• Questions to ask your Doctor
  • Choose Quality Care

Cardiovascular Diseases: Consultation

To diagnose cardiovascular diseases, a good medical history intake via a Q and A with Your Doctor and physical examination  may assist in identifying if you have a cardiovascular disease and the type of heart disease you may have.  During a physical examination of the chest and heart, the following abnormalities may be observed to detect heart disease.

  • Diminished heart sounds
  •  Irregular heart rhythm
  •  Dislocated PMI (primary maximal impulse)
  •  Palpatory or visual PMI

Electrocardiogram

After a thorough physical examination, an electrocardiogram (ECG) may be taken to know the rhythmic status of the heart. The ECG will give an overview of the functionality of the remarkable areas of the heart. In Myocardial Ischemia (characterized by a reduced blood supply to the heart), an ST segment elevation in ECG indicates that the ischemia is caused by a blockage in the blood supply of the heart.

Electrocardiogram and Cardiovascular Duplex Scan

A cardiovascular duplex scan and echocardiogram may be useful in diagnosing an aneurysm in the aorta. The early diagnosis of aortic aneurysm is crucial to preventing it from exploding or what is referred to as a dissected aortic aneurysm.

Laboratory Tests

Laboratory tests will support other findings of cardiovascular disease. Serum Troponin and CKMB are elevated in Myocardial Ischemia. A high bad cholesterol level will increase the effects of cardiovascular disease. Other laboratory tests are: fasting blood sugar, lipid panel, serum creatinine, and uric acid.

The ABI (ankle-brachial index) is the ratio of the blood pressure in the legs and the peripheral blood pressure. This is remarkably abnormal in cases of cardiovascular disease because of the blockage of blood circulation towards the system and back to the heart.

Next Visit, Heart Disease and Treatment

Or, Visit: Cardiovascular Disease Cardiology to learn about other conditions of the heart.

It is important to note that select diagnostic tests may be associated with risks that should be reviewed with your physician prior to making a decision about taking tests. It is also important to recognize that all information contained on this website cannot be considered to be specific medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or medical advice. As always, you should consult with a physician regarding any medical condition.