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Tests
There are many different ways your heart can be tested for a condition.
Read more in this section about some of the most common forms of diagnosis, such as electrocardiograms and MRI scans.
Physical assessment
A physical assessment and examination can help a doctor to diagnose a heart problem. A heart health check (also known as a cardiovascular risk assessment) can find out your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Blood tests
Blood tests can help to diagnose certain conditions and also to monitor the effects of some medications.
Chest X-ray
A chest x-ray allows doctors to examine the heart, lungs and chest wall.
ECG
An electrocardiogram (ECG) records the rhythm and electrical activity of your heart. You can also read here for information on exercise ECG, 24-hour ECG recording and cardiac event recorders.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram (also known as an echo) uses sound waves that echo against structures in the heart to build up a detailed picture of the heart.
Angiogram
An angiogram is also known as a coronary angiogram or cardiac catheterisation. It looks inside the coronary arteries and can show exactly where any narrowings in the coronary arteries are and how severe they are.
MRI Scans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan is a technique which produces extremely detailed pictures of your internal organs.
Radionuclide Tests
Radionuclide tests can give a lot of information about the heart. They are less common than other tests and are only performed in a small amount of hospitals within the UK.
Electrophysiology Tests
Electrophysiological (EP) studies allow the hearts electrical activity to be analysed in great detail. This test has revolutionised the way we understand and treat fast or abnormal heart rhythms.
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