How Is Heart Disease Diagnosed?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, affecting people of all ages and from all walks of life. Heart disease sees an incredible amount of research and funding, scientists are committed to reducing the deaths and damage it causes.

Heart disease can go unnoticed before it’s too late, so being able to efficiently diagnose it is absolutely crucial. As technology continues to develop, so do diagnostic methods for various different medical conditions. Let’s take a look at how doctors and healthcare services diagnose heart disease. Keep reading to find out more.

CT Scans

A computerised tomography scan, generally shortened as CT scan, is a type of imaging procedure used to generate high quality images of the inside of the body. They use X-ray machines and specialised computer software to create these images, which can then be used by doctors to aid diagnosis and treatment.

A cardiac CT scan is used to diagnose conditions of the cardiovascular system, including heart disease, blocked arteries, and damaged valves. Also known as a coronary angiogram, cardiac CT scans are non-invasive and pain-free. They are straightforward procedures that can be completed in as little as 20 minutes, making them an increasingly popular choice for heart disease diagnostic investigations.

Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram, or ECG, is a routine procedure carried out during health check ups and tests. It works by using sensors that are attached to the skin to measure the rhythm of the heartbeat and electrical activity in the body. These metrics can be read by a doctor or healthcare worker to check if the heart is functioning correctly. ECGs are easy to perform and incredibly useful for checking for things like heart disease, as well as heart attacks, arrythmia, and cardiomyopathy.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is a type of scan that doctors can use to look at the heart as well as the neighbouring blood vessel systems. It uses ultrasound technology, sending out soundwaves into the body that reflect back to generate an image. There are various different types of echocardiograms. A stress echocardiogram is done after you have exercised, this is to check that your hope can cope well under pressure. A transoesophageal echocardiogram sends a probe down the throat to take images of the heart from inside the body. These are often done when doctors need more detailed images.

Cardiac Catheterisation

Cardiac catheterisation is a procedure in which a thin catheter is guided to the heart through a blood vessel in the hand or forearm. It can be used to check for various different types of heart disease, such as coronary heart disease, congenital heart disease, and microvascular heart disease. While serious side effects are uncommon, cardiac catheterisation does come with risks of bleeding, blood clots, and damage to the artery or blood vessels.

Conclusion

Heart disease affects millions of people and is the number one cause of death on the planet. If your doctor suspects you are suffering from heart disease, they may order a round of testing to get an idea of what is happening. Use this guide to know what to expect.