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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Test to Find Heart Blockage
Introduction
Heart blockages, also known as coronary artery disease (CAD), occur when the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup. Diagnosing these blockages is crucial to prevent heart attacks and other complications.
Diagnostic Tests for Heart Blockage
There are several tests used to detect heart blockage, each with specific indications:
1. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- Measures the electrical activity of the heart.
- Can detect past heart attacks and abnormal rhythms.
2. Echocardiogram
- Uses ultrasound to create images of the heart.
- Assesses heart function and detects structural abnormalities.
3. Stress Test
- Involves exercising on a treadmill or taking medication to stimulate the heart.
- Helps detect blockages by evaluating how well the heart handles stress.
4. Coronary Calcium Scan (CT Scan)
- Uses computed tomography (CT) to measure calcium deposits in arteries.
- Higher calcium scores suggest a higher risk of blockages.
5. Coronary Angiography (Cardiac Catheterization)
- Considered the gold standard for detecting blockages.
- Involves injecting a contrast dye into the coronary arteries while taking X-ray images.
- Identifies the exact location and severity of blockages.
What Test is Right for You?
The best test depends on your symptoms, risk factors (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol levels), and overall health. Talk to your doctor to determine the most appropriate test based on your individual case.
Conclusion
Early detection of heart blockage can prevent serious complications like heart attacks. If you experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue, consult your doctor for proper testing and management.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Stable Ischemic Heart Disease
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001168
- https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000095
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25077860/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001038
2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Coronary Syndromes
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Chronic-Coronary-Syndromes
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31504439/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/41/3/407/5556137
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39210710/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/36/3415/7743115
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.