The dark side of heart problems lies in their often silent progression. Many heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and arrhythmias, can develop without showing obvious symptoms until they reach a critical point. By the time warning signs like chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue appear, the damage may already be significant, and the risk of heart attacks, strokes, or heart failure increases.

According to insurance aggregator Policybazaar.com, heart-related claims have increased from 9-12 per cent in 2019-2020 to 18-20 per cent in 2023-2024, reflecting a growing prevalence of cardiac issues. 

Keeping your heart healthy is crucial to overall wellness, but often, heart health issues go undiagnosed until it's too late. Thankfully, there are a variety of tests available that can help assess your heart health, allowing you to take proactive measures to protect your heart. Whether you're experiencing symptoms or just want to keep an eye on your heart health, these tests can provide valuable insights into your cardiovascular system. Let's explore the different types of tests used to diagnose heart health.

 

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Important Tests To Diagnose Heart Health

1. CT Angiogram (CTA)

• What it does: A CT angiogram uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of blood vessels, particularly the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. It's typically used to detect blockages, narrowing, or other abnormalities in the arteries.
• Why it's used: To identify coronary artery disease (CAD), aneurysms, or other vascular conditions.

 

2. Coronary Angiogram

• What it does: This is an invasive procedure where a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel (usually in the groin or wrist), and a contrast dye is injected into the coronary arteries. X-ray images are taken to visualise the blood flow and detect blockages or narrowing in the arteries.
• Why it's used: It's often used for diagnosing coronary artery disease, particularly when a person has symptoms like chest pain or when non-invasive tests are inconclusive.

 

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3. ECG (Electrocardiogram)

• What it does: An ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart, recording the timing of electrical impulses that trigger heartbeats. The results are displayed as waveforms that show heart rate, rhythm, and the presence of any abnormal electrical patterns.
• Why it's used: To detect arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), heart attacks, or other electrical disturbances in the heart.

 

4. Genetic Testing

• What it does: Genetic testing involves analysing your DNA to identify genes or mutations that may increase the risk of heart disease or other conditions. This can include familial hypercholesterolemia, certain arrhythmias, or other inherited heart conditions.
• Why it's used: To assess the risk of inherited heart conditions, help in early detection, and guide treatment options.

 

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5. Myocardial Perfusion Scan

• What it does: This test involves injecting a small amount of radioactive substance (usually a tracer) into the bloodstream and taking images with a special camera to assess blood flow to the heart muscle. The scan shows areas of the heart that may not be receiving enough oxygen-rich blood.
• Why it's used: To diagnose coronary artery disease, assess heart function, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments like stents or bypass surgery.

 

6. Blood Pressure Monitoring

• What it does: Blood pressure monitoring measures the force of blood against the walls of your arteries as the heart pumps. Regular monitoring can help detect high blood pressure (hypertension), a significant risk factor for heart disease.
• Why it's used: To detect and manage hypertension, which can lead to heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.

 

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7. Blood Tests

• What they do: Blood tests can measure cholesterol levels, blood sugar, triglycerides, markers of inflammation (like C-reactive protein), and heart-specific enzymes (like troponin). These tests help assess risk factors for heart disease and detect damage to the heart. Book your blood tests now with UR.Life. 
• Why they're used: To evaluate cholesterol, blood sugar, inflammation, and specific heart damage markers, providing a clearer picture of heart health.

 

8. Chest X-ray

• What it does: A chest X-ray produces images of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. It can reveal signs of heart failure, an enlarged heart, or issues with the lungs that could affect heart function.
• Why it's used: To look for heart enlargement, fluid in the lungs, or other structural problems that might be affecting the heart or lungs.

 

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9. Electrophysiological Study (EP Study)

• What it does: This is an invasive test where catheters are inserted into the heart through blood vessels to study the electrical activity of the heart and identify the source of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
• Why it's used: To diagnose and sometimes treat arrhythmias, especially when other tests are inconclusive.

 

10. Implantable Loop Recorders

• What they do: A small device is implanted under the skin (usually in the chest) to continuously monitor the heart's electrical activity over an extended period, typically up to 3 years.
• Why it's used: To detect irregular heart rhythms that occur infrequently and may be missed by other tests, such as unexplained fainting or palpitations.

 

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11. CT Scan

• What it does: A CT scan (or computed tomography scan) is a non-invasive imaging test that provides detailed cross-sectional images of organs and structures inside the body, including the heart and blood vessels.
• Why it's used: To assess the heart’s structure, coronary arteries, and other cardiac-related issues, such as aortic disease or heart enlargement.

 

12. Echocardiogram

• What it does: An echocardiogram uses sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of the heart. It can show the size, shape, and motion of the heart chambers, as well as the heart valves and blood flow.
• Why it's used: To assess heart function, identify valve problems, check for heart enlargement, and detect fluid around the heart.

 

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13. Exercise ECG (Stress Test)

• What it does: This test involves monitoring your heart's electrical activity during physical exercise, usually on a treadmill or stationary bike. It helps assess the heart's response to stress.
• Why it's used: To diagnose coronary artery disease, assess fitness levels, and evaluate how well the heart is functioning during exercise.

 

14. Cardiac MRI

• What it does: A cardiac MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the heart's structure and function. It provides detailed information on heart tissue, heart chambers, blood vessels, and coronary arteries.
• Why it's used: To diagnose heart diseases, evaluate heart function, assess scarring from a heart attack, and identify congenital heart defects.

 

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15. Tilt Test

• What it does: A tilt table test is used to assess how your heart and blood vessels respond to changes in position. The patient lies on a table that tilts to simulate a change from lying down to standing up.
• Why it's used: To diagnose conditions related to fainting or dizziness, such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) or other autonomic dysfunctions.

 

16. Thallium Test

• What it does: The thallium test is a type of myocardial perfusion scan that uses a radioactive substance (thallium) to show how well blood flows to the heart muscle. The test often involves exercise or medication to stress the heart.
• Why it's used: To evaluate coronary artery disease, detect areas of the heart that may not be receiving enough blood, and assess the effectiveness of treatments.

 

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17. Angiography

• What it does: Similar to coronary angiography, angiography is an imaging technique used to visualise the inside of blood vessels. It uses X-rays and a contrast dye to highlight the vessels.
• Why it's used: It’s used to assess any blockages or narrowing in blood vessels throughout the body, often in the coronary arteries, but also for peripheral arteries, cerebral arteries, or pulmonary arteries.

 

Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.

 

Want to stay ahead of potential heart issues? Book your blood tests today to get a clear picture of your cardiovascular health. Book blood tests here with UR.Life.

Regular health checks are essential for everyone, but they are particularly important for individuals who are at risk of or already have any underlying condition. Taking regular health checks can help detect the heart condition at an early stage when it is easier to manage and treat. With the UR.Life HRA, we help you to invest in your well-being through seamless interventions and targeted medical treatments. Our holistic wellness approach caters to all aspects of your well-being. We ensure that you can bring your whole self to work.
With our medical professionals by your side, routine health check-ups will never be an issue. Advanced laboratory technologies back UR.Life’s Occupational Health Centers (OHC), and with highly qualified experts/technicians, we’re committed to delivering trusted and quality recommendations, modifications and advice to you.