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tests used in the Diagnosis of IST |
| < back to IST Diagnosis Invasive tests used in the diagnosis of IST > Non-invasive tests used in the diagnosis of IST Doctor's exam When you see your doctor (cardiologist / electrophysiologist) you will discuss your symptoms and how these affect you and also your medical history. Your doctor will also examine you. This includes checking your pulse rate, your blood pressure and listening to your heart (to check for murmurs and added heart sounds). At this 1st consult your doctor will probably order several other tests. ECG (Electrocardiogram) An ECG (electrocardiogram) is a test used to record the electrical activity of your heart through 10 small electrode 'stickers' or 'pads' applied to the skin on your chest, arms and legs. The test is very quick (usually about 5 minutes); it is safe, painless and cheap, but obviously important. This test is usually performed by a cardiographer, a cardiac physiologist (technician) or a nurse. Your cardiologist uses the ECG to assess your heart rhythm at the time of recording the ECG, the heart rate and check for any 'changes' on the ECG that might indicate poor blood flow to the heart muscle (ischemia) or other specific abnormalities of your heart, that might need further evaluation. 24 hr ECG / Holter Recording A 24hr ECG or Holter monitor is a portable ECG that monitors the heart rate and rhythm, usually for 1 day (but it can be longer) 24-hours a day. It is much like an ECG in that it is a painless test; and the electrode stickers are taped to the skin. Once the monitor has been fitted, you can do everything you would normally do in a day, except having a bath or shower. You will be given a diary sheet to keep of any symptoms you experience during the day and, importantly the time they occur and what activity you were engaged in when they occurred. This test is usually performed by a cardiographer, a cardiac physiologist (technician) or a nurse. Echo (Echocardiogram) An echo (echocardiogram) is an ultrasound scan of the heart. During this test, high-frequency sound waves, called ultrasound, provide pictures of the heart's valves and chambers. The test will assess the pumping action of the heart and the function and form of the heart valves. The test is performed by either a cardiac physiologist (technician - an echocardiographer or sonographer) or by a cardiologist. Exercise Stress Test An exercise test is often performed to determine the amount of stress that your heart can manage before developing evidence of not enough blood flow to the heart muscle (called ischemia). In the case of IST, the exercise test is performed to document resting heart rate and how quickly the heart rate increases with exercise. The maximum heart rate acheived and how quickly it is acheived is also important. The ECG, heart rate and blood pressure are constantly monitored and recorded during the test. The test usually means walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bike at increasing levels of exertion. This test is usually performed by a cardiologist / specialised cardiac physiologists (technician) and/or a cardiology nurse. Tilt Test If you have experienced any fainting attacks, your cardiologist may order a Tilt Test as part of your work up for your IST. The tilt table test involves lying quietly on a bed and being tilted at different angles (up to 60 degrees) for a period of time while your blood pressure, heart rhythm and rate are being monitored. You may experience one of your fainting attacks during the test - but you will be closely monitored at all times. This test is usually performed by a cardiologist and specialised cardiac physiologist (technician). Invasive tests used in the diagnosis of IST > |
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| The content of this page was last modified at 02:46 GMT Wednesday 20th July 2005 |
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