A doctor or trained technician performs the test. Heâll learn how much your heart can manage before an abnormal rhythm starts or blood flow to your heart muscle drops. There are different types of these. The exercise stress test -- also known as an exercise electrocardiogram, treadmill test, graded exercise test, or stress EKG -- is used most often. It lets your doctor know how your heart responds to being pushed. Youâll walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike. Itâll get more difficult as you go.