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Diagnosis
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Blood tests for cholesterol, HDL and LDL.
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Coronary angiography involves inserting a catheter into a blood vessel that is and pushed up all the way to the heart vessels. A contrast material is injected and then the vessels are then x-rayed which shows the presence of blocks in the vessels.
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Exercise stress test or treadmill test can help uncover irregular heart rhythms due to exertion.
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Echocardiogram uses sound waves that bounce off the heart walls and show images of any abnormalities.
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An electrocardiogram can determine if there are abnormal heart rhythms.
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Electron-beam computed tomography [EBCT] to detect calcium deposits in the vessel walls
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Heart CT or MRI confirms findings of narrowing or blocks in the vessels.
Differential Diagnosis:
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Angina pectoris
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Cardiomyopathy
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Hypertensive heart disease
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Myocarditis
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Acute pericarditis
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Right ventricular infarction
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Unstable angina
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