Jinkushal Cardiac Care & Superspeciality hospital

Cardiac Diagnostic Test

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Cardiac Diagnostic Test

Different Tests That Can Confirm Cardiac Illness

The heart is a major organ in the body, which is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to different parts of the body and purify deoxygenated blood. For the whole process of circulation to run smoothly, it is important that the arteries and the veins also work without any problems. However, medical research and survey reports have come up with threatening news that coronary artery diseases are on the rise in people all over the world. Various factors are responsible for the same – right from diet to lifestyle, from stress to hereditary factors, etc.

Understanding the condition of the heart is very important, particularly after a certain age – though now heart ailments are seen in people of all age groups.

In case you feel any kind of chest discomfort, chest pain, shortness of breath, early fatigue etc. make sure that you visit the doctor the doctor will carry out a physical examination of you. He might also suggest some tests and investigations ascertain if you have any kind of coronary artery disease. Fortunately, advancements in medical technology have led to the development of various tests that can confirm cardiac illnesses.

In this blog, we will dive into some of these diagnostic procedures, providing insights into their purpose and methodologies

Blood Tests

Blood tests play a crucial role in diagnosing cardiac illnesses, In case of a heart attack, the heart muscles get damaged, and various kinds of substances are released into the blood from the heart muscles. The levels of these substances can be measured by blood tests, and one can know the extent of heart damage. Levels of Troponin, creatine phospo kinase (CPK – MB) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) are among the biomarkers assessed. Elevated levels of these substances can indicate heart muscle damage, inflammation, or stress or heart failure.

Blood Pressure Monitoring

 Blood Pressure Monitoring

This is simplest test that can be recorded and maintained by patients at home too. Usually, patients with cardiac problems will have high blood pressure levels. Early diagnosis for the reason of high blood pressure may reduce the post ill effects. Sometimes the doctor may ask you to monitor blood pressure at different times of a day.

Chest X-Ray

Chest X-ray helps in taking images of the organs and structures inside the chest, like the heart and the lungs.

Tilt Test

A tilt test enables doctors to observe changes in your blood pressure and heart rate while transitioning from a lying down to a standing position. It helps assess symptoms such as dizziness or light-headedness and determines if these symptoms are linked to variations in blood pressure or heart rate.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Popularly known as ECG.it is one of the most common tests to evaluate heart health. This is non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart over a specific period. Wire leads and small sticky dots are put on the chest, on the legs and the arms of the patient. All these leads are then attached to the ECG machine. Electrodes placed on the skin detect the electrical impulses generated by the heart, producing a graphical representation known as an ECG or EKG. This test helps identify irregular heart rhythms known as arrhythmia, conduction abnormalities, and signs of a previous heart attack.

Holter Monitoring

This is an advance system for continuous monitoring of heart electrical activity, and is called Halter monitoring. This portable device records the heart’s electrical activity over 1-7 days providing a comprehensive picture of any irregularities or abnormalities that may occur during daily activities. Holter monitors are particularly useful for detecting intermittent arrhythmias that may not be captured during a brief ECG.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram or 2d ECHO uses ultrasound waves to create a detailed image of the heart’s structure and function. This imaging test allows healthcare professionals to assess the heart’s chambers, valves, and overall pumping efficiency. , it gives a clear picture as to how strongly the heart pumps blood. Echocardiograms are crucial for diagnosing conditions such as heart valve diseases, congenital heart defects, and assessing heart muscle function (heart attack)

Stress test/ Treadmill test (TMT)

Stress tests, also known as Exercise Tolerance tests Or TMT Trade mill test. It is also one of the most commonly carried out tests for ascertaining the condition of the heart and how it works. People who experience problems while walking or exercising are usually recommended this test. During the test, the doctor will ask the patient to ride a stationary bike or walk on a treadmill while being monitored for changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG readings. Stress tests help identify coronary artery disease, evaluate symptoms like chest pain during exercise, and assess overall cardiovascular fitness.

Electrophysiology Studies

A computer is used in Electrophysiology studies as it helps in finding out about abnormal heartbeats (arrhythmia). Special tubes, which are known as catheters, are inserted into the heart via a vein in the leg. The heart’s electrical activity is recorded by the catheters along with testing the heart’s response to various stimuli. The electrical response of the heart to the stimuli helps in determining the cause and the type of arrhythmia.

MRI

The full form of MRI is Magnetic Resonance Imaging. This is a painless scan where Powerful radio waves and magnets are used for creating detailed images of the heart on the computer screen. Still, as well as moving images of the heart can be captured with MRI. There is no kind of radiation in this test. There is a drumming kind of noise which can be heard when the MRI is in progress. There are some cases in which a special dye is used for making parts of the heart and coronary arteries visible. The current structure of the heart can be seen clearly by the doctors, along with its functioning.

Heart CT Scan

Computerized tomography (CT) is a great way in which doctors can find if there are calcium deposits in the arteries, and this can lead to narrowing of the blood vessels. If the amount of calcium found in the arteries is substantial, chances of coronary artery diseases are high. Sometimes, a CT coronary angiogram also needs to be done for generating images of the heart arteries. A contrast dye is injected intravenously during the process of CT scan.

Angiography

This is probably the ultimate test which needs to be done for detecting coronary artery disease. A coronary angiogram, cardiac catheterization is a small tube (also known as a catheter) is inserted in an artery in the wrist or groin area. The catheter is moved up the artery until it reaches the heart. A special dye is injected into the coronary artery, and continuous X-ray is done. It is essential for diagnosing blockages, assessing blood flow, and guiding interventions like angioplasty or stent placement.

Your cardiologist is the best person to decide which test to be done and when!

Taking steps to keep your heart healthy involves early detection of potential issues. Tests like ECG, Echocardiogram, Stress Tests, Blood Tests, Angiography are vital for diagnosing heart conditions. Regular check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and awareness of risk factors play a crucial role in prevention. If you experience symptoms or have risk factors, seek guidance from our cardiologists at Jinkushal Cardiac Care & Superspeciality Hospital. Our hospital is equipped with the Maharashtra’s most advanced CATH LAB and offers world-class cardiac care facilities.

Author: Jinkushal Cardiac Care Hospital