Diagnostic Tests

Electrocardiogram
The electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a noninvasive test that is used to

reflect underlying heart conditions by measuring the electrical activity of the heart.

An enlarged P wave deflection.

-could indicate atrial enlargement. An absent or altered P wave. could suggest that the electrical impulse did not come from the SA node.

 P-R interval: An increased interval.

-could imply a conduction delay in the AV node. QRS complex: An enlarged Q wave. -may indicate an old infarction An enlarged deflection. -could indicate ventricular hypertrophy. Increased time duration. -may indicate a bundle branch block. S-T segment: A depressed S-T segment. -indicates myocardial ischemia. An elevated S-T segment. -may indicate an acute MI or pericarditis. A prolonged S-T segment -may indicate hypocalcemia or hypokalemia A flat or inverted T wave -may indicate myocardial ischemia, infarction, or hypokalemia. A tall T wave -may indicate hyperkalemia.

Exercise stress tests

The exercise stress test is a noninvasive study to measure cardiac function during physical stress.

May indicate: Arrhythmias during exercise Lack of aerobic fitness Possible coronary artery disease (blockage in the arteries) Stress on the heart triggered by exercise

Cardiac catheterization or coronary angiography

Angiography allows x-ray visualization of the heart, aorta, inferior vena cava, pulmonary artery and vein, and coronary arteries after injection of contrast medium. May indicate: Coronary artery atherosclerosis and degree of obstruction Aortic atherosclerosis Aortic dissection Aortitis

CT Angiography
Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a noninvasiveprocedure that enhances certain anatomic views of vascular structures. May indicate: Stenosis Aortic aneurysm Emboli Occlusion

Total cholesterol

Cholesterol is a soft, wax-like substance found in all

parts of the body

240 mg/dL and higher Indicates have a greater risk for heart disease.

Triglycerides
The triglyceride level is a laboratory test to measure

the amount of triglycerides in your blood. Triglycerides are a type of fat. Borderline High: 150 - 199 mg/dL High: 200 - 499 mg/dL Very High: 500 mg/dL or above A high triglyceride level may lead to atherosclerosis, which increases your risk of heart attack and stroke.

HDL
HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein. It's also

sometimes called "good" cholesterol. Less than 40 mg/dL. -be a sign that you have an increased risk for atherosclerotic heart disease

LDL
LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein. It's also

sometimes called "bad" cholesterol. Borderline High: 130 - 159 mg/dL High: 160 - 189 mg/dL Very High: 190 mg/dL and higher -Increased risk of atherosclerotic heart disease

Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to

create a moving picture of the heart May indicate: Aortic valve abnormalities Cardiac neoplasm Cardiomyopathy Congenital heart defect Congestive heart failure Coronary artery disease

Chest magnetic resonance imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnet

and radio waves to produce an energy field that can be displayed as an image May indicate: Aortic dissection Congenital heart diseases

Myocardial perfusion heart scan

Cardiac scanning is a nuclear medicine study that reveals clinical information about coronary blood flow, ventricular size, and cardiac function. May indicate: Indicates transient ischemia Indicates previous MI

Troponins I and T
Troponin is a complex of three contractile proteins

that regulate the interaction of actin and myosin. If increased it may indicate: Acute MI Minor myocardial damage Myocardial damage after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Myoglobin
Myoglobin is an oxygen-binding muscle protein

normally found in skeletal and cardiac muscle. If Increased may indicate: Cardiac surgery Myocardial infarction

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a

measure of the rate of sedimentation of red blood cells (RBCs) in an anticoagulated whole blood sample over a specified period of time. If decreased, may indicate:

Congestive heart failure

RBC
A component of the complete blood count (CBC), the

red blood cell (RBC) count determines the number of RBCs per cubic millimeters. If increased, may indicate:

Polycythemia vera

C- reactive protein
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a glycoprotein produced

by the liver in response to acute inflammation If increased, may indicate: -coronary artery disease