Heart disease diagnosis is crucial
Heart disease is one of the major concerns for all of us and a major cause of death not just in India but across the globe. As per a WHO report, India accounts for about one-fifth of the 17.9 million deaths caused by heart attacks globally.However, early detection can help reduce this burden. Timely diagnosis and intervention can help combat heart health conditions successfully. If left untreated, many heart diseases can lead to major consequences such as heart attacks, heart failure, or even sudden cardiac arrest. To diagnose heart conditions at an early stage, here are five medical tests that can help in detecting heart problems:
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An ECG helps in recording the electrical activity of the heart over a certain period. It is one of the important tools used to test for heart disease. The ECG machine records the heart’s electrical signals, which are transmitted as waveforms in the report.
Exercise Stress Test/Treadmill Test
Dr. Sandeep Thakkar, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiology, Manipal Hospital Patiala says, “A procedure in which evaluation is done based on how the heart responds to physical exercise or stress. It gives important details regarding a person's level of fitness and if they encounter symptoms like chest discomfort or shortness of breath when they exert themselves.”
Coronary Angiography
It is used for locating blockages, narrowing, or other issues in the coronary arteries and to examine the blood flow to the heart muscle. It is a vital diagnostic tool in cardiology and helps doctors decide which treatment option to use.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
An imaging technique used to visualise the heart's composition and operation It gives detailed pictures of the heart and surrounding blood vessels and evaluates how effectively the heart is pumping blood.
Echocardiogram
A minimally invasive ultrasound test that uses sound waves to provide detailed pictures of the heart. It is used to track the development of heart problems over time and is frequently carried out during pre-operative planning for heart operations and procedures.
The takeaway
These medical tests play a significant role in the treatment of heart conditions and overall well-being as they help in the early identification, diagnosis, and management of heart diseases. A doctor can suggest different combinations of tests to diagnose a heart condition. This depends on different factors, like symptoms and medical background. It is also important to identify the early signs and symptoms of heart disease and consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Also Read: Heart attack: How salt and sugar can both affect heart health
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