Heart tests for Cardiology

Coronary heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the UK, and there are a number of heart tests designed to detect cardiovascular risk at an early stage. These include ECG (electrocardiogram), echocardiogram, coronary angiogram, CT coronary calcium score, and blood tests, among others. By undergoing these tests, cardiologists can detect the signs of heart disease, and possible heart defects and conditions, and put in place the necessary treatment plans to counteract this. The earlier that coronary heart disease is detected, the better the chances of reducing this risk significantly.

What are heart tests?

Heart tests are a way for cardiology specialists to detect cardiovascular risk in the patient. The doctor may recommend you to have some heart tests if you are showing some symptoms of heart disease, or if you fit certain criteria that put you in the bracket of being at risk of heart disease.

What do they consist of?

There are a number of different kinds of heart tests available, that test for different things. These include:

ECG (electrocardiogram) - a diagnostic test that measures the rhythm of the heart, the rate of beats, and the electrical activity of the heart.
Echocardiogram - this is a kind of ultrasound image of the heart, that is used to view the structure of the heart, the chambers, and the valves, to detect how they are functioning.
Coronary angiogram - this is another kind of imaging test, this time using X-ray imaging. A contrast medium dye is injected that allows the blood circulation around the coronary arteries and blood vessels to be visualised.
CT coronary calcium score - a computer tomography test using X-ray to build a multi-angle view of the heart, to detect the calcification of blood vessels and arteries, among other things.
Blood tests - blood can be taken for many number of reasons. One of the reasons in terms of heart tests, is to assess the functionality of the organs, particularly the heart, and can detect the existence of disease and infection.

How do you prepare for heart tests?

Depending on the type of test you have been requested for, preparation may include not eating or drinking anything in the hours before the test, not smoking or consuming alohol or caffeine in the 24 hours before the test, wearing loose-fitting clothes. Your doctor will advise you on the requirements you need to follow prior to a test.

What happens if you have abnormal test results?

Following the analysis, your doctor will explain the results to you, and what the next steps are. If there are signs of heart disease, your cardiologist will devise a plan of action with you in order to reduce the heart disease. This may include a change to your diet and eating and drinking habits, an increase in exercise, and quitting or reducing your alcohol and tobacco intake.
Depending on the severity of the heart disease, medication may be prescribed, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be required.

Medical centres with this test: