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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.
Types of Heart Tests
Introduction
Understanding the different types of heart tests can help identify cardiovascular diseases early and manage heart health effectively. Doctors use various diagnostic tools to assess the structure, function, and electrical activity of the heart. Below, we break down the most common heart tests and their purposes.
1. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
Purpose: Records the electrical activity of the heart to detect arrhythmias, heart attacks, or other heart conditions.
How it Works: - Electrodes are attached to the skin to measure electrical impulses. - The test is painless and takes just a few minutes.
2. Echocardiogram (Echo)
Purpose: Uses ultrasound waves to create images of the heart to assess its structure and function.
Types: - Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE) – Non-invasive and performed externally on the chest. - Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) – Uses a probe inserted through the esophagus for clearer images of the heart.
3. Stress Test (Exercise or Pharmacologic)
Purpose: Evaluates how the heart functions under stress to detect coronary artery disease.
Types: - Exercise Stress Test – Patient walks/runs on a treadmill while heart activity is monitored. - Pharmacologic Stress Test – Medication is used to simulate exercise in patients who cannot physically exercise.
4. Holter Monitor (Ambulatory ECG Monitoring)
Purpose: Monitors heart rhythm continuously for 24–48 hours to detect intermittent arrhythmias.
How it Works: - A portable ECG device records heart activity while the patient carries out daily activities.
5. Cardiac MRI and CT Scan
Purpose: Advanced imaging techniques allow for detailed visualization of the heart’s structure, blood flow, and function.
Types: - CT Coronary Angiography – Detects blockages in coronary arteries. - Cardiac MRI – Provides high-resolution images of the heart’s tissues and function.
6. Coronary Angiography (Cardiac Catheterization)
Purpose: Detects blockages in the coronary arteries using contrast dye and X-ray imaging.
How it Works: - A catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart. - Contrast dye is injected, and X-ray images are taken.
Conclusion
The choice of test depends on the patient's symptoms and medical history. Some tests are non-invasive while others require more detailed procedures. Consult your doctor to determine which tests are right for you.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
- https://www.heart.org/
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-statements
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults
- https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/39/4043/7238227
- https://www.escardio.org/
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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.