Cardiac Diagnostic Tests

“Cardiovascular disease” is a term for the group of diseases that affect your heart and blood vessels, including stroke, coronary heart disease, heart failure, heart valve disease, atherosclerosis (hardened arteries), hypertension or a heart arrhythmia. If your clinician thinks you may have a cardiovascular disease, expect further testing.Fortunately, many types of cardiac diagnostic tests are available. Your clinician will order tests based on your specific medical situation. Tests include: Blood tests What it is: A needle inserted by a clinician into your vein to remove a small amount of blood.What it measures: Cholesterol, proteins like lipoprotein (a) or troponin, and inflammation markers like C-reactive protein. Your clinician will order specific tests based on your possible diagnosis.Used to: Assess your risk of cardiovascular disease, along with a physical exam and your medical history. Specific tests like troponin levels can confirm whether damage to your heart muscle has already occurred.Blood pressure monitoring What it is: An arm cuff that measures your blood pressure at clinic visits. You may also need to take your blood pressure at home.What it measures: How much press...