Cardiovascular Assessments and Diagnostic Tools

A cardiac CT scan is a non-invasive alternative to look at the coronary arteries. Similar to an X-ray procedure, it examines the coronary arteries for blockages and abnormalities that impede blood flow, potentially leading to chest pains (angina) or heart attacks

A cardiac MRI is a non-invasive test that employs a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to generate highly detailed images of your heart and arteries. It is typically requested for individuals with more advanced or complex heart conditions.

A coronary angiogram is a specialised X-ray test that shows whether your coronary arteries are narrowed or obstructed.

An echocardiogram, commonly known as an “echo,” is a scan that examines the heart’s structure and functions. It is a type of ultrasound scan where a small probe emits high-frequency sound waves that generate echoes upon bouncing off various body parts. The echoes are then picked up by the probe and transformed into a moving image displayed on a monitor during the scan.

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that measures the rhythm and electrical activity of the heart. Sensors affixed to the skin are used to detect the electrical signals generated by the heart with each heartbeat.

An ECG is done if your doctor suspects you are experiencing symptoms of:

• Heart attack
• Coronary heart disease
• Arrhythmia (irregularities in heart rhythm)

Additionally, an ECG may be conducted:

• If you have received a diagnosis of a heart condition or another condition affecting heart function.
• Before and during the administration of certain medications.

There are three types of ECG:

• Resting ECG: Conducted while you are lying down in a comfortable position.
• Stress or exercise ECG: Conducted while you are using an exercise bike or treadmill.
• Ambulatory ECG: Electrodes are connected to a small portable machine worn around your waist, neck, or shoulder to monitor your heart at home for one or more days.

The type of ECG recommended for you will depend on your symptoms and the suspected heart problem.

Electrophysiology studies (EP studies) are tests conducted to help doctors comprehend the underlying cause of abnormal heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias.

A Holter monitor is a portable ECG device powered by batteries. It measures and records your heart’s activity for 24 to 48 hours or more, depending on the type of monitoring.

The device is approximately the size of a small camera and is worn around the shoulder, neck, or waist using a strap. It features wires with small discs (electrodes) that adhere to your skin, allowing continuous recording of the ECG.

The implantable loop recorder (ILR) is a subcutaneous monitoring device used for prolonged monitoring of the heart’s electrical activity. It offers continuous data compared to the snapshot of electrical activity provided by ECGs.

A nuclear stress test is an imaging technique that uses radioactive material to show the extent of blood flow into the heart muscle during periods of rest and activity.

During this procedure, a small amount of radioactive substance is injected into the vein and images of the heart are taken.

A nuclear stress test may be required if you have symptoms of heart disease and may be recommended by a cardiologist to diagnose coronary artery disease or develop a suitable treatment plan.

A stress test helps a cardiologist determine how well your heart works when it is pumping hard. Stress tests evaluate your heart’s function while you engage in physical activity on a treadmill or stationary bicycle.

Your cardiologist might suggest stress test to:

• Diagnose coronary artery disease.
• Identify a potential heart-related cause of symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or light-headedness.
• Establish a safe threshold for physical activity.
• Assess the efficacy of interventions to enhance coronary artery blood flow in individuals with coronary artery disease.
• Determine the risk of serious heart-related conditions such as a heart attack.

TEE is a test in which an ultrasound probe called a transducer is inserted into the oesophagus to take images of the heart. Compared to standard echocardiograms, TEE can provide clearer images of the ascending aorta, the upper chambers of the heart, and the valves between the upper and lower chambers.