How to Test for Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease, or coronary artery disease, occurs when plaque accumulates in the coronary arteries. Plaque is a substance made out of fat, calcium, cholesterol and other blood substances. When plaque accumulates in the vessels, it causes narrowing that may reduce the flow of blood to your heart. If your arteries are narrowed, you also risk blood clots. You need to be tested for coronary heart disease to reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke. There are steps you can take to test for coronary heart disease.

Things You'll Need

• Physical examination
• Electrocardiogram
• Stress test
• Echocardiogram
• Cardiac catheterization

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Instructions

• 1

  See your physician. You need to see your primary care doctor for a check up. He will evaluate your blood pressure and pulse, and listen to your heart and carotid arteries. Carotid arteries are arteries located on both sides of your neck. By holding his stethoscope to the artery, he can hear sounds that may indicate a blockage.

• 2

  Get an electrocardiogram (EKG). An EKG records different rhythms of your heart. An EKG will show certain electrical activity that may indicate the presence of coronary heart disease. If your EKG detects an abnormality, your doctor may recommend further cardiac tests.

• 3

  Undergo a stress test. A stress test can detect abnormalities in the rate and rhythm of your heart or the electrical activity of your heart. A heart rate or rhythm abnormality may indicate a blocked artery. During a stress test, you will walk on a treadmill at different inclines under the supervision of a cardiologist, who will monitor your cardiac status with the help of monitors and an EKG. You may also be given an intravenous dye so your arteries show up on an X-ray while you walk, to give your doctor a picture of your arteries and heart. These images will show the doctor how effectively your heart is pumping blood through your arteries.

• 4

  Ask about an echocardiogram. An echocardiogram is similar to an ultrasound, where sound waves are used to get moving pictures of the heart and surrounding structures. The echocardiogram will also view the heart valves and chambers of your heart.

• 5

  Inquire about a cardiac catheterization. Cardiac catheterization, or angiogram, is a procedure where the doctor will inject dye into your arteries via a long, thin tube called a catheter. The catheter will be placed either in your groin, neck or arm. The catheter will be threaded into your arteries, where the dye will be released. Images will be taken to determine how effectively the dye flows through your arteries.