But when there is cause for concern because of angina, shortness of breath, or risk factors such as family history, age, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, or cigarette smoking, further evaluation may be advisable. The first step Electrocardiography is the most common test ordered to evaluate suspected heart disease. An ECG can be taken while the patient is at rest or exercising. A resting ECG is usually ordered first because it is convenient and relatively inexpensive. False-negative findings are reported in about half of those who are tested and are more likely in women than in men.
Results show how well the heart functions as it is required to work harder.
Findings can be used to confirm CHD, establish a safe level of exercise when CHD is diagnosed, or help direct treatment of fully stabilized patients who have experienced a heart attack or unstable angina. However, these results can also be difficult to interpret. The test employs ultrasound waves to create images of the moving heart. Echocardiography can also show blood clots within the heart and, sometimes, evidence of scarring. Besides revealing likely sites of blockages in the arteries and the general presence of heart damage, nuclear imaging can show the extent and location of the damage and predict the likelihood of future heart attacks.