Coronary Heart Disease (CAD) : Tests

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Many tests help diagnose CHD. Usually, your doctor will order more than one test before making a definite diagnosis. Tests may include: Electrocardiogram (ECG; Exercise stress test; Echocardiogram; Nuclear scan; Coronary angiography/arteriography;...
Source:ADAM
Date:March 30, 2007
Coronary artery disease is a narrowing or blockage of the arteries and vessels that provide oxygen and nutrients to the heart. It is caused by atherosclerosis , an accumulation of fatty materials on the inner linings of arteries. The resulting blo...
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Coronary artery disease is a stenosis (narrowing) or blockage of the arteries and vessels that provide oxygenated blood to the heart . It is caused by atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), an accumulation of fatty plaque on the inner lining...
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
Arteriography is test that uses x-rays and a special dye to see inside the arteries. It can be used to see arteries in the heart, brain, kidney, and many other parts of the body. The procedure is often called angiography. See also: Coronary angiography (heart; Aortic angiography (the major artery from the heart; Renal arteriography (kidneys; Extremity arteriography (arm or leg; Cerebral angiography (head; Pulmonary angiography (lungs; Lymphangiogram (lymph vessels; Ventriculography (right side or left side of the heart; Fluorescein angiography (eye.
Source:ADAM
Date:July 17, 2006
Detailed information on arteriogram, also called angiogram, including information on how the procedure is performed
Source:StayWell
Echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create a moving picture of the heart. The picture is much more detailed than x-ray image and involves no radiation exposure.
Source:ADAM
Date:April 12, 2007
Echocardiography is a diagnostic test that uses ultrasound waves to create an image of the heart muscle. Ultrasound waves that rebound or echo off the heart can show the size, shape, and movement of the heart ' s valves and chambers as well as the flow of blood through the heart.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
An echocardiogram (echo) is an imaging test. It helps your doctor evaluate your heart. Here is how it works.
Source:StayWell
Detailed information on a echocardiography (echo) procedure, including how the procedure is performed, reasons for the procedure, and pre- and post-evaluation instructions
Source:StayWell
Detailed information on echocardiography, including types and how the procedure is performed
Source:StayWell
Echocardiography is a diagnostic test that uses ultrasound waves to produce an image of the heart muscle and the heart ' s valves. Purpose Echocardiography is used to diagnose certain cardiovascular diseases, and is one of the most widely used diagnostic tests for heart disease.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery
Right heart ventriculography is a study of the right chambers (atrium and ventricle) of the heart. This test obtains measurements of pressure, oxygen, and cardiac output through a catheter (thin flexible tube. Occasionally, the right chambers also need to be seen. This can be done by injecting contrast material through the catheter into the right side of the heart and taking a rapid succession of x-rays to capture images of blood flow.
Source:ADAM
Date:November 6, 2006
A complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following: The number of red blood cells (RBCs; The number of white blood cells (WBCs; The total amount of hemoglobin in the blood; The fraction of the blood composed of red blood cells (hematocrit; The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) - the size of the red blood cells. CBC also includes information about the red blood cells that is calculated from the other measurements: MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin; MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. The platelet count is also usually included in the CBC.
Source:ADAM
Date:September 11, 2006
One of the most commonly ordered clinical laboratory tests, a blood count, also called a complete blood count (CBC), is a basic evaluation of the cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) suspended in the liquid part of the blood (plasma). It involves determining the numbers, concentrations, and conditions of the different types of blood cells.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
A complete blood count (CBC) is a series of tests used to evaluate the composition and concentration of the cellular components of blood. It consists of the following tests: red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, and platelet count; measurement of hemoglobin and mean red cell volume; classification of white blood cells (WBC differential); and calculation of hematocrit and red blood cell indices .
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
The clinical laboratory test that evaluates the three main cellular components of peripheral blood (red cells, white cells, and platelets) is called the " complete blood count " (CBC). It is used commonly to assess whether a patient is anemic (low red cell count), has an infection (increased white blood cells), or has abnormal blood coagulation (platelet levels).
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Public Health
A complete blood count (CBC) is a series of tests used to evaluate the composition and concentration of the cellular components of blood. It consists of the following tests: red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, and platelet count; measurement of hemoglobin and mean red cell volume; classification of white blood cells (WBC differential); and calculation of hematocrit and red blood cell indices .
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery
Coronary angiography is a procedure that uses a special dye (contrast material) and x-rays to see how blood flows through your heart.
Source:ADAM
Date:July 17, 2006
Angiography is a special type of x-ray that allows your coronary arteries to be viewed and recorded on film. Your doctor can see if the blood vessels to your heart are clogged.
