Skip to main content
Logo for WebMD
  • Home
  • Conditions

    Conditions

    View All
    • ADD/ADHD
    • Allergies
    • Arthritis
    • Atrial fibrillation
    • Breast Cancer
    • Cancer
    • Crohn's Disease
    • Depression
    • Diabetes
    • DVT
    • Eczema
    • Eye Health
    • Heart Disease
    • HIV & AIDS
    • Lung Disease
    • Lupus
    • Mental Health
    • Multiple Sclerosis
    • Migraine
    • Pain Management
    • Psoriasis
    • Psoriatic Arthritis
    • Rheumatoid Arthritis
    • Sexual Conditions
    • Skin Problems
    • Sleep Disorders
    • Ulcerative Colitis
    • View All
  • Drugs & Supplements

    Drugs & Supplements

    • Drugs
    • Supplements
    • Pill Identifier
    • Interaction Checker
  • Well-Being

    Well-Being

    View All
    • Aging Well
    • Baby
    • Birth Control
    • Children's Health
    • Diet & Weight Management
    • Fitness & Exercise
    • Food & Recipes
    • Healthy Beauty
    • Men's Health
    • Parenting
    • Pet Health
    • Pregnancy
    • Sex & Relationships
    • Teen Health
    • Women's Health
    • View All
  • Symptom Checker
  • Find a Doctor
  • More

    More

    • News
    • Blogs
    • Podcasts
    • Webinars
    • Newsletters
    • WebMD Magazine
    • Best Hospitals
    • Support Groups
    • Surgeries and Procedures
    • Orthopedics
  • Privacy & More
Log In
    • Heart Disease
    • Guide
    • Overview & Facts
      • What Is Heart Disease?
      • Are You at Risk?
      • Prevention
    • Symptoms & Types
      • Symptoms
      • Types of Heart Disease
      • Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
      • Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
    • Diagnosis & Tests
      • Heart Disease Diagnosis
      • Echocardiogram
    • Treatment and Care for Heart Disease
      • Interventions
      • Medications
      • Care
    • Living & Managing
    • Support & Resources
    • View Full Guide

    Diagnosis & Tests

    Exactly when do you go from having risk factors to having heart disease? These links take you to information on the tests a doctor uses to diagnose heart disease.

    1. Heart Disease Diagnosis

      1. Heart Disease Diagnosis

        The first step is getting a doctor's exam. Here's a description of what the doctor will do.

    2. Echocardiogram

      1. Echocardiogram

        There are several variations on the echocardiogram, or "echo," as doctors call it. Learn about these ultrasound-like tests of the heart -- and find out what to expect -- here.

      2. Chest X-Ray

        Why get a chest X-ray? What happens? Click here for quick answers.

      3. Stress Test

        Does your heart respond well to exertion? That's what a stress test looks for. Here's a straightforward description, including how to prepare for a stress test.

         

      4. Tilt Table Test

        The head-up tilt table test is used to help find the cause of fainting spells. Here's what you need to know.

      5. Cardiac Catheterization

        Cardiac catheterization -- also called a coronary angiogram -- means running a catheter into your heart. It's done to help doctors see what's going on in there, and whether they need to operate. Here's where to learn about it.

      6. Electrophysiology Test

        Electrophysiology -- the EP test -- takes measurements of your heart rhythm and records the electrical activity and pathways of your heart. Start preparing for it by clicking here.

      7. CT Heart Scan

        Computed tomography (CT scan) of the heart can visualize your heart’s anatomy. Calcium-score heart scan and coronary CT angiography are just a few types used to diagnose heart disease.

      8. Myocardial Biopsy

        A myocardial biopsy is when a doctor uses a special catheter to remove a piece of your heart tissue for examination. Click here to learn why it's done.

      9. Heart MRI

        A heart MRI is a great way for doctors to get a look -- from the outside -- at how your heart is working. Read about it here.

      10. Pericardiocentesis

        Pericardiocentesis -- also called a pericardial tap -- means using a needle to get a sample of the fluid in the sac surrounding the heart. Here's what you need to know.

      11. Cardiac Perfusion Scan

        A cardiac perfusion test tells your doctor if the muscles of your heart are getting enough blood. Here's how it works.

    Top Picks

    Today on WebMD

    Who Needs a Pacemaker?

    Get details and learn what to expect after the procedure.

    Recovery After Heart Attack

    What to know about pain, your emotions, and diet changes.

    Recommended for You

    Shocking Heart Deaths: Why Do They Happen?

    Alcohol and Your Heart

    After a Heart Attack

    Health Solutions from Our Sponsors

    • Penis Curved When Erect?
    • Could I have CAD?
    • Treat Bent Fingers
    • Treat HR+, HER2- MBC
    • Tired of Dandruff?
    • Benefits of CBD
    • Rethink MS Treatment
    • AFib-Related Strokes
    • Risk of a Future DVT/PE
    • Is My Penis Normal?
    • Relapsing MS Options
    • Liver Transplants Save Lives
    • Finance Plastic Surgery
    • Bent Finger Causes
    • Living With Psoriasis?
    • Missing Teeth?

    More from WebMD

    • 5 Tips to Help With Relapsing MS
    • How to Thrive With Narcolepsy
    • Relief for Blocked Hair Follicles
    • Psoriatic Arthritis and Your Sleep
    • What Psoriasis Feels Like
    • First Psoriatic Arthritis Flare
    • Talking to Your Doctor About RA
    • Crohn's: A 'Full-Body' Disease
    • Avoiding Crohn’s Flares
    • Health Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil
    • Live Better With Psoriatic Disease
    • Types of B-Cell Therapy for MS
    • 5 Health Benefits of Hemp
    • Why Prostate Cancer Spreads
    • Living with Advanced Breast Cancer
    • Where Breast Cancer Spreads

    Related Links

    • Heart Disease News
    • Heart Disease Reference
    • Heart Disease Slideshows
    • Heart Disease Quizzes
    • Heart Disease Videos
    • Find a Cardiologist
    • Heart Disease Medications
    • Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk
    • Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
    • Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
    • Abnormal Heart Rhythms
    • Angina
    • Atrial Fibrillation
    • Cholesterol Management
    • Diabetes
    • Heart Failure
    • High Blood Pressure
    • Metabolic Syndrome
    • Cholesterol & Your Heart
    • Stroke
    • More Related Topics
    • Policies

      • Privacy Policy
      • Cookie Policy
      • Editorial Policy
      • Advertising Policy
      • Correction Policy
      • Terms of Use
    • About

      • Contact Us
      • About WebMD
      • Careers
      • Newsletter
      • Corporate
      • WebMD Health Services
      • Site Map
      • Accessibility
    • Our Apps

      • WebMD Mobile
      • WebMD App
      • Pregnancy
      • Baby
      • Allergy
    • For Advertisers

      • Advertise with Us
      • Advertising Policy
    • Visit WebMD on Facebook
    • Visit WebMD on Twitter
    • Visit WebMD on Pinterest
    • TRUSTe
    • TAG Registered Seal
    • Adchoices

    © 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. All rights reserved. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

    See additional information.

    Logo for WebMD