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.

Heart Disease Diagnosis The first step is getting a doctor's exam. Here's a description of what the doctor will do.
How Do You Know if You Have Heart Disease? Here's how to know if you will need the essential medical care that comes with a heart disease diagnosis -- to stabilize the condition immediately, control symptoms over the long term, and cure the disease when possible.
The Basics of EKG Whether you spell it EKG or ECG, it's an electrocardiogram. Learn the basics here.
Chest X-Ray Why get a chest X-ray? What happens? Click here for quick answers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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