Important Tests For Heart Disease

Did you know there are new consumer guidelines that help you and your physician decide which heart health tests you need and which you may not need?

The following list of tests is arranged by most to least important according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, part of the Department of Health and Human Services:

1. Blood Pressure Level:
A reading of your systolic (upper) and diastolic (lower) blood pressure levels at least once a year.
Who is it for? Everyone.

2. Cholesterol Levels:
Test blood levels at least every 5 years. It measures LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol levels. It also measures artery-clogging triglycerides in the blood.
Who is it for? Best for men over 35 and women over 45 who have other risk factors for coronary artery disease.

3. Blood Glucose:
A blood test every 3 to 5 years to measure blood sugar levels.
Who is it for? Best for people who are at risk for type 2 diabetes. If you have any risk factors such as systolic blood pressure over 135, obesity, or an LDL (bad) cholesterol level over 130.

4. C-Reactive Protein (CRP):
A yearly blood test that measures your CRP level. CRP is a marker for inflammation of the arteries, which is linked to elevated risk for heart disease.
Who is it for? Best for people with moderate to severe risk of heart disease. It can determine, for example how aggressively and individual with high LDL needs to lower their cholesterol.

5. Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG):
This test uses electrodes attached to the chest measuring and recording electrical activity of the heart as it beats.
Who is it for? People who have symptoms of heart disease such as chest pain. Middle aged people who are just starting an exercise program are also advised to have an EKG. Those without these factors usually do not need to undergo the test.

6. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm:
This is an ultrasound of the abdomen that looks for a ballooning of a portion of the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. These aneurysms can be fatal if they burst.
Who is it for? Those who have a lump in their abdomen felt during a physical exam. Men 65 and older who are smokers are advised to have the test. Women 65 and older who smoke or have a family history of aneurysm may benefit from the test. Other people do not need to get the test as a screening measure.

7. Peripheral Artery Disease:
A comparison of the blood pressure in our arms with the pressure in the legs. An ultrasound or blood pressure cuff is used. Clogging in the arteries in the legs is what this measures.
Who is it for? Those who have pain while walking. Other people usually do not need to get tested as a screening measure.

8. Carotid Artery Disease:
This test is an ultrasound of the arteries on both sides of the neck. When those arteries are clogged, the risk of stroke is greatly increased. A surgical procedure can open the carotid arteries and restore normal blood flow.
Who is it for? Those who have had a stroke or mini stroke should get this test.

9. CT Angiography:
This is a CT scan that takes many images of the coronary arteries and produces a three-dimensional photograph of the arteries.
Who is it best for? People who have chest pain and abnormal EKG results. Abnormal exercise stress test levels are also an indication for this test. Standard angiography can work for most people in these risk groups, so talk to your doctor about both options. Those not in these risk groups usually do not need the test.