As TCM continues to integrate within the US healthcare system, its influence in certain areas is now becoming apparent. I discussed how TCM practitioners are becoming more proficient in interpreting western medical tests, like blood tests or metabolic panels. Another set of tests that practitioners are being assessed concerns the cardiovascular system.

As patients, with cardiovascular issues, are coming to TCM for both preventive and acute treatments, they are bringing any tests that they have received. The most basic test is the electrocardiogram (ECG). This tests simply records the electrical activity in the heart. So, if a patient comes to me with complaints of chest congestion, I would ask him if he ever had an ECG performed. If he has, I would ask to consult with his primary care.

Another test that is now useful for TCM practitioner to assess is the echocardiogram. The test utilizes ultrasound to show the four chambers of the heart. If the patient has a history of murmurs or is suspected of having one, a learned TCM practitioner can discuss the advantages of this test, with his patient. He is more readily to have a discussion with the patient’s cardiologist or even refer him to one.

Other tests used to measure heart activity are: cardiac stress tests., metabolic base panels, and cardiac catheterization, if the doctor needs to be more invasive in his examination. I can say that, as a TCM practitioner, even just having a basic understanding of why these tests are used has helped me in treating my patients.

I have learned that being able to communicate with western clinicians, in their language, has helped my patients to get the advantage of a truly integrated type of care. In addition, western doctors appreciate me communicating in terms they understand and are more motivated to learn my TCM clinical language.

Integration is the future and a TCM practitioner be comfortable discussing these western heart medical tests.