Diagnostic findings

 Cardiac catheterization: A long, thin flexible tube is threaded

through a blood vessel in the arm or groin and to the heart.

Clinical manifestations
Contrast material is injected through the tube and a type of X-ray

video is taken to show how the heart functions and to look for heart

blockages.

 Chest X-ray: A common imaging test of the lungs, heart and aorta.

 Echocardiogram: This ultrasound exam uses soundwaves to take

moving pictures of the heart’s chambers and valves.

 Electrocardiogram (EKG): This test measures the electrical

activity of the heart and can help determine if parts of the heart are

enlarged, overworked or damaged. The heart’s electrical currents

are detected by 12 to 15 electrodes that are attached to the arms,

legs and chest via sticky tape.

 Electrophysiology study: This test records the heart’s electrical

activities and pathways. It can help find what’s causing heart

rhythm problems and identify the best treatment. 

 Radionuclide imaging (thallium stress test): This non-invasive

procedure can identify if there is severe heart damage. A

radioactive isotope is injected into a vein and a special camera or

scanner records how it travels through the heart. Any heart damage

can be plotted, locating the damaged area of the heart. This

procedure can be done with an electrocardiogram, during both rest

an exercise.

 Treadmill Exercise Test with Peak V02: This test measures a

patient’s capacity to exercise and the amount of oxygen the heart

provides muscles during the test. Results reveal the severity of the

left-sided heart failure and helps provide a prognosis.