Heart blockage is one of the leading heart issues worldwide. Its early detection may help in timely intervention and minimize the risk of complications. Several non-invasive diagnostic tests are available that provide valuable details about the blood flow and function of the heart which in turn may help in detecting heart blockages.
Are you interested in knowing more about the diagnostic tests to check heart blockage? If yes, keep reading to know more!
What Is Heart Blockage?
Heart blockage occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become clogged due to the buildup of fatty substances. The symptoms associated with heart blockage include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, heart palpitations, dizziness, and nausea. It may lead to a heart attack if left untreated.
How To Check Heart Blockage Without Angiography?
Early detection of heart blockage is essential for immediate medical attention and prevention of complications. Several diagnostic tests are available to evaluate the presence and severity of blockages. It can be non-invasive or invasive tests each with its own advantages and limitations.
Invasive tests, including coronary angiography, are one of the reliable diagnostic procedures to assess the extent of heart blockage.
Non-invasive techniques help in recognizing and evaluating heart blockages.
The different non-invasive techniques used to check heart blockages are
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
An electrocardiogram is a quick and non-invasive test done to check the heart’s electrical activity and detect changes in the heart’s rhythm, which may indicate underlying heart issues.
Small adhesive patches known as electrodes are attached to the chest and occasionally to the arms and legs. The electrodes are connected to a computer through wires and the results are displayed.
ECG alone may not definitively diagnose heart blockage. However, it may serve as a valuable screening tool.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to show the blood flow through the heart.
Your healthcare provider uses ultrasound from a hand-held wand and places it on the chest. It helps to take pictures of the heart’s valves and chambers which aids in evaluating the heart’s pumping action. It may show if the heart’s pumping function is impaired.
Exercise stress test
A stress test helps to measure how well your heart performs under physical or pharmacological stress.
An exercise stress test is recommended if your symptoms occur during exercise. During the test, you walk or run on a treadmill while being monitored. Sometimes an ECG is done during an exercise stress test.
Pharmacological stress test involves the use of medications to stimulate the heart and effect of exercise.
Nuclear cardiac stress test
A nuclear stress test shows how blood moves to the heart at rest and during activity. It helps in finding areas where there is heart damage.
It uses a small amount of radioactive material, called tracer or radiotracer, which is given by IV. An imaging machine takes pictures of how the tracer moves through the heart.
Heart CT scan
A CT scan of the heart helps to detect calcium deposits and blockages in the heart arteries. Occasionally, a dye is given by IV during the test, which helps in creating detailed pictures of the heart arteries and is called a CT coronary angiogram.
Cardiac MRI
MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the heart’s blood flow. It helps in detecting myocardial ischemia.
Blood tests
Blood tests are often used along with other diagnostic tests to detect heart blockages. Different cardiac biomarkers, including troponin and C-reactive protein, may help detect heart muscle damage and inflammation.
Your healthcare provider may recommend appropriate treatment measures after detecting heart blockages. It may include lifestyle changes, medications, angioplasty, and bypass surgery, depending on the severity of the blockage.
Conclusion
Diagnosing heart blockages is a critical step in preventing serious heart conditions. Non-invasive diagnostic tests are essential tools that help in early detection of heart blockage.
Heart 360 Care is dedicated to providing top-notch patient-centred heart care services under the expert guidance of Dr. Nikhil P.J. Theckumparampil, a leading cardiologist.
For more information on diagnostic tests for heart blockage or heart-related queries, you may book an appointment at Heart360 Care with Dr. Nikhil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Non-invasive methods are valuable tools for detecting heart blockage. It is generally not as accurate as angiography but these non-invasive techniques can be employed as first screening tools to provide information about heart health and determine the likelihood of heart blockage. It can be used before angiography for diagnosis.
The coverage of non-invasive diagnostic tests for heart blockages by insurance companies varies depending on the type of insurance, specific test, the purpose of the test, and insurance companies. Many companies cover non-invasive tests but it is important to get information from your insurance provider.
Non-invasive diagnostic tests for heart blockages are generally not risky and are considered safe. It has minimal risks compared to invasive tests, including coronary angiography. Some people may experience symptoms like chest pain from stress tests. Also, CT angiography has dangers of radiation and contrast dye exposure.
ECG may record the electrical activity of the heart. However, it can not directly detect heart blockages and show where or how much the arteries are blocked. It may detect the heart damage that may result from blocked coronary arteries.
Reference
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/16947-echocardiogram
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronary-artery-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350619
- https://www.houstonmethodist.org/blog/articles/2023/apr/5-commonly-ordered-heart-tests-what-they-show
- https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/diagnosing-echocardiogram
