With every possible medical condition, there are usually a variety of tests that are done to measure symptoms and how well the body copes with the stress that disease places on it. With common heart and circulatory conditions, there is no shortage of tests that are done to gauge how well blood moves about the body. Here are some common conditions and the tests that are used to evaluate them. Do you want to learn more? Visit heart scans
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is caused by a blockage in the arteries that restricts the blood flow to the extremities, most often the legs. The most common test to diagnose peripheral artery disease is the ankle - brachial test. Blood pressure is measured at the ankle and the wrist, and the two measurements are compared. If the pressure at the ankle is lower, that signals a blockage in the legs. Other tests that can be used to diagnose PAD and related conditions (such as Reynaud's) are:
o Angiogram
o Blood lipid profile
o Doppler ultrasound
o Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
Heart Disease
Heart disease, also known as coronary heart disease or coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death in the US. Diagnosing heart disease can involve a multitude of tests, as some patients may experience intermittent or nearly undetectable symptoms in the early stages of the disease. In some cases, tests can be performed together, such as an electrocardiogram or a nuclear perfusion study during a stress test. This helps reduce the chances of getting a false reading, compared to doing the tests in isolation. Tests involving physical exertion can also see symptoms that might disappear when a patient is at rest. Here are some of the most common tests used to diagnose CAD:
o Physical exam including an EEG, lab tests, and an X-ray / CT scan
o Stress test
o Nuclear perfusion study
o Echocardiography
o Electron beam CT scan (EBCT)
o Coronary angiography
Carotid Artery Disease
Carotid artery disease is the narrowing of the arteries in the neck that bring blood to the cerebral cortex of the brain. When atherosclerosis narrows these arteries or a blockage occurs, blood flow to the brain can be reduced or stopped completely, causing a stroke. Many tests are used to confirm carotid artery disease and help decide on a course of treatment. The most common ones are non-invasive procedures that take images of the arteries (like CT scans) or measure blood pressure above and below the neck, such as oculoplethysmography.
o Doppler Ultrasound
o CT Scan and CT Angiography (CTA)
o Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
o Angiography
o Oculoplethysmography
Many of the effects of these heart diseases can be reduced or prevented with regular exercise, a healthy diet, and oral chelation therapy. Chelation therapy helps cleanse your arteries of plaque build up and increases blood flow to your heart, making it healthier.
