There are a number of reasons why a doctor would recommend cardiac testing. Among these are that you are showing symptoms of heart disease, you have strong risk factors for it, or you’ve had a recent heart attack.
You may hear a lot of cardiac testing names when you visit your doctor. If you’re wondering what these are and why they’re required, let’s take a closer look at their descriptions and uses.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An ECG is a diagnostic test that measures your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity when you’re resting. During the procedure, up to 12 sensors (electrodes) will be placed on your chest and limbs.
Your doctor would recommend an ECG for the following reasons:
- To detect reduced blood flow during a heart attack
- To determine prior heart attacks
- To diagnose abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), heart inflammation (myocarditis), heart damage as a result of lung conditions, heart damage from systemic diseases, among other heart problems
- To predict the likelihood of a heart attack
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a test that utilizes ultrasound to produce images of your heart, showing how it’s beating and how blood is moving through it. An echocardiogram can either be done when you’re resting or exercising.
Your physician would recommend this type of cardiac testing for the following reasons:
- To evaluate the overall function of your heart
- To identify the cause of a heart murmur
- To further evaluate signs and symptoms of heart disease, such as heart failure, cardiac tumor, congenital heart disease (heart problem that you may have acquired when you were born)
- To monitor how your heart valves are working
Cardiac Stress Test
Cardiac stress test, also called an exercise stress test, is used for monitoring how your heart works during physical activity. During a cardiac stress test, your doctor will instruct you to exercise either on a treadmill or an exercise bike.
A nuclear cardiac stress test is an imaging procedure in which a radioactive substance is injected into your bloodstream. The substance goes into your heart and stresses it—mimicking its reaction during exercise. Nuclear cardiac testing is recommended to those who are not capable of engaging in physical activity.
The following are the possible reasons why your doctor would order a cardiac stress test:
- To check for evidence of inadequate blood supply to your heart muscle during physical activity
- To detect any changes in your heart rhythm during physical activity
- To diagnose coronary artery disease (a heart problem caused by plaque buildup in the wall of your arteries)
- To identify the exact cause of your chest pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms related to heart disease
- To monitor the health of your heart
Cardiac CT Scan
A cardiac CT scan is an X-ray imaging test that produces detailed, cross-sectional pictures of your heart. The procedure also involves the use of a contrast dye to visualize cardiac anatomy and blood circulation.
Your doctor would require a cardiac CT scan for the following reasons:
- To check your heart and blood vessels for any abnormalities
- To confirm coronary artery disease
- To diagnose congenital heart disease
Cardiac MRI
A cardiac MRI uses a combination of a powerful magnet and radio waves to create images of your heart and blood vessels. Usually, a heart MRI is recommended to patients before surgery.
Your doctor may also order this type of cardiac testing for any of the reasons listed below:
- To detect scar tissue within your heart muscle
- To diagnose heart problems, such as those affecting the outside lining of your heart, coronary artery disease, heart tumors, and heart valve disease
Cardiac Testing in Irmo, SC
At SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation, LLC, we are essentially a primary care practice that provides a one-stop care experience through high-quality checkups, sophisticated diagnostic services such as cardiac testing, and even aesthetic services.
If you are concerned about your heart health, you can consult any one of our board-certified internal medicine doctors. We will perform a thorough evaluation of your condition and work with a heart specialist—when need be—to devise an appropriate treatment plan for you.
If you have any questions about our cardiac testing services or would like to make an appointment, call us at (803) 749-1111 or use our online request form now. We are always ready to help you with what you need!
