We can diagnose the heart problems/disorders/diseases with several developed, advanced diagnosing techniques.
Combination of several methods and procedures are used to diagnose the heart disorders.
1) ECG (Electro Cardiogram):
Electrocardiogram is a test measures the electrical activity of the heart. This signals that makes the heart’s muscle fibres contract come from the sinoatrial node, which is the natural pace maker of the heart. In an ECG test, the electrical impulses made while the heart is beating are recorded and shown on a piece of paper. This is known as an electrocardiogram and records any problems with the heart’s rhythm, and the conduction of the heart beat through the heart, which may be affected by underlying heart disease.
2) Echocardiography:
Echocardiography is a procedure that uses ultrasonic waves directed over the chest wall to obtain a graphic record of the heart’s position, motion of the walls, or internal parts such as the valves.
3) Angiogram:
An angiogram is an x-ray exam that allows a doctor to see your blood vessels and the flow of blood to your heart. It shows the degree of blockage in your arteries, how well your heart is pumping and whether or not your heart valves open and close properly. During an angiogram procedure, a special dye is injected into the blood vessels so they can be seen on x-ray film. An angiogram can help your doctor make a proper diagnosis and suggest treatment for heart disease.
4) Coronary 64- slice CT scan:
A CT scan is a safe and effective procedure.
A CT scan technologist will escort you into the CT scanning room in your Radiology department, where you will see a table and a large, doughnut- shaped device called a gantry. The technologist will have you lie down on the padded table and make sure that you are comfortable. You will be asked to lie very still during the scan and hold your breath for a brief time to minimize any body movement. You will receive an injection of fluid contrast to outline the coronary arteries and structures so the physicians can better view your heart and coronary system. During the scan you may hear a humming noise but you will not feel anything unusual. You may feel the table move while images are being taken at certain locations of your body. The technologist will be monitoring you during the entire exam through a window and can communicate with you via an intercom. The actual scan portion of the exam will take just a few seconds.
The 64-slice CT scanner, in a fraction of second, produces 64 images per rotation, a speed at which an accurate scan of your heart may be performed in approximately 5 seconds. This means new diagnostic power in diagnosing patients with chest pain and ruling out blockages. This CT scanner offers the ability to provide a compressive view of the coronary arteries in 5 heartbeats.
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