Diagnosis & Tests

The first step is getting a doctor's exam. Here's a description of what the doctor will do.

Here's how to know if you will need the essential medical care that comes with a heart disease diagnosis -- to stabilize the condition immediately, control symptoms over the long term, and cure the disease when possible.

Whether you spell it EKG or ECG, it's an electrocardiogram. Learn the basics here.

Does your heart respond well to exertion? That's what a stress test looks for. Here's a straightforward description, including how to prepare for a stress test.

The head-up tilt table test is used to help find the cause of fainting spells. Here's what you need to know.

There are several variations on the echocardiogram, or "echo," as doctors call it. Learn about these ultrasound-like tests of the heart -- and find out what to expect -- here.

Cardiac catheterization -- also called a coronary angiogram -- means running a catheter into your heart. It's done to help doctors see what's going on in there, and whether they need to operate. Here's where to learn about it.

Computed tomography (CT scan) of the heart can visualize your heart’s anatomy. Calcium-score heart scan and coronary CT angiography are just a few types used to diagnose heart disease.

A heart MRI is a great way for doctors to get a look -- from the outside -- at how your heart is working. Read about it here.

Pericardiocentesis -- also called a pericardial tap -- means using a needle to get a sample of the fluid in the sac surrounding the heart. Here's what you need to know.

A cardiac perfusion test tells your doctor if the muscles of your heart are getting enough blood. Here's how it works.

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