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Heart HealthRoutine tests to detect heart diseaseDiagnostic tests are usually needed to confirm the presence and severity of coronary heart disease. Often, more than one test is needed because different tests provide different information. The primary tests used to diagnose heart disease are described below. Many are not invasive procedures, meaning they require no needles or probes. Most of this testing is done "on the outside of the body", and is completely painless.These tests include:
This is a graphic record of the heart’s electrical activity as it beats. This can show abnormal heartbeats, muscle damage, blood flow problems, and heart enlargement.
This records the ECG during exercise, usually on a treadmill or exercise bicycle. Some heart problems show up only when more effort is asked of the heart, as happens during increased activity. So the exercise ECG may be done even if the resting ECG is normal.
These may be done with an ECG or a nuclear scan to assess heart muscle concentration or blood flow in the heart. Some women may not be able to exercise due to arthritis, osteoporosis or another condition. For them, a stress test can be done without exercise by using a medication that increases blood flow.
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