processing...
Artemis
Heart Test Name List: Comprehensive Tests for a Full Heart Check-Up Heart Test Name List: Comprehensive Tests for a Full Heart Check-Up

Heart Test Name List: Comprehensive Tests for a Full Heart Check-Up

Artemis Hospital

January 29, 2025 |
Heart Test Name List: Comprehensive Tests for a Full Heart Check-Up 9 Min Read | 804

Doctors advise cardiac tests or heart tests to diagnose and monitor various heart diseases. These are blood tests, electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, and coronary angiograms. These tests basically uncover abnormalities that may lead to heart disease in the future. Doctors will advise on which tests are appropriate for a person based on their symptoms, risk factors, and medical history.

This article will discuss some of the most widely performed or advised heart tests. It will explain what is the significance of each test and what information these tests reveal about your heart condition. Let's explore the 14 primary categories of heart tests.

List of Heart Tests That Help in Assessing Your Heart Health

Your doctor and you can learn more about the state of your heart through heart testing, which can also help you determine which treatment or treatments might be best for you. Are you wondering what to anticipate from a cardiac examination? Find out what is involved in the various heart-related tests:

1. Blood Tests:

You may learn a lot about your heart via blood testing. They measure blood sugar, triglycerides, and cholesterol, all of which can be indicators of heart disease. Typical ones include:

  • Cardiac Troponin Test: By identifying a protein called troponin, which the heart releases into the circulation when it is injured, the cardiac troponin test aids in the diagnosis of heart attacks.
  • Lipid Profile: Assesses cholesterol levels, particularly low-density lipoproteins, or "bad" cholesterol, which can cause heart disease.
  • Thyroid Function Tests: Evaluate the activity of your thyroid gland. Your heartbeat may be impacted by thyroid problems.
  • Complete Blood Count: A complete blood count examines the many blood cell types in your body. This test helps in ruling out any heart issue because abnormal counts of certain blood cells can mimic heart issues.
  • B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP): This test measures the levels of B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP), which rises when the heart must pump harder and often indicates heart failure.

2. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

This test uses pads on your chest to monitor your heart's electrical activity. It is painless and informs the doctor whether your heart is beating correctly. It is useful for detecting irregular heartbeats, clogged arteries, damage, heart failure, and heart attacks.

3. Exercise Stress Test

Have you ever wondered how well your heart handles exercise? This test helps your doctor figure out. As you exercise, your heart pumps more blood, and if there is a problem with the blood supply to your coronary arteries, this test will show it. It also helps the doctor to choose the type of exercise that is best for you.

4. Echocardiogram (Ultrasound)

Think of it as a heart sonogram. It employs sound waves to provide images of your heart's anatomy and function. Doctors examine your heart's walls, movement, pumping strength, valves, and even possible problems such as regurgitation or stenosis with this test.

5. Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE)

TEE is basically an enhanced echocardiography. It uses ultrasound, but through a tube that passes down your throat. This results in extremely clearer pictures of your heart's upper chambers as well as valves.

6. Nuclear Cardiac Stress Test (Myocardial Perfusion Imaging - MPI)

This test uses a smidge of radioactive stuff to show how blood flows through your heart. It’s great for checking artery narrowing, damage from heart attacks, the effectiveness of stents or bypass surgery, and even if you need a coronary angiogram. You can be at rest during this test.

7. Coronary Angiogram (Cardiac Catheterization)

This is like an X-ray for your heart. It employs a specific dye to show how blood flows through your coronary arteries, which are the vessels which supply blood to your heart. It is useful in detecting arterial constriction and diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD).

8. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A cardiac MRI produces comprehensive images of your heart and arteries by using magnets and radio waves. This test is used for more complex cardiac diseases and provides a closer look at blood vessels and heart activity.

9. Coronary Computed Tomography Angiogram (CCTA)

Consider this a 3D heart image made with X-rays. It is useful when other tests provide insufficient information about your heart's health. CCTA measures cardiac shape, blood flow, plaque formation, and your risk of a heart attack.

10. Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Test

This test, often called a heart scan, uses CT scans to detect calcium deposits in your coronary arteries. The more your calcium intake, the greater your risk of developing heart disease. With the results of this test, your doctor decides to start medicine or therapy for your heart care.

11. Holter Monitor

This useful device functions similarly to a portable ECG machine. It monitors your heart activity for 24 to 48 hours, or perhaps longer. It is advised when cardiac symptoms appear and disappear, providing doctors with a clear picture of abnormal heartbeats or arrhythmias.

12. Chest X-ray

A chest X-ray captures an image of your heart, lungs, and chest bones. While it does not reveal the heart's internal architecture, it does aid in the locating and determining the size as well as form of the heart and lungs.

13. Nuclear Imaging Tests

These diagnostics use radioactive tracers to provide pictures of the heart. There are three types.

  • PET Scan: It is used to diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD) and cardiac damage following an attack.
  • MUGA Scan: Determines ejection fraction, which indicates how effectively your heart pumps blood.
  • SPECT Scan: Displays blood flow and heart function at rest and during exercise, which is useful for diagnosing CAD or heart attack symptoms.

14. Tilt-Table Test

For those who often faint or feel light-headedness, this test analyses how your blood pressure and heart rate respond to changes in body posture. It aids in the identification of the source of those experiences.
 

Conclusion

When it comes to your heart, there is no time to lose. If you have signs of a cardiac issue, don't wait. Seek medical care right now. The first step is to consult a doctor who can perform the necessary tests and address any concerns. But it isn't all you can do. Stay proactive to take care of your heart health using your smart watch or health watch. It keeps track of your heart parameters, allowing you to stay informed about your heart health at all times. Your heart's well-being is a primary priority. Take hold of it now for a healthy tomorrow. Get started for your heart care today.

This was the complete list of heart tests for a full cardiac check-up. Ensure your heart health with advanced diagnostics at Artemis Cardiac Care. Book your appointment today!

FAQs

Q1: Is it possible to get a heart test done without symptoms?
A: Preventive heart examinations are indicated for people with risk factors such as age, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease, even if no symptoms exist.

Q2: Are all heart tests associated with pain and discomfort?
A: The majority of heart tests, such as ECG, ECHO, and blood tests, are noninvasive and painless. Invasive procedures such as angiography may cause minor discomfort, however they are conducted under anaesthesia.

Q3: What are noninvasive heart tests?
A: Non-invasive heart examinations include ECG, ECHO, CT Coronary Angiography, and stress tests. These tests do not necessitate any surgical procedures or the introduction of tools into the body.
 

Enquire Now

Want to connect with our team for a hassle-free experience? Share your details and we will get in touch at the earliest.

Latest Blogs

From Recent Advancements in Heart Care to Tips and Tricks to make your Heart Healthy Again, stay updated with reliable and informative blogs by our experts.

Our Locations

Know Your Heart