Source:StayWell
Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA)CTAcreates images of arteries throughout the body. Acontrast medium(x-ray dye) is injected to make the blood vessels stand out.
Source:StayWell
Angiography is the x-ray study of the blood vessels. An angiogram uses a radiopaque substance, or dye, to make the blood vessels visible under x ray .
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer
Angiography is the x-ray study of the blood vessels. An angiogram uses a radiopaque substance, or dye, to make the blood vessels visible under x ray.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Angiography is the x-ray (radiographic) study of the blood vessels. An angiogram uses a radiopaque substance, or contrast medium, to make the blood vessels visible under x ray.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders
Angiography is the x-ray (radiographic) study of the blood vessels . An angiogram uses a radiopaque substance, or contrast medium, to make the blood vessels visible under x ray.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
Angiography is the x-ray (radiographic) study of the blood vessels. An angiogram uses a radiopaque substance, or contrast medium, to make the blood vessels visible under x ray.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery
A chest tomogram is a picture of the chest area created by moving the x-ray machine in one direction while moving the recording film the other way. This method blurs structures in front of and behind the area of the chest being studied.
Source:ADAM
Date:January 24, 2007
Computed Tomography (CT)Computed tomography(CT) is a test that combines x-rays and computer scans. The result is a detailed picture that can show problems with soft tissues (such as the lining of your sinuses), organs (such as your kidneys or lung...
Source:StayWell
Computed tomography (CT) of the chest is performed to diagnose a variety of symptoms, including vascular, cardiac, airway disease as well as cancers that can occur in the thoracic region of the body. Purpose The purpose of the CT scan is to noninvasively and quickly visualize internal organs which may be damaged by disease or trauma.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. ECG is used to measure the rate and regularity of heartbeats as well as the size and position of the chambers, the presence of any damage to the heart, and the effects of drugs or devices used to regulate the heart (such as a pacemaker. See also stress test and Holter monitor (24h.
Source:ADAM
Date:July 17, 2006
The electrocardiogram (ECG) displays important information about the heart, including the occurrence of a heart attack or lack of oxygen, whether conduction of the heartbeat is disturbed, or its rate or rhythm altered. It is useful as a rapid indicator of the diagnosis and it is easy, painless, and inexpensive to record.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Public Health
Detailed information on electrocardiogram, including how the EKG/ECG is performed and what happens after the procedure
Source:StayWell
Electrocardiography is a commonly used, noninvasive procedure for recording electrical changes in the heart. The record, which is called an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), shows the series of waves that relate to the electrical impulses that occur during each beat of the heart.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery
Did you know that electrical currents flow throughout your body? Because the strongest of these travels through your heart, doctors are able to monitor your heart by placing electrical sensors on the surface of your skin. They do this by giving you an electrocardiogram -- abbreviated either ECG or EKG (from the original German spelling of the word).
Source:StayWell
The ECG (also known as EKG) is a test that records electrical signals from your heart onto a paper strip. The pattern of these signals can tell the doctor whether your heart is normal, under stress, or experiencing electrical problems, strain, or damage.
Source:StayWell
The Harvard Health Letter celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. In the first of a series, the Health Letter takes a look back at three decades in medicine.
Source:StayWell
Detailed information on ultrafast computed tomography (CT) scan, including reasons for the procedure, risks of the procedure, what to expect, and discharge instructions
Source:StayWell
Detailed information on ultrafast computed tomography scans, also called ultrafast CT scan or ultrafast CAT scan, including information on how the procedure is performed
Source:StayWell
An exercise stress test is a screening tool to test the effect of exercise on your heart. The test gives a general sense of how healthy your heart is. See thallium and sestamibi stress tests.
Source:ADAM
Date:November 6, 2006
Used to evaluate heart function, a stress test requires that a patient exercises on a treadmill or exercise bicycle while his or her heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG), and feeling of well being are monitored. Purpose When the body is active, it requires more oxygen than when it is at rest, and, therefore, the heart has to pump more blood.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
An exercise stress test shows your heart’s response to exercise. The test records your heartbeat while you walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike. It can be done in a hospital, a test center, or a doctor’s office. The test is also called a stress electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG).
Source:StayWell
A stress test is primarily used to identify coronary artery disease . It requires patients to exercise on a treadmill or exercise bicycle while their heart rate, blood pressure , electrocardiogram (ECG), and symptoms are monitored.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
A stress test is primarily used to identify coronary artery disease. It requires patients to exercise on a treadmill or exercise bicycle while their heart rate, blood pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG), and symptoms are monitored.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery
Detailed information on exercise electrocardiogram, including how the exercise EKG/ECG is performed and what happens after the procedure
Source:StayWell
Detailed information on an electrocardiogram (EKG) procedure, including how the procedure is performed, reasons for the procedure, and pre- and post-evaluation instructions
Source:StayWell
Thallium and sestamibi stress tests are nuclear imaging methods that provide a view of the blood flow into the heart muscle, both at rest and during activity. These tests are also called MIBI stress test and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy.
