What is IHD Evaluation?
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a condition characterized by reduced blood supply to the heart. The decrease in blood supply is caused due to the deposition of plaque (waxy substance) along the walls of the artery that supply blood to the heart muscles (coronary artery), leading to narrowing or blockages in the artery. The management of IHD and its symptoms are essential to reduce the risk of heart attack. IHD is most commonly diagnosed by the following techniques.
Blood Test
Blood tests are used to measure the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Blood tests to detect the levels of homocysteine, hs-CRP, lipoprotein A and apoprotein B may also be advised by your doctor. Some specific tests are performed to assess the function of the kidneys and liver.
Electrocardiogram
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is used to determine abnormal heart rhythms by recording the electrical activity of the heart.
Chest X-Ray
Chest X-Ray is used to determine signs of heart failure and symptoms not related to coronary heart disease.
Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress test or treadmill test helps to determine irregular heart rhythms during exercise. It is used to monitor the electrical activity of the heart. An ECG is done before and after exercise to evaluate contraction of the heart muscle.
Coronary Angiography
Coronary angiography is an X-ray of the blood vessels in your heart. It is used to evaluate narrowing or blockages in the coronary arteries.
Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is used to measure the size of left and right ventricle and examine its function precisely. It also helps to detect the presence and intensity of myocardial injury (heart attack) and ischemia.
Multidetector Computed Tomography
Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is used to detect the calcium blockages in the arteries of the heart and damage of the heart muscle after a heart attack. It is also used to evaluate the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac (covering the surface of the heart) and identify the narrowing of coronary arteries (deposition of plaques).
Stress Echocardiography
Stress echocardiography is used to evaluate the incidence of heart attack and symptoms of angina or chest pain. It helps in the diagnosis of coronary artery diseases. Stress echocardiograph is also used to examine if the heart treatment is working fine.
Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
Myocardial perfusion imaging is performed to assess the flow of blood through your heart muscles. The procedure helps your doctor to identify the narrowed or blocked arteries and detect the damage of heart caused due to heart attack. It also helps to determine if coronary stenting or bypass surgery is required for the treatment.