As a medical professional, I can provide you with an overview of the diagnostic tests that are commonly used to evaluate a patient for angina. Angina is a symptom of reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, typically caused by coronary artery disease. Here's how we typically test for it:
1.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This test records the electrical activity of the heart and can reveal abnormalities that might indicate heart disease.
2.
Stress Test: Also known as an exercise tolerance test, this involves monitoring the heart's response to increasing levels of exertion on a treadmill or a stationary bike.
3.
Echocardiogram: This is an ultrasound of the heart that can show how well the heart's chambers and valves are functioning.
4.
Nuclear Stress Test: This combines a stress test with an imaging technique that uses small amounts of radioactive material to assess blood flow to the heart muscle.
5.
Chest X-ray: This imaging test can show the size and shape of the heart and may reveal signs of heart failure or other problems.
6.
Blood Tests: These can check for certain markers that may indicate heart damage or risk factors for heart disease.
7.
Coronary Angiography: This is an invasive procedure that uses a dye and special X-rays to visualize the coronary arteries and find blockages.
8. **Cardiac Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan**: This non-invasive imaging test can provide detailed images of the heart and coronary arteries.
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