Heart Diagnosis

An accurate diagnosis is the first step in treating any sort of heart abnormality or disease. There are a couple of ways doctors at Banner Lassen can diagnose heart ailments and recommend the best method of treatment; please speak with your to find out what is right for you.

Computed Tomography (CT or CAT Scan)
The CT scanner creates three-dimensional (3D) images of the heart and the coronary arteries in just five heartbeats, allowing cardiologists to look at the heart's action with unprecedented clarity and quality.

Echocardiography 
Echocardiograms (echo) are among the best tools for diagnosing heart disease. An echo may be recommended in patients over 40 with a risk for coronary artery disease because of smoking, high blood pressure or other risk factors.

Electrocardiography (ECG)
Also called EKG, an electrocardiogram measures the electrical activity in a heartbeat. Patients can be hooked to electrodes or wear a heart monitor (a small box that weighs less than one pound). The monitoring devices send signals to a technician that observes the heart rate and rhythm.

Stress Tests
Stress tests are one of the best tools for diagnosing heart disease, and some research suggest that they may also be useful in estimating disease risk in people who don’t have symptoms but do have risk factors such as high cholesterol. A stress test may be recommended in patients over 40 with a risk for coronary artery disease because of smoking, high blood pressure or other risk factors.

For More Information
	Podcasts: Cardiac tests info
	Take our heart health quiz
	What is your risk for coronary artery disease?