Your doctor will perform the clinical examination and ask you about your personal and family medical history. Depending on your clinical presentation and history, you may undergo one or more of the following additional tests:
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An ECG records the heart’s electrical signals, which may indicate abnormalities in both heart rhythm and structure. This can be done while you are at rest or during exercise, which is called a stress test.
Holter Monitoring
The Holter is a portable device that continuously records your heart’s electrical activity, usually for 24 to 72 hours, to detect heart rhythm problems that may not be apparent during a standard ECG.
24-hour blood pressure monitoring – ABPM – Holter blood pressure
The device ABRM is essentially a multi-functional blood pressure monitor which, like a Holter monitor, records blood pressure over a 24-hour period and provides additional reliable information through further analyses and statistical —curves—that help the cardiologist both diagnose and treat hypertension.
Triplex of the heart – Echocardiography
The cardiac triplex is an ultrasound performed on the chest area that provides your doctor with detailed information about the structure and function of your heart.
Fatigue Test (fatigue test)
During a stress test on a treadmill or stationary bike, the doctor monitors the increase in your heart rate to detect possible coronary artery disease.
Dynamic Echocardiogram (stress echo)
The stress echocardiogram is performed during exercise (on a treadmill or stationary bike) or by administering an intravenous medication to increase the heart rate, as in a standard exercise test, while simultaneously monitoring the heart with ultrasound to enhance the diagnostic accuracyin detecting possible coronary artery disease.
Coronary Angiography – Cardiac Catheterization
Using X-ray images, the interventional physician inserts a catheter into an artery, usually in your arm or, alternatively, in the groin, through which the catheter is guided to reach the heart. The administration of a contrast agent that is visible on X-rays allows for the visualization of blood flow through the heart’s coronary arteries and the assessment of any potential blockages in them.
CT Coronary Angiography
It is a method of non-invasive coronary angiography using a CT scanner. It provides important information about the anatomy of the coronary arteries without the need for catheterization or a cardiac catheterization lab.
MRI Cardiac MRI – Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Heart or Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Similar to a CT scan, this MRI exam uses magnets to create detailed images of your heart and chest. It is the most thorough test available and provides a great deal of information about both the structure and function of the heart.