Diagnosed with Complex Heart Disease

Coronary Artery Disease
and Heart Failure

Diagnosis

How is coronary artery
disease diagnosed?

Your cardiologist will look at many factors and may suggest a series of tests to determine if you have coronary artery disease.

Your cardiologist may refer
you to a Heart Team

A Heart Team consists of an interventional cardiologist, a cardiothoracic surgeon, and other healthcare professionals who work with your cardiologist to determine the best treatment based on your diagnosis.

How is coronary artery disease diagnosed?
Factors your cardiologist will consider

Medical history
Family history of coronary artery disease
Risk factors for a diagnosis of coronary artery disease (which include high blood pressure, high levels of LDL cholesterol with low levels of HDL cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and more)
The results of one or several diagnostic tests (EKG, Chest CT, Cardiac Catheterization, stress test, and angiogram)
Physical exam

Tests your heart team may recommend

EKG
An electrocardiogram, or EKG, examines the activity of your heartbeat and will identify any irregularities. Before your EKG, small electrodes will be attached to certain parts of the body. Although you won’t feel anything, these electrodes will detect the electrical activity of your heart.
Stress testing
Stress testing examines how your heart functions. Because your body needs more oxygen-rich blood circulating during exercise, this is a useful way to examine how your heart performs overall. Most stress tests include a treadmill or stationary bike to raise your heartbeat.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram, or echo, takes a detailed picture of your heart using sound waves. This is done with a small probe that is pressed against your chest to create the picture.
Chest X-Ray
A chest x-ray takes pictures using electromagnetic waves.
This is done with an x-ray machine and is painless.
Blood tests
A blood test may reveal abnormalities such as a high level
of fat, cholesterol, or sugar. Some of these levels, if high, are risk factors
for coronary artery disease.
Coronary angiogram
A catheter-based procedure that produces an image of how blood flows through your heart’s arteries. This test is frequently used to confirm the presence of coronary artery disease.