What is an electrophysiological study (EPS)?

An electrophysiology (EP) study is a detailed analysis of the electrical activity in your heart. It’s a subject within cardiology that aims to diagnose and treat abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Here’s how it works: Procedure: During an EP study, healthcare providers use catheters (small tubes) that go into your heart to capture its signals. These catheters provide more information than electrodes placed outside … Continue reading What is an electrophysiological study (EPS)?

What is coronary angiography?

A coronary angiography is a diagnostic test that uses X-rays to examine the heart’s blood vessels, specifically the coronary arteries. Here are the key points: Purpose: It is primarily performed to detect blockages or narrowing in the coronary arteries (vessels of the heart). Procedure: During a coronary angiogram, a contrast dye is injected into the arteries through a catheter. X-ray images are … Continue reading What is coronary angiography?

What is angina?

Angina, also known as angina pectoris, is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when part of your heart muscle does not get enough oxygen-rich blood. It is a common symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD), which develops when the arteries of the heart become partially or totally blocked. The sensation of angina is often described as squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness, … Continue reading What is angina?

What is CK-MB or CPK-MB blood test?

What is CK-MB or CPK-MB blood test and what is this used for? The CK-MB or CPK-MB test, also known as the creatine phosphokinase-MB test, is a cardiac marker used to assist in diagnosing specific heart conditions. Let’s know more about this test in detail: Purpose: The CK-MB test helps diagnose or rule out: Acute myocardial infarction … Continue reading What is CK-MB or CPK-MB blood test?

What is cardiac troponin test?

A troponin test looks for certain types of the protein troponin in your bloodstream. These types of troponin are unique to heart muscle cells and enter your blood due to heart muscle damage. The test is invaluable for diagnosing heart attacks and other heart-related issues. Let’s dive deeper into the details: What is troponin? Troponin is a protein found in specific types … Continue reading What is cardiac troponin test?

Understanding your lipid profile (cholesterol) test results

What is lipid profile (cholesterol) test? A lipid profile test, also known as a cholesterol panel, assesses the levels of various fats (lipids) in your blood. These lipids play essential roles in your body, but an excess of certain types can impact your health, particularly heart health. Here’s what you need to know: Components of a Lipid … Continue reading Understanding your lipid profile (cholesterol) test results

What is Holter monitoring test?

A Holter monitor is a small, wearable device that records the heart’s rhythm. It’s used to detect or determine the risk of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Unlike a traditional electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), which provides a snapshot of the heart’s activity, a Holter monitor continuously records the heart’s electrical signals over an extended period, typically 24 hours or longer. This … Continue reading What is Holter monitoring test?

What is CT coronary angiography?

A CT coronary angiogram is a diagnostic imaging test that provides detailed images of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. Here’s how it works: Procedure: During a CT coronary angiogram, an X-ray machine captures images of the heart and its blood vessels. Dye Injection: Before the images are taken, a special dye (contrast material) is injected into … Continue reading What is CT coronary angiography?

What is stress echocardiography?

Stress echocardiography, also known as an echocardiography stress test or stress echo, is a procedure that evaluates how well your heart and blood vessels function. Here’s how it works: Purpose: Stress echocardiography helps determine if your heart muscles are receiving enough blood and oxygen during physical exertion. It’s commonly used to: Diagnose coronary artery disease (narrowing of blood vessels that … Continue reading What is stress echocardiography?