Diagnostic Tests for Heart Conditions: A Look at Echocardiograms and Angiograms

Overview

Recently, there has been a spike in the number of Heart Condition Tests for detecting problems. Medical developments have played a crucial role in improving the accuracy and speed of these tests. This has allowed doctors to identify heart problems early and provide better treatment options. 

Types Of Heart Conditions

Before we go further in-depth details of heart diagnostic tests, Let’s look briefly at the signs, types and symptoms of Heart Conditions:

• • Coronary artery disease: Narrowing or blockages in the arteries that supply blood to the heart, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
  • Heart valve disease: Damaged or malfunctioning heart valves, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue.
  • Congenital heart defects: Structural abnormalities present at birth, which can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and poor growth.
  • Heart failure: A condition in which the heart cannot pump sufficient blood to fulfil the body’s demands, resulting in symptoms such as loss of breath, weariness, and oedema of the legs.

Common Types Of Heart Diagnostic Tests

There are several types of heart condition tests that doctors can use to diagnose heart conditions:

Echocardiogram

This scan creates pictures of the heart using sound waves, allowing doctors to see the structure and function of the heart. In addition, an echocardiogram can be used to diagnose various heart conditions, including heart valve problems, congenital heart defects, and heart muscle problems.

Angiogram

This test involves injecting a special dye into the bloodstream and taking X-rays of the heart and blood vessels. In addition, an angiogram can be used to diagnose blockages or other problems in the arteries that supply blood to the heart.

Electrocardiogram (EKG)

One of the Heart Condition tests involves placing electrodes on the chest and limbs to measure the heart’s electrical activity. An EKG can diagnose heart rhythm problems, heart attacks, and other conditions.

Nuclear stress test

This test involves injecting a small amount of radioactive material into the bloodstream and taking images of the heart before and after exercise. Nuclear stress tests can diagnose coronary artery disease and other heart conditions.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

This is one of the Heart Condition tests that uses powerful magnets and radio signals to provide precise pictures of the heart and blood arteries. MRI can diagnose various heart conditions, including heart muscle problems, heart valve problems, and congenital heart defects.

Computed tomography angiography (CTA)

This is one of the Heart condition tests that uses X-rays and computer technology to provide accurate pictures of the heart and blood arteries. CTA can diagnose coronary artery disease, heart valve problems, and other heart conditions.

Types Of Echocardiograms And Angiograms

Let’s read about specific Types

Echocardiogram Types

• Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) uses an external transducer to create images of the heart through the chest wall.
• Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE): uses an internal probe passed through the oesophagus to produce higher-resolution images of the heart.
• Stress echocardiography evaluates the heart’s response to increased workload through exercise.
• Three-dimensional echocardiogram (3D Echo): produces detailed 3D images of the heart’s structure and function.
• Foetal echocardiogram: uses ultrasound to evaluate the heart of a developing foetus during pregnancy.

Angiogram Types

• Coronary Angiogram: An X-ray exam used to visualise the heart’s blood vessels.
• Cerebral Angiogram: an imaging test to visualise brain blood vessels.
• Pulmonary Angiogram: a test used to examine the blood vessels in the lungs.
• Renal Angiogram: a test used to examine the blood vessels in the kidneys.
• Peripheral Angiogram: a test used to examine the blood vessels in the arms or legs.

Common Blood Tests For Heart Conditions

Below are some of the most prevalent varieties of blood tests used to evaluate heart health:

Lipid Panel

This blood test measures cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. High LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels may increase cardiovascular illness and stroke risk.

Cardiac Enzyme Tests

These blood tests measure levels of enzymes that are injected into the bloodstream whenever the heart muscle is harmed. They can help diagnose a heart attack or other cardiac event.

C-reactive Protein (CRP)

This is one of the Heart Condition tests that measure levels of CRP, a protein generated by the liver as a remedy to bodily inflammation. Elevated CRP levels are associated with a greater likelihood of heart disease.

Haemoglobin A1C

This blood test measures average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. High levels of haemoglobin A1C can indicate an increased risk of heart disease, especially in people with diabetes.

Note: Please consult the doctor for a complete analysis. By combining these blood tests and other heart condition tests, doctors can get a complete picture of a patient’s heart health.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert cardiology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

• • Best Cardiologists in delhi
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Conclusion

Heart conditions can cause serious health problems and even death if left untreated. Therefore, diagnosing and treating heart conditions as early as possible is important. Overall, the advancement in Heart Condition tests is a testament to the incredible progress made in medical science in recent years. 

FAQS

Q. What is an echo test and angiogram?
A. Read below:

• • Echo test: A non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart’s structures and function, providing information on heart size, valve function, and blood flow.
  • Angiogram: An invasive test that uses X-rays and a contrast dye to visualise the blood vessels around the heart, providing information on blockages, narrowing, or other abnormalities.

Q. What are the tests to check heart conditions?
A. There are several tests available to evaluate heart health, including:

• • Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
  • Stress test
  • Echocardiogram (echo test)
  • Cardiac catheterisation
  • Coronary angiogram

Q. What is an echocardiogram used to diagnose?
A. This test is commonly used to diagnose and evaluate various heart conditions, such as heart valve disease, heart failure, congenital heart defects, and coronary artery disease. In addition, this test can help assess heart function and blood flow and monitor the effectiveness of treatments.

Q. What three tests are used to check for coronary heart disease?
A. Coronary heart disease is a common heart condition that can be diagnosed through various tests, including:

• • Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
  • Stress test
  • Coronary angiogram

Q. What is the best test for heart blockage?
A. Coronary angiography is considered the standard gold test for diagnosing heart blockages. This test can help healthcare professionals determine the location and severity of the blockage and may be used to guide treatment options such as angioplasty or bypass surgery.

Q. Does the echo test show blockage?
A. An echocardiogram (echo test) does not directly show blockages in the coronary arteries. Still, it can provide valuable information about the heart’s function and detect any signs of heart disease.

Reference

• https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Common-medical-tests-to-diagnose-heart-conditions