Heart Health Tests
Early detection of heart disease is critical for effective treatment, and healthcare providers use a variety of specialized tests to identify heart conditions based on your symptoms, risk factors, and medical history.
Cardiac Catheterization
Cardiac catheterization is a medical procedure used to diagnose and treat some heart conditions. For the procedure, your provider puts a catheter (a long, thin, flexible tube) into a blood vessel in your arm, groin, or neck, and threads it to your heart. The provider can use the catheter to:
- Do a coronary angiography by injecting a special dye to visualize coronary arteries via x-ray and check for coronary artery disease (CAD), which is caused by plaque buildup.
- Take samples of your blood and heart muscle.
- Examine your heart valves.
- Perform procedures such as angioplasty or minor heart surgeries to repair congenital heart defects or replace heart valves.
Cardiac CT Scan
A cardiac CT (computed tomography) scan is a painless imaging test that uses x-rays and computer processing to create a three-dimensional (3D) model of your heart and blood vessels. Before the test, you receive an injection of contrast dye to highlight the heart structures. This test helps detect:
- Coronary artery disease
- Calcium buildup in the coronary arteries
- Congenital heart defects
- Problems with the aorta
- Problems with heart function and valves
- Pericardial diseases
Cardiac MRI
Cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses radio waves, magnets, and a computer to create detailed pictures of your heart. It helps providers determine the presence and severity of heart disease, including:
- Congenital heart defects
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart valve problems
- Pericarditis
- Cardiac tumors
- Damage from a heart attack
Chest X-Ray
A chest x-ray creates pictures of the organs and structures inside your chest, including the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. It can reveal signs of heart failure, lung disorders, and other symptoms unrelated to heart disease.
Coronary Angiography
Coronary angiography (angiogram) uses contrast dye and x-ray pictures to examine the insides of your arteries. It reveals the presence and severity of plaque blockages. Providers use this to diagnose heart disease following chest pain, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), or abnormal results from other tests like an EKG or stress test.
Echocardiography
Echocardiography, or echo, is a painless test that uses sound waves to create moving pictures of your heart. It shows the size and shape of the heart and how well the chambers and valves are working. In the most common type, transthoracic echocardiography, a technician uses a transducer to transmit ultrasound waves into your chest, which are then converted into images by a computer.
Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG)
An electrocardiogram, also called an ECG or EKG, is a painless test that detects and records your heart's electrical activity. It monitors heart rate and rhythm, helping to screen for or study conditions such as heart attacks, arrhythmia, and heart failure.
Stress Testing
Stress testing evaluates how your heart functions during physical stress. It is used to diagnose coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, and heart failure. During the test, you exercise—or receive medicine if unable to exercise—while your heart is monitored via EKG and blood pressure checks. Imaging tests, such as an echocardiogram or a nuclear scan using a radioactive tracer, may also be performed.