4 Important Tests That Can Identify Your Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease

Many aspects of cardiovascular disease (CVD) occur without symptoms, and when problems occur, they can be dramatic, such as a heart attack or stroke. If you have any symptoms of heart disease, it is important to have tests done that can identify whether they are consistent with CVD. With prompt treatment, you can substantially reduce your risk of an emergency.

Stress Test

A stress test is among the most common cardiovascular tests. The test is done by stressing the heart. In most instances, the stress test requires you to walk on a treadmill while you are monitored with an electrocardiogram. Less commonly, people who are unable to walk on the treadmill are monitored while they are given a medication that causes stress on the heart to mimic exertion. During the test, changes in the heart can be identified, such as abnormal rhythms and changes in blood flow. It is also important for the person undergoing the stress test to be honest about any symptoms they notice during the test, like pain or shortness of breath.

Carotid Doppler

The carotid artery provides blood to the brain. Problems with the carotid artery can increase the risk of stroke. During a carotid doppler tests, images of the blood vessel and sounds of blood flow are recorded. The objective of the test is to determine if there is narrowing within these vessels. If narrowing is detected, the type of treatment is dependent on the extent of narrowing. Much like other forms of blood vessel stenosis, carotid stenosis may be treated by placing a stent in the carotid artery to open up the vessel and maintain good blood flow to the brain.

Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound

Since the aorta is a major blood vessel within the body, problems along this vessel, such as blockages or dissection, can cause serious repercussions or death. An abdominal aortic ultrasound uses sound waves to listen to blood flow as the aorta goes through the abdomen. The ultrasound can also take images of blood flow. The test can identify narrowing of the aorta, which will impede blood flow. Bulging of the aorta is another condition that can be detected, which is indicative of an aneurysm. Aneurysms are especially dangerous because if they rupture, they can cause massive, uncontrolled bleeding within a manner of seconds.

Lower Extremity Arterial & Venus Ultrasound

Problems with blood flow in the arteries and veins of the legs can also be consistent with CVD. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when there is a lack of adequate blood flow to the legs because of narrowing in the artery. Although there may be no symptoms in the early stages of PAD, when symptoms do occur, they are usually pain and cramping during activity. Other signs can be having a cold extremity or numbness. The major concern with veins in the legs is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Ultrasound can detect blood clots in the veins of the legs. The clots can break off and end up in the lungs, causing a medical emergency. Although DVT can have no symptoms, when they occur, they are usually edema and/or pain in the legs.

There are many cardiovascular tests available to identify the most common life-threatening conditions associated with CVD. People experiencing symptoms should not be hesitant to having testing done, since testing is typically simple and does not require any invasive procedures. Contact a cardiac care center in your area to learn more.