- 30/July/2019
How Does A Doctor Understand You Have Heart Disease? - Ananthapuri Hospitals
Here is how a doctor confirms you have heart disease!
Your doctor may start with the least complex diagnosis method and go forward from there. When you visit a doctor, he/she will do the following things first:
- Listen to your heartbeat
By listening to your heartbeat, your doctor assesses your heart and valve health, your heart rate and rhythm.
- Check your heart rate
Your doctor feels your pulse to check your heart rate and rhythm. The doctor also understands the strength of blood flow to different areas of your body by checking the force of your pulse.
- Measure your blood pressure (BP)
Your doctor checks your BP. Normal blood pressure for an adult, at rest, is less than 120 over less than 80. A higher reading indicates high blood pressure - which is a risk factor for heart disease.
After performing these simple tests, your doctor may recommend that you take one or a combination of these tests:
Blood tests
If your heart muscle is damaged, your body releases certain substances in your blood. A blood test can measure their levels and reveal the extent of the damage. The most common test done to detect heart problems checks the level of troponin in your blood. Your cholesterol level is also an indicator of heart disease.
Treadmill Stress Test
The doctor may make you walk on a treadmill at a brisk pace. The treadmill is slowly inclined to offer more resistance because of which your heart starts pumping harder and faster. An electrocardiograph (ECG) measures your heart rate, the electrical activity in your heart, and quickly reveals any electrical abnormalities that may be a source of trouble. Your blood pressure is also recorded at periodic intervals.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is done to analyse the pumping and valve function of your heart. An echocardiogram reveals the area of the heart muscle that is impaired and not contracting normally after exercise.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
An MRI may be performed to determine whether there is a blockage that limits the flow of blood to the heart. An MRI can reveal which parts of the heart that receive low blood flow, indicating an obstructed artery.
Cardiac Computed tomography (CT) Angiography
This test is done to check the presence of plaque and how severe the heart arteries have narrowed. CT angiography is done to quickly rule out coronary artery disease in patients admitted with chest pain. A positive CT angiogram indicates the presence of a significant disease and implies a high chance of future heart attack.
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Your doctor may recommend a blood test to check your cholesterol and other parameters that signal heart disease. If you are diagnosed with heart disease, you will be given proper medical care and advice. With the right medications, lifestyle changes or treatment, you may be able to stabilise, control your symptoms or possibly get cured.
The Cardiovascular centre of Ananthapuri Hospitals has state of the art technology to diagnose and treat patients with diverse types of cardiac problems and is equipped with gadgets capable of performing complex interventions. We stay true to our mission of providing service with sincerity and solicitude.
To book an appointment, call us at +91 9400332777 or visit our hospital at Chacka, NH Bypass, Thiruvananthapuram.