Crucial tests to diagnose heart problems
Crucial tests to diagnose heart problems. When it comes to heart diseases, we are so less informed that sometimes it deprives us from the right information and even the right medical assessment and treatment. Adequate knowledge on major diseases, will give you enough scopes to look out for help.
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Crucial tests which are extremely essential in determining the heart health:
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
It generates a graph of the voltage versus the electrical activity of the heart. The sensors attached to the skin detect the electric signals produced by the heart every time it beats.
Coronary angiogram
X ray imaging is used to see the blood vessels of the heart. This is usually done to check for a blockage which might be restricting the flow of blood to the heart.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
This is an imaging technology mostly done to image the non-bony parts or soft tissues of the body. The magnetic field lines up the hydrogen protons in the body. The radio waves then knock the protons out of position. As they realign back into proper position, they send out radio signals. A computer receives the signals and converts them into images of the body. Doctors use this to monitor cardiac disease.
Exercise stress test
Also known as treadmill test, this test helps to figure out how well your heart works. “In a stress test, you walk on a treadmill that makes your heart work progressively harder. An electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors your heart’s electrical rhythms. The doctor also measures your blood pressure and monitors whether you have symptoms like chest discomfort or fatigue. Abnormalities in blood pressure, heart rate, or ECG or worsening physical symptoms could point to coronary artery disease (CAD): fatty deposits (plaques) that reduce the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle,” says a Harvard report.
Coronary computed tomography angiogram
CCTA is a 3D imaging testing method that identifies plaque or any other cause that is narrowing down the coronary arteries.
Echocardiogram
In this ultrasound test, the structure of the heart is checked. It can diagnose several heart related complications like cardiomyopathy and valve disease. This type of testing does not use radiation.
Nuclear cardiac stress test
To create images of blood flowing to the heart Radioactive material is used as a tracer . When the person is at rest and during activity and thus detects poor blood flow or damage to the heart.
Tilt test
To determine the cause of syncope by creating changes in posture from lying to standing. Safety belts attached to the patient ECG and blood pressure monitors connected. To evaluate sudden drop in blood pressure, irregular heart beat, structural heart problem, heart attack and cardiomyopathy ventricular dysfunction.
Blood tests
To determine a heart disease, the common blood tests are high cholesterol, plasma ceramides, natriuretic peptide, Troponin T, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.
