Myocardial infarction or heart attack is a leading cause of death among individuals throughout the country. Awareness and knowledge about the remedial actions and the correct diagnosis are imperative to treat the patient. Dr.Rahul Gupta mentions the enemies of the heart like high blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, alcohol, and physical inactivity.
Let’s understand the Diagnostic Test for Heart Disease
Summary
A plan of action followed by an effective regime is necessary to assist and support the patient. It becomes integral to prevent the recurrence of heart disease. Widely recognized test to detect the root cause of heart disease includes the following:
- ECG
- ECHO
- Stress Test, TMT, and Stress ECHO
- HOLTER
- CT Angio
- CAG
According to a current study, the prevalence of coronary diseases in India is estimated between a range of 1.6% to 7.4% in rural areas and from 1% to 13.2% in urban locales. Hypertension, obesity, and diabetes are the three leading causes of cardiovascular diseases. A close analysis of the medical tests generates an accurate understanding of the causes. It detects early signs of the disease and traverses the path of early treatment.
Diagnostic Test for Heart Disease
ECG
Every heartbeat causes an electrical wave or impulse enabling the heart to pump blood to other parts of the body. The test is recognized as electrocardiogram and abbreviated as EKG or EKG. It enables the detection of the activity of electrical waves of the heart. The length of the waves enables the doctor to understand the activity of the heart. It measures whether the heartbeat is irregular, normal, or fast.
ECHO
Echocardiography uses sound waves to transmute them into images of the heart. This image is called an echocardiogram. It is beneficial to undergo this test for the detection of blood clots around the chambers of the heart, issues with the heart valves, presence of the fluid in the sac around the heart. This test is integral in determining the efficient functioning of the heart. It enables a doctor to record irregular heart issues.
Stress Test- TMT, Stress ECHO
To facilitate the proper functioning of the heart and blood vessels, the echocardiography stress test or stress echo test is conducted. The doctor monitors the heart rate while the patient exercises on a treadmill or exercise bike. The rhythm of the heart is closely observed and recorded by the doctor. The ultrasounds are recorded when the heart rate reaches its highest, to record the supply of optimum oxygen to the heart while exercising.
HOLTER
A portable electrocardiogram or ECG is known as a HOLTER monitor. It enables the individual to record the heartbeat while he is away from the doctor’s chamber. Electrodes or small plastic patches are attached to the chest and the abdomen. It is an effective method of recording the electrical activity of the heart. These electrodes connected to the EKG machine are instrumental in recording and printing the data collected from this test.
CT Angio
Computed Tomography Angiography or (CTA) is partially like an X-ray, where the computer imprints cross-sectional images of the body. The test is beneficial in detecting abnormalities in the blood vessels. It helps detect ruptures in the blood vessels, aneurysms (that are enlarged blood vessels). This test helps in preventing stroke or heart attack.
CAG
A coronary angiogram is similar to CT angiography in using X-ray to record images of the heart. It uses a method of injecting a dye into the coronary blood vessels. The angiograms are the recorded images of the blood vessels. This is a test for diagnosing heart conditions. A doctor recommends an angiogram in case an individual experiences pain in the jaw, arm, or neck, which remains undetected by other tests.
Immediate diagnosis of heart diseases provides the individual sufficient time to take action. The growing need to maintain a healthier lifestyle is associated with the risk of cardiac arrests. Dr.Gupta mentions, that the cause of 17 million deaths yearly is cardiac disease. Therefore, individuals must be aware of the tests that may diagnose their disease at the earliest for speedy treatment and recovery.
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Doctor Speaks
Dr. Rahul Gupta
MD, DM, FESC(Europe), FSCAI, IACC(USA)
Sr Consultant Cardiologist, Head of the Department
Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, Cardium Clinic Vashi
