What the Test Does
Measures cardiac enzymes (including troponin and creatine kinase), C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, homocysteine, lipoproteins, triglycerides, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and prothrombin.

Reason for Test
 

• Confirms that a heart attack has occurred and determines extent of damage.
• Determines degree of risk for future heart-related problems and best treatment course.
• Helps determine degree of coronary artery disease (CAD).

What the Test Does
Examines the inside of your heart's blood vessels using special X-rays called angiograms. Dye visible by X-ray is injected into blood vessels using a thin hollow tube called a catheter. Takes 2-3 hours.

Reason for Test
 

• One of the most useful and accurate tools in diagnosing cardiovascular problems.
• Can detect where arteries are narrowed or blocked.
• Can measure blood pressure within the heart and oxygen in the blood.
• Can evaluate heart muscle function.
• Helps determine best course of treatment.

See an illustration of Cardiac Catheterization.

What the Test Does
Uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to produce images of the heart. Involves passing a tube through the throat into the esophagus. Takes 10-30 minutes.

Reason for Test
 

• Evaluates the function and small detailed structures of the heart and associated vessels.
• Helps find abnormalities in the heart.
• Helps gather information about abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias) in the heart.

What the Test Does
"Maps" the spread of electrical impulses through the heart with catheters tipped with electrodes that are threaded through blood vessels to different locations in the heart. Can stimulate the heart to beat rapidly.

Reason for Test
 

• Gives a more detailed analysis than simple ECG (EKG).
• Helps determine if abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias) develop in the heart and in which part of the heart they are located.

See an illustration of Electrophysiologic Tests.

(Also known as Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (MPI), Multigated Acquisition (MUGA) Scan, Radionuclide Stress Test and Nuclear Stress Test)

What the Test Does
Similar to a routine exercise stress test but with images. Uses radioactive substance called thallium injected into the bloodstream when patient is at maximum level of exercise to take pictures with a special (gamma) camera of the heart's muscle cells.

Reason for Test
 

• Helps measure blood flow of your heart muscle at rest and during stress.
• Helps determine extent of a coronary artery blockage.
• Helps determine extent of damage from heart attack.
• Helps determine cause of chest pain (angina).
• Helps determine level of safe exercise for patient.