Depending on your age, health, and family history, you may have some of these tests every year to check your risk. Screening guidelines from the American Heart Association advise regular testing to check blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels starting at age 20.
Most doctors agree that you should be checked for heart disease if you are older than 39, have diabetes or more than one risk factor for heart disease, and want to start a vigorous exercise program or plan to have major surgery.
Tests to diagnose coronary artery disease
If your doctor thinks you may have heart disease, you will need some tests to make sure. Most often, the first tests include:
- An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG).
- A chest X-ray.
- Blood tests.
- An exercise electrocardiogram. This is also called a "stress test."
Other tests may include:7
- Cardiac perfusion scan. This test shows if you have enough blood flow to the heart.
- Echocardiogram and stress echocardiogram. This test uses ultrasound to see areas of poor blood flow in the heart. It can also check how well your heart is working after a heart attack. The test can help your doctor find out how much blood your heart is pumping during each heartbeat (ejection fraction).
- Coronary angiogram. This is an X-ray test that creates pictures of the blood flow through your coronary arteries. It allows your doctor to see any blockage or narrowing of the artery. It's done using a soft, thin tube (catheter) that is put in a blood vessel in the arm or groin and gently moved into the heart. Most often, the test is only done if bypass surgery or angioplasty is an option. For more information, see:
Last Updated:
May 29, 2008
