Exactly when do you go from having risk factors to having heart cholesterol health risk heart disease? These links take you to information on the tests a doctor uses to diagnose heart disease.
Diagnosis:
The Celebrex health heart disease diagnosis:
The first step is getting a doctor's exam. Here's a description of what the doctor will do.
Tests:
The Basics of EKG:
Whether you spell it EKG or ECG, it's an electrocardiogram. Learn the basics here.
Chest X-Ray:
Why get a chest X-ray? What happens?
Stress Test:
Does your heart respond well to exertion? That's what a stress test looks for. Here's a straightforward description, including how to prepare for a stress test.
Tilt Table Test:
The head-up tilt table test is used to help find the cause of fainting spells. Here's what you need to know.
Echocardiogram:
There are several variations on the echocardiogram, or "echo", as doctors call it.
Cardiac Catheterization:
Cardiac-catheterization -also called a coronary angiogram, means running a catheter into your heart. It's done to help doctors see what's going on in there, and whether they need to operate. Here's where to learn about it.
Electrophysiology Test:
Electrophysiology- the EP test, takes measurements of your heart rhythm, recording the electrical activity and pathways of your heart.
CT Heart Scan:
Computed tomography (CT scan) of the heart can visualize your heart's anatomy. Calcium-score heart scan and coronary CT angiography are just a few types used to diagnose heart disease.
Myocardial Biopsy:
A myocardial biopsy is when a doctor uses a special catheter to remove a piece of your heart issue for examination.
Heart MRI:
A heart MRI is a great way for doctors to get a look, from the outside at how your heart is working.
Pericardiocentesis:
Pericardiocentesis, also called a pericardial tap, means using a needle to get a sample of the fluid in the sac surrounding the heart.
Fasting Lipoprotein (cholesterol and triglycerides):
Have a fasting lipoprotein profile taken every five years, starting at age 20. This is a blood test that measures total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Your total cholesterol or HDL cholesterol levels are not at optimal levels,
- You have other cardiovascular risk factors
- You're a man over 45.
- You're a woman over 50.
Women tend to have higher triglyceride levels than men. Like high blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides can be controlled through lifestyle changes or medication.
Body Weight:
During every healthcare visit, your doctor should weigh you to calculate your body mass index and measure your waist circumference. These measurements tell you if you're at a healthy weight. These screenings Should begin at age 20. About two of every three adults are now overweight or obese. This is dangerous because obesity increases blood pressure, triglycerides, total and LDL cholesterol, and can induce diabetes. These risk factors increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Blood Glucose:
Starting at age 45, you should have your blood glucose level checked at least every three years. High blood glucose levels put you at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which can lead to heart disease and stroke.
Smoking, physical activity and diet:
If you smoke, tell your doctor at your next healthcare visit. Also discuss your diet and physical activity habits. If you smoke, your doctor can suggest approaches to help quit. If there's room for improvement in your diet and daily physical activity levels, your doctor will provide helpful suggestions.