If you’re experiencing shortness of breath or chest pain, your doctor may order tests to determine whether you have heart disease. Learn how doctors diagnose and treat heart disease in patients.

Keep in mind that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women. So, making sure that you’re on top of your heart health is paramount for men and women.

Tests Used to Diagnose Heart Disease

Diagnosis almost always involves a physical, routine blood tests, and a thorough personal and family health history. Our practice often recommends vascular studies, as well. Depending on the findings from these examinations, your doctor may decide to order one or more of these tests:

Electrocardiogram. This test (ECG) records the electrical signals given by your heart. This allows your doctor to detect any unusual activity or structural abnormalities. This test may be performed while you exercise.

Echocardiogram. This test involves an ultrasound of your heart that shows its structure and function.

Stress Test. Your heart activity is recorded while your heart rate is increased through exercise. If you cannot exercise, your heart rate may be raised with medicine.

Holter Monitoring. With this test, you wear a portable device to record your heart activity for a period of time, usually 24-72 hours.

Cardio CT Scan. During this test, you will lie on a table while a machine revolves around you to take detailed images of your heart.

Cardio MRI.  In a cardiac MRI, you will lie on a table in a long, tube-like machine that creates a magnetic field that produces images of your heart.

These tests will help your doctor determine what type of heart disease you may have and its severity.

Treatment for Heart Disease

Typically this type of disease is treated in three main ways.

Lifestyle changes. This may involve changing your diet to reduce sodium and fat intake. Many doctors ask patients to quit smoking and significantly reduce alcohol consumption. If appropriate, you may be asked to exercise more often.

Medication. In the case of an infection of the heart, you will need antibiotics. Other conditions may require drugs that control your type of heart disease.

Surgery. Some conditions cannot be managed by lifestyle changes or medication alone. In this case, your doctor may perform a minimally invasive procedure, or in other cases, major surgery.

Questions about Heart Disease?

If you’ve experienced any of the symptoms of heart disease, you should be seen by a doctor. Call (301) 262-8188 to schedule and appointment or telemedicine consultation.