Source:ADAM
Date:January 24, 2007
A thallium heart scan is a diagnostic test that uses a special perfusion-scanning camera and a small amount of thallium-201, a radioactive substance, injected into the bloodstream to produce an image of the blood flow to the heart. Purpose A thallium heart scan is used to evaluate the blood supply to the heart muscle.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
Cardiac nuclear imaging is also called a “perfusion scan.” A radioactive tracer is delivered into the bloodstream. Then a camera scans the tracer in the blood as it flows through the heart muscle.
Source:StayWell
The technetium heart scan is a non-invasive nuclear scan that uses a radioactive isotope called technetium to evaluate blood flow after a heart attack. Purpose The technetium heart scan is used to evaluate the heart after a heart attack.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
What are the possible side effects of a nuclear stress test? Does the thallium injection in any way compromise kidney function?
Source:StayWell
A thallium heart scan is a test using a special camera and a small amount of radioactive substance injected into the bloodstream to make an image of the blood flow to the heart. Purpose A thallium heart scan is used to evaluate the blood supply to the heart muscle.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Since my bypass operation in 1996, my cardiologist has me take a thallium stress test every year. The results are always fine. I'm worried that the radiation from these tests is going to give me some kind of radiation-related cancer. Do I really need it?
Source:StayWell
The technetium heart scan is a noninvasive nuclear scan that uses a radioactive isotope called technetium to evaluate blood flow after a heart attack . Purpose The technetium heart scan is used to evaluate the heart after a heart attack.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
According to recent reports, the radiation used during a heart stress test can set off security alarms used in buildings and airports.
Source:StayWell
During a physical examination, a health care provider studies a patient's body to determine the presence or absence of physical problems. A typical physical examination includes: Inspection (looking at the body; Palpation (feeling the body with hands; Auscultation (listening to sounds; Percussion (producing sounds.
Source:ADAM
Date:January 22, 2007
A Holter monitor is a machine that continuously records the heart's rhythms. The monitor is usually worn for 24 hours during normal activity. See also ECG.
Source:ADAM
Date:July 17, 2006
Holter monitoring is continuous monitoring of the electrical activity of a patient ' s heart muscle ( electrocardiography ) for 24 hours, using a special portable device called a Holter monitor. Patients wear the Holter monitor while carrying out their usual daily activities.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Detailed information on Holter or event monitoring
Source:StayWell
Holter monitoring is a painless way to record your heartbeat away from the doctor’s office. It is a small electrocardiogram (ECG) that you carry with you. Holter monitoring records your heartbeat for your doctor to review at a later time.
Source:StayWell
Lipid tests routinely performed on plasma include measurement of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Lipid tests may also be performed on amniotic fluid and include tests for lecithin and other pulmonary surfactants.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
Lipid tests are routinely performed on plasma, which is the liquid part of blood without the blood cells. Lipids themselves are a group of organic compounds that are greasy and cannot be dissolved in water, although they can be dissolved in alcohol.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of death in the world and is mainly due to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries ). Abnormal blood lipids are risk factors for CVD.
Source:Gale Nutrition and Well-Being A to Z
Lipoproteins are molecules made of proteins and fat. They carry cholesterol and similar substances through the blood. A blood test can be done to measure a specific type of lipoprotein called lipoprotein-a, or Lp(a. Lp(a) is considered a risk factor for heart disease.
Source:ADAM
Date:October 22, 2007
C-reactive protein is a test that measures the amount of a protein in the blood that signals acute inflammation.
Source:ADAM
Date:January 16, 2007
I had a high-sensitivity C-reactive protein test that was 38.6, which my doctor said was quite high. My cholesterol was fine. A heart scan and stress test were normal. When my doctor repeated the test, my hsCRP was 6.1. What can cause such variations?
Source:StayWell
Stress echocardiography is a test that helps diagnose heart disease with the help of ultrasound images. (A more routine exercise stress test does not use imaging) Following exercise or other stress to the heart, the images reveal parts of the heart that may not be receiving enough blood or oxygen because of blocked arteries. This test may be used to monitor your progress if you already have a known heart condition.
Source:ADAM
Date:November 7, 2006
Stress echocardiography, or stress echo, is a test that records images of your heart before and after exercise. By comparing the images, your doctor can tell whether your heart is getting enough blood to meet its increased demand for oxygen.
Source:StayWell
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