Diagnosis of Heart Disease
The diagnosis of heart disease involves a thorough evaluation of the patient’s symptoms. Additionally, medical history, lifestyle, and risk factors, combined with a series of diagnostic tests to confirm the presence and type of cardiovascular condition. Early and accurate diagnosis of heart disease is essential for initiating appropriate treatment, preventing complications, and improving long-term outcomes.
The diagnostic process often begins with a detailed medical history.Including any family history of heart disease, and an assessment of lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet, physical activity, and stress levels. Common symptoms prompting further investigation include chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, and swelling in the legs or abdomen.
A doctor performs a physical examination to check for signs, such as an irregular heartbeat. Abnormal heart sounds, high blood pressure, or signs of fluid retention. Doctors commonly use the following tests based on clinical suspicion:
Electrocardiogram
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Records the heart’s electrical activity and can detect arrhythmias. Previous heart attacks, or evidence of strain on the heart muscle.
Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound waves to create detailed images of the heart’s structure and function, assessing valve integrity, wall motion, and ejection fraction.
Blood tests: Check for markers of heart damage (e.g., troponins), inflammation (CRP), lipid profiles (cholesterol levels), and blood sugar.
Stress testing: Evaluates how the heart responds to physical exertion, helping uncover blockages or arrhythmias that occur during activity.
Chest X-ray: Offers insight into heart size and lung fluid levels, which may indicate heart failure.
Coronary angiography: An invasive procedure using contrast dye and X-rays to visualise blockages in coronary arteries.
Cardiac CT or MRI: Provides detailed anatomical views of the heart and vessels. Often used to evaluate congenital defects, tumours, or complex conditions.
Holter monitors or event recorders may be used to capture intermittent rhythm disturbances over several days or weeks. In patients with suspected congenital or inherited conditions, genetic testing and family screening may be indicated.
Diagnosis of Heart Disease
In summary, the diagnosis of heart disease relies on a combination of clinical evaluation and advanced testing to accurately identify the nature and extent of cardiac involvement. Prompt diagnosis ensures that treatment can be started early, improving prognosis and reducing the risk of severe cardiovascular events.[Next: Symptoms of Heart Disease →]
