02/01/2023 | News release | Distributed by Public on 02/01/2023 09:48
There are several tests and screenings that can be done to evaluate your heart health. From simple patient-friendly online assessments and calcium CT health screens to stress tests with cardiac imaging, these tests provide doctors with an idea of what your heart looks like and how it functions. If there is a concern with your heart, these screenings can provide further insights on how best to proceed with care.
"Cardiac stress tests check to see if there are any limitations of blood flow to the heart related to heart blockages," says Karthikeyan Ananth, M.D., a cardiologist for Henry Ford Health. "Stress testing assesses the heart's response to increased blood flow, allowing doctors to better diagnose coronary disease related to decreased blood flow to heart muscle."
These tests help doctors to:
"Any physician who is concerned about heart blockages can order a stress test," says Dr. Ananth. "In most cases, your primary care physician or cardiologist will order the test and then refer you for further evaluation or decide on medications based on your results."
There are several different variations of these stress tests. Your health needs and current state at the time of the test will help your doctor determine the best test for you. Options include:
"The difference between your heart resting versus stressed is used to evaluate how your heart functions under different conditions," says Dr. Ananth. "Even if we don't see any blockages, it is important for us to look at how blood flow to the heart is impacted by strenuous activities."
Not everyone will get the same benefits from a cardiac stress test. National guidelines put out by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association state that if you aren't experiencing symptoms related to heart problems and are living a healthy lifestyle, these tests are not recommended. If you are still concerned about your heart health, Dr. Ananth suggests you talk to your cardiologist about a coronary calcium scan instead. This test is better suited to determine your risk of cardiovascular complications.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath (even when not exercising) or an irregular heartbeat, talk with your doctor. They will be able to determine the best test for your based on your medical history and lifestyle evaluation.
How healthy is your heart? Take the heart risk quiz to find out. Then, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or find a heart expert at henryford.com or by calling 1-800-436-7936.
Dr. Karthikeyan Ananth is a cardiologist who specializes in general cardiology, valve disease, cardiac risk assessment and adult congenial heart disease. He sees patients at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital.