In general, an initial fairly conservative approach can be taken when investigating and diagnosing most heart problems, with most tests typically being carried out in an outpatient setting.
There are a wide variety of tests that can be employed to investigate the problems, and your doctor will select the relevant tests for your individual needs based on several factors including;
- Your symptoms
- Your lifestyle
- Your family medical history
- Any pre-existing medical conditions you may have
These tests are usually non-invasive, but are vital in order to make a quick, correct diagnosis and to determine and begin your personal treatment plan. Tests that are commonly used to form a diagnosis are;
- blood and urine testing
- ECG monitoring, where electrodes are painlessly attached to a patient's skin and will detect and measure the electrical impulses of the heart beat
- Ultrasound scans (echocardiography)
- CT scans
- X-Rays
- Exercise and stress tests
There are also more invasive tests that your doctor may order if it is felt to be necessary, which you may need to be admitted for, such as a coronary angiography. This is a safe procedure that is performed under local anaesthetic to allow a small catheter to be painlessly inserted into the coronary arteries to allow x-ray films of the inside of the arteries to be taken.
Once all the relevant tests have been conducted, a diagnosis will be formed by your doctor who will then be able to recommend the most appropriate treatment pathway for you.
Here at Manchester Cardiology Services, our patients welfare is paramount to us, and we can help diagnose any potentially developing heart problems you may have. Our care and treatment will give you peace of mind when it comes to your health.