How is Heart Disease Diagnosed?

How is Heart Disease Diagnosed?

Heart disease is an umbrella term for various conditions that disturb the normal functioning of the heart. It is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, including India, and ranges from 1.6% to 7.4% in rural areas and from 1% to 13.2% in urban areas. Early diagnosis is critical for the effective management and treatment of the condition. Let’s look at the common tests used to diagnose heart disease, and the importance of seeking care at SRM Global Hospitals—the leading heart hospital—and consulting with leading heart surgeons for better outcomes.

Symptoms of Heart Disease

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain, pressure, discomfort, or tightness
  • Weakness, coldness, pain, or numbness in your arms or legs
  • Pain in the jaw, throat, upper abdomen, back, or neck
  • Pain in the chest radiating to the arm or back

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately at the best heart hospital for a comprehensive evaluation.

Diagnosis of Heart Disease

When you experience any of these signs/symptoms, you should visit a doctor and get some tests done. Early diagnosis can lower your chances of getting a stroke or a heart attack. There are different types of tests to diagnose heart disease. Some of these tests can be useful even before the signs of heart disease appear, while others are specifically performed to look for the possible causes.

1. Physical Exam and Blood Tests

A complete physical examination, including family history, and some basic blood tests, make it easier for a cardiologist to detect the possibility of heart disease. Sometimes a simple chest X-ray may also be useful to assess the size of the heart.

2. Investigations

  • Echocardiogram (EKG) : An ultrasound of your heart used to evaluate heart valves and muscles, identifying blood clots or tumors inside the heart.
  • MRI : Creates images of your blood vessels while the heart is beating using magnetic waves, helping diagnose muscle or coronary artery diseases.
  • Heart CT : Multiple X-ray images of the lungs and heart taken faster and more effectively than an MRI.
  • ECG (Electrocardiogram) : Analyzes electrical signals from the heart to monitor various heart problems using electrodes on the chest, wrists, and ankles wired to a machine that prints out your heart’s electrical activity. This test provides initial insights into your heart rhythm and heart rate, making it a useful starting point for diagnosing heart problems.
  • Cardiac Catheterization : A catheter is inserted into the heart through the groin, hand, and arteries to check for problems with the blood vessels of the heart.
  • Angiogram : Performed during catheterization, a special dye is injected to visualize blood vessels or heart chambers, showing how much the coronary arteries are narrowed and how well the heart is pumping, helping doctors decide on the best treatment.
  • Heart Monitor : A wearable heart monitor provides a comprehensive picture of cardiac activity over an extended period, such as 24-hour stretches or longer.
  • Stress Testing : Involves exercising on a treadmill while monitoring your heart’s activity through an EKG and blood pressure cuff. This test helps identify how exertion impacts your heart, potentially revealing blocked arteries or poor blood circulation.
  • Coronary Computed Tomography Angiogram (CCTA) : Provides a 3D image of the heart chambers and coronary arteries using CT scan technology. This non-invasive test is useful for diagnosing coronary artery disease, especially in patients with unusual cardiac symptoms.
  • Electrophysiology Studies : Involves inserting catheters into the heart to record electrical activity and test responses to various stimuli, helping identify the type and cause of arrhythmias, guiding appropriate treatment.

Importance of Regular Check-Ups

Regular check-ups at the leading heart hospital are crucial for early detection and prevention of heart disease. Routine evaluations can identify risk factors and early signs of heart disease, enabling timely intervention by leading heart surgeons.

Heart disease remains a significant health challenge, but early diagnosis through the right tests can make a substantial difference. Whether through non-invasive procedures like echocardiograms and MRIs or invasive techniques like cardiac catheterization and angiograms, the best cardio hospital provides the necessary tools and expertise for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Regular check-ups and choosing the best heart hospital, such as https://srmglobalhospitals.com/SRM Global Hospitals equipped with leading heart surgeons, are vital steps in managing heart health and preventing serious complications.

Taking proactive measures and seeking care from the best cardio surgeon and hospital can lead to better heart health and a longer, healthier life.