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.
Your doctor or cardiologist can take a close look at your heart using an echocardiogram. An echocardiogram is a common ultrasound test that examines your heart and shows its movements. The procedure is helpful in identifying any abnormalities in your heart and heart valves. During the test, sound waves are used to produce images of your heart. An echocardiogram examines: Heart size: The chambers or the muscular walls of your heart may be enlarged due to damaged heart valves, high blood pressure, or other diseases. Heart valves: The test shows whether your valves are shaped normally, whether they open and close correctly, and whether they are leaky.