Diagnosing Heart Disease

A physician can tell if you have coronary artery disease and the extent of it by:

• Checking your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar
• Talking to you about your symptoms, medical history and risk factors
• Performing a physical exam
• Performing diagnostic tests, including the following will help your doctor evaluate the extent of your coronary heart disease, its effect on the function of your heart and the best form of treatment for you.

Electrocardiogram (EKG)

This test is an electrical tracing of the heart rhythm. Specialists perform an EKG to determine whether or not there is any evidence of a rhythm disturbance or prior heart attack.

Exercise electrocardiogram (ECG)

This test evaluates how a woman’s heart responds to the increased demands of exercise. It gives information about level of fitness is a good screening test for coronary artery disease. This can be done alone or paired with an imaging test such as nuclear scanning or echocardiography.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart and provides a great deal of information about the function of the heart muscle and valves. I can show whether or not an individual has had a prior heart attack or heart changes caused by high blood pressure.

Cardiac CT

This test examines the coronary arteries and provides information about the calcium content of he coronary arteries and whether or not significant blockages are present in the arties.

Cardiac catheterization with coronary angiography

This test examines possible coronary artery blockages and provides valuable information about pressures within the heart. If a coronary artery blockage is identified, treatment with a coronary stent (a tube that holds the artery open) can be performed at the same time.