In the case of heart disease, the earlier the correct diagnosis can be made, the better are the chances of treatment and recovery from the problem. Medical science has advanced tremendously in the field of heart disease, and timely diagnosis can help to cure the problem to a great extent.
There are many different laboratory tests that can reveal if the patient is suffering from a cardiac or vascular disease. Some of the tests assess the condition of the heart on the basis of the internal photographs of the organ.
The choice of tests can vary from person to person, depending upon the nature of symptoms, the medical and family history of the patient, and the history of disease itself. Especially, in the case coronary arterial disease, it is more difficult to determine the exact condition of the heart and extent of the problem. Therefore, the doctors have to use a combination of tests to try and estimate the correct condition.
The preliminary diagnosis is done simply as an external physical examination by listening the heartbeat or calculating the heart rate with the help of a stethoscope. Second preliminary requisite is measuring the blood pressure of the patient. The third external test can be the X-ray of the heart to visually see the heart condition and determine whether any abnormalities are visible.
If the doctor feels the need for more detailed tests, once the preliminary examinations have been performed, there are following tests that may be conducted in patients with varying heart conditions:
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
This test is performed in order to assess the electrical activity of the heart. Small electrode patches are connected to the various body parts of the patient, and it helps to assess the heart rhythm and blood flow to the heart, and can help to identify a condition of heart attack.
Stress test
It helps to estimate how much of physical exertion the heart can sustain before it develops an abnormal non-rhythmic heartbeat or a condition of ischemia.
Tilt table test
The head-up tilt table test is used to determine the exact cause behind the fainting spells that a patient may be experiencing.
Echocardiogram
This is a comprehensive test that uses the ultrasound technology to determine the condition of the heart muscles, valves and the chances of heart malfunction. It provides an estimate of the general condition of the heart. It is also used to assess the actual improvement in the heart condition after a treatment or a surgical procedure.
Coronary angiography
This test is also known as cardiac catheterization. It is an invasive test that helps the physician to actually “see” the images of how the heart is performing. The procedure of this test involves insertion of a long, narrow tube right up to the heart, and then a colored chemical is spread to the heart valves, chambers and coronary arteries. So the colored images can show the exact images of the heart.
Electrophysiology (EP) test
If the heart is experiencing rhythmic disturbances, this test helps to determine the exact cause of such condition. It tracks electrical activity and electrical pathways to the heart to understand the causes, and thereby suggest the appropriate treatment for it. |
Back to Bizymoms Home Page 
