Cardiac testing plays a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring heart
conditions. These tests help doctors understand the health of your heart
and detect any potential issues early on. Whether you're experiencing
symptoms or have risk factors for heart disease, cardiac testing can provide
valuable insights.
Types of Cardiac Tests
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram uses sound waves to produce images of your heart. This
test allows doctors to see how your heart is beating and how blood is
moving through it. It can identify abnormalities in the heart muscle and valves.
Reasons for the test:
Determine the cause of a heart murmur
Check the function of heart valves
Assess the overall function of the heart
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
An ECG measures the electrical activity of the heartbeat. It provides information
about the heart's rhythm and can detect abnormalities in the heart's electrical
activity.
Reasons for the test:
Monitor changes in heart rhythm
Determine whether a heart attack has occurred
Help predict if a heart attack is developing
Stress Test
A stress test assesses blood flow to the heart muscle during rest and exercise.
It helps determine how well your heart handles physical activity and can
identify areas with poor blood flow.
Reasons for the test:
Diagnose coronary artery disease
Evaluate the effectiveness of heart treatments
Determine safe levels of exercise
Coronary Angiogram
A coronary angiogram uses X-ray imaging to see the heart's blood vessels.
It helps identify blockages or narrowing in the coronary arteries.
Reasons for the test:
Diagnose coronary artery disease
Plan treatments like angioplasty or stent placement
Evaluate chest pain or other symptoms
CCTA (Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography)
A CCTA is a noninvasive medical imaging test used to visualize the coronary
arteries—the vessels that supply blood to the heart.
Reasons for the test:
You have chest pain or other symptoms of heart disease.
Other tests (like a stress test or echocardiogram) are inconclusive.
You have risk factors for coronary artery disease.
They need to check coronary artery bypass grafts or other heart conditions
When to Contact a Doctor
If you experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness,
or heart palpitations, it's important to contact a doctor or visit the
emergency department. Early detection and treatment of heart conditions
can significantly improve outcomes.
