Coronary Artery Disease

If you have a heart condition it is best if your heart condition is diagnosed early. A physical examination includes a heart examination. The exam is nothing to worry about; it will be painless. There are also many laboratory tests, and other methods for observing your condition. Your physician will use the tests that are necessary to diagnose your heart problem.

Your doctor will take a history of your past illnesses and symptoms. He/she will ask about your family background, and will want to know what has happened to you medically since you were born. The doctor will ask your age, about your lifestyle, and about your general health. The exam will include checking your pulses, blood pressure, the blood vessels in the back of your eyes and listening to your heart.

Tests Your Doctor will Ask You to Take

You will have a chest x-ray to find more about the size and shape of the heart. An EKG will be done to record the electrical activity of your heart.

Blood tests are done to check your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. You may have a urinalysis done to check the condition of your kidneys.

An exercise stress test is done to find out how your heart responds to activity. You will be connected to an EKG machine and walk on a treadmill. If you are having a Nuclear Stress Test, you will have a radioisotope injected into a vein in your arm. Pictures will be made of your heart right after exercise and a few hours later. If you are not able to walk on a treadmill, your heart rate can be increased with medication.