Diagnosing heart Disease

To get an accurate picture of your heart health, your doctor will review your cholesterol tests, blood pressure, and may perform some non-invasive tests. These tests may include an electrocardiogram, a chest X-ray, a heart ultrasound, an exercise test, or other kinds of scanning and monitoring tests.

Learn more about coronary heart disease detection 

If your doctor needs more information to help diagnose your condition, he or she may choose to perform a minimally invasive test such as an angiogram. During an angiogram, you will be given medicine to relax you, but are able to remain awake. Your doctor will insert a small tube called a catheter into your artery through a point on your arm or leg. The catheter releases a special colored dye into the arteries around your heart so they can be seen on an X-ray image. This detailed image helps your doctor determine exactly where any artery blockages or narrowing exists, and what treatment, if any, may be needed.

Learn more about treatments for heart disease