Coronary Artery Disease Testing with a Phoenix Cardiologist Coronary Artery Disease Testing with a Phoenix Cardiologist

If your cardiologist suspects coronary artery disease, testing may be required.  Coronary artery disease may develop gradually and can be difficult to pinpoint without testing.

Coronary artery disease is the hardening and narrowing of the coronary arteries due to the build up of plaque and waxy cholesterol debris along the walls of the arteries.  The build up causes the arteries to lose flexibility and constricts blood flow to the brain and head region.  If not treated, coronary artery disease may lead to a stroke.

Your Phoenix cardiologist gathers a routine physical examination and complete medical history.  Blood tests may also be required.  Diagnostic tests will be ordered if coronary artery disease is suspected.  The following are the most common diagnostic tests for determining if a patient has coronary artery disease.

• Stress Test

When a patient reports that their symptoms mostly occur during activity, your doctor may recommend a stress test.  Stress tests involve some form of exercise and monitoring with an ECG during the activity.  Activities may include walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bicycle.  In some cases the doctor may use medication to stimulate the heart rather than exercise.

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Electrical signals traveling through the heart can be monitored and recorded through the use of an ECG.  This diagnostic test is used to reveal signs of a previous heart attack or one that is already in progress.  In most cases the patients wears a portable monitor (Holter monitor) for 24 hours as normal activities are carried out. When abnormalities are present the monitor will reveal such issues.  Inadequate blood flow to the heart is revealed through an ECG and helpful for the doctor to know how to treat the condition.

• Echocardiogram

Sound waves used to produce images of the heart are carried out by a diagnostic testing procedure known as an echocardiogram.  Through this test your cardiologist in Phoenix is able to determine normal or abnormal pumping activity of the heart. The test reveals which part of the heart is operating normally or abnormally and is useful in determining treatment.  The areas of the heart that are not operating strongly may have been damaged by disease or a heart attack.  Certain areas may not be receiving adequate oxygen supply and may indicate disease.  Your doctor can use this test to determine what the next step in treatment may be effective.

If you suspect coronary artery disease or are at risk for the condition, check with the best heart doctor in Phoenix AZ Heart Doctor, and report your symptoms right away.

AZ Heart Doctor has a Double Board Certified cardiologist Phoenix AZ trusts, Dr. Yasir Batres. The office provides comprehensive non-interventional services with compassionate, individualized care. Call today at 480.300.4646 today!