Coronary Heart Disease Detection Tests

If your doctor suspects that you may have clogged arteries, he or she may perform several tests to confirm the diagnosis. These tests are non-invasive and will help your doctor decide the best treatment plan for you.

After testing, your doctor will explain the risks and benefits of options and answer any questions you or your family may have.

Common tests for coronary heart disease include:

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An ECG records the electrical activity of your heart and its rhythms to help detect if your heart has any irregularities, disease, or damage. The electrical activity is transmitted from metal discs placed on your skin through electrodes, and the results are printed out onto paper.

Ambulatory Monitoring

An ambulatory monitor is a portable ECG system (often worn around the waist) that continuously monitors the heart's electrical activity for a period of 24 hours or more. This system is sometimes called a Holter monitor. Your doctor may suggest you use this kind of monitor if you feel okay doing normal activity, but feel uneasy when performing stressful activity, such as climbing stairs.

Chest X-ray

Chest X-rays create an image of your heart and surrounding chest anatomy. They show your heart’s size and shape, and reveal whether your heart is misshapen or enlarged due to disease. X-rays can reveal blockages due to cholesterol buildup in the main blood vessels. They can also create images of pacemakers and artificial heart valves to check for correct positioning.

Exercise Testing/Stress Test

For a stress test, an ECG is performed while you exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle at different speeds and elevations. An exercise test evaluates the reaction of your heart to exertion. This test allows your doctor to observe the performance of your heart under strenuous conditions and check for the presence of coronary heart disease.

Heart Ultrasound/Echocardiogram

Also called an echocardiogram, the heart ultrasound uses sound waves to track the structure and function of your heart. A moving image of your beating heart is played on a video screen, where your doctor can study your heart’s thickness, size, and function. The image also shows the motion pattern and structure of your four heart valves, revealing any potential leakage or narrowing.

Nuclear Cardiology

Nuclear cardiology creates a moving image of your heart to help your doctor observe how well it is functioning. This test can show areas with limited blood supply within your heart muscle. It can also detect scarring of your heart muscle, and assess your heart's pumping function.

CT Scanning/Computed Tomography Scanning

CT scanning creates an image of your heart and coronary arteries. It helps show calcium deposits in the arteries that form with plaque buildup, and can eventually lead to a heart attack.