What is a Cardiac Test?

A cardiac test or a cardiovascular screening test is a group of tests performed to check the overall health of the heart. It enables the patient who is being tested to know about their cardiovascular health, in case any condition has developed, or is developing. This way, the patient can consult a specialist as soon as possible and get appropriate treatment.

Why is a Cardiac Test done?

A cardiac test or a cardiovascular screening test includes a variety of tests depending on the concern of the patient. These tests are performed to check the electrical activity of the heart, heart rate, heartbeat rhythm, if the heart is pumping adequate amount of blood through the heart’s chambers and valves, flow of the blood through veins and arteries, development of tumors if any, or any abnormalities in the heart that could pose a danger to the health condition of the patient.

What does a Cardiac Test include?

Initial screening includes: cholesterol levels, sugar levels, C-reactive protein levels, and blood pressure levels. These are evaluated based on various factors such as age, gender and family’s medical history. Once these are evaluated, then further tests are performed. These tests are: 

1. Electrocardiography: Also known as ECG, performed to measure the electrical activities of the heart, and also measures the heart rate.
    
2. Cardiac CT: Examines the coronary arteries to measure the amount of calcium in the coronary arteries. 
    
3.  Coronary Angiography: to get the X-ray images of the heart and the coronary arteries.

How is a Cardiac Test performed?

When it comes to measuring blood sugar levels and the levels of cholesterol, then the primary test is a blood test. Directions for fasting requirements are given before the examination. For further tests, the doctor or the specialist guides the patient properly and explains them about the procedure step by step.  

What are the additional tests performed?

The additional tests performed after the screening test are:

1. Blood tests to check vitals 
2. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
3. Exercise stress test
4. Echocardiogram (ultrasound)
5. Nuclear cardiac stress test
6. Coronary angiogram 
7. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
8. Coronary computed tomography angiogram (CCTA) 

Who is at risk of developing cardiac problems?

The risk factors that increase the chances of developing Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) are:

1. Age 
2. Family history
3. Gender 
4. Smoking habits
5. High blood pressure
6. High blood cholesterol
7. Physical inactivity 
8. Obesity
9. Diabetes 
10. Eating habits
11. Eating disorders 
12. Stress 

When should you get a cardiac checkup?

You must immediately go for a heart checkup if you are feeling dizzy, tired, troubled breathing, sharp chest pain, discomfort, headache, increased pulse rate, or if you are experiencing numbness in your fingers or toes.

How to check heart blockage at home?

You can not really check for blockage in your heart at home by just measuring your pulse rate or blood pressure rate. To check blockages in the arteries, a set of tests are performed. However, if you are feeling tired or fatigue, experiencing chest pain or headaches, you must make sure to visit the doctor and follow their instructions. 

To book a cardiac checkup package, visit our website or you can even visit our nearest Pathology laboratory for more information.