Common Tests for Diagnosis of Heart Disease
Heart disease encompasses various conditions affecting the heart’s functionality, standing as a prevalent and leading cause of death in India. Over the decades, the prevalence rates of heart disease in the country have fluctuated, ranging from 1.6% to 7.4% in rural populations and 1% to 13.2% in urban populations.
Recognizing common symptoms of heart disease is crucial and should not be overlooked. These may include:
– Shortness of breath
– Chest pain, pressure, discomfort, or tightness
– Weakness, coldness, pain, or numbness in the arms or legs
– Pain in the jaw, throat, upper abdomen, back, or neck.
Tests to Rule Out Heart Disease:
If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to consult a doctor and undergo relevant tests. Early diagnosis significantly reduces the risk of stroke or heart attack. Various tests are available to diagnose heart disease. Some can be conducted proactively, even before symptoms appear, while others are targeted to identify potential causes.
1. Physical Exam and Blood Tests:
Heart health is influenced by genetics, and a doctor can assess the likelihood of heart disease through a physical examination, examination of family history, and basic heart-related blood tests. In some cases, a simple chest X-ray may be recommended to gather information about the shape and size of the heart.
2. Non-invasive Tests:
This is the second step of diagnosing heart disease without any invasive procedure.
Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram is a heart ultrasound that assesses the condition of heart valves and muscles, aiding doctors in identifying potential clots or tumors.
Heart MRI: A heart MRI captures images of your blood vessels during the heartbeat. This painless procedure utilizes magnetic waves to assess the heart and the connected blood vessels. The outcomes assist the doctor in identifying potential heart muscle or coronary artery diseases.
Heart CT: The CT scan employs multiple X-ray images to create a dynamic X-ray movie of the heart and lungs without the need for invasive procedures. Additionally, it is frequently faster than an MRI.
ECG (Electrocardiogram): This test monitors various heart issues by tracking the electrical signals from the heart. Electrodes are strategically placed on the chest to record the heart’s electrical signals that initiate its beating.
3. Invasive Tests:
The doctor may suggest some invasive tests in cases where further investigation is required,
Cardiac catheterization: In this procedure, a catheter is introduced into the heart through the arteries in the groin or hand. The doctor utilizes this catheter to perform tests, examine blood vessel conditions and heart abnormalities, and provide direct insights into blood pressure and patterns of blood flow within the heart.
Cardiologists typically conduct angiograms as part of catheterization. This involves injecting a specialized fluid, known as a dye, through the catheter into a blood vessel or chamber of the heart. Undetected complications may pose a risk of a stroke or heart attack. Regular check-ups, even in the absence of apparent heart or health issues, can substantially reduce this risk.
