When a patient comes to a cardiology office, different tests may be performed depending on the pathology he/she is expected to have.
The following are five of the most commonly used tests in the diagnosis of cardiac pathologies.
Electrocardiogram
The electrocardiogram is used to measure and record information on the heartbeat and rhythm of the heart. This facilitates the diagnosis of any type of heart disease.
Blood Pressure Holter (ABPM)
This medical test consists of placing a state-of-the-art measuring equipment on the patient for 24-48 hours. During this period the machine collects all the blood pressure measurements while the patient carries out his or her usual daily activities, even during sleep. The equipment calculates all the statistical variables, averages, loads, etc., that allow the doctor to evaluate the type of arterial hypertension the patient suffers from and the most appropriate treatment.
3D color pulsed Doppler echocardiogram
This test emits sound waves to create an accurate and moving image of the heart. In addition, Doppler technology determines blood flow. This test allows the diagnosis of valvular diseases, myocardiopathy and ischemic heart disease.
Holter dynamic electrocardiogram 24-48h
This diagnostic test consists of monitoring the electrocardiographic recording on three simultaneous channels for 24-48 hours. Electrodes are attached to a small digital recorder that the patient will always carry with him/her while living a normal life. This medical test is very useful for diagnosing silent coronary artery disease, conduction disorders, blockages, chronic or paroxysmal arrhythmias and monitoring treatment.
Stress test
The stress test is a bloodless test for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. To perform the test, the patient walks on a treadmill or pedals a stationary bicycle, progressively increasing the effort according to a protocol. During the test, a continuous ECG and controls of vital parameters are performed. This test is useful because it assesses the heart’s response to exercise and provides indirect information about the coronary circulation. If there is insufficient blood supply due to some degree of arterial obstruction, the heart “complains” and this is reflected on the ECG or causes chest pain.