Hi,
I have been suffering from chest pain/pressure and fainting episodes along with some other symptoms for a few months, now. I have had many tests including several ekg's, a 24 hour holter monitor, chest CT scan, and blood tests. My dr thinks my symptoms are caused from anxiety. Lately, however, my chest pain has gotten worse. So, my dr. referred me to a cardiologist (who I will be seeing on monday). He said they would probably do an echocardiogram. I was just wondering what this test can tell or rule out. Also, what other tests could be done that might rule out a heart condition? I would appreciate any replys.
Thanks
Hi Hilery. I've had an EKG and an Echo. An echo shows the shape of your heart, flow of blood, thickness of the heart, and I'm not sure about what else. :-/ Sorry. If you've fainted before you might have a tilt table test, where they strap you onto a tilt table and tilt you at different angles to see if you faint because of an angle. I don't know much about this test though, because I've never had it myself. Well good luck!
Hi hilery:
The echo is very good for detecting structural problems with the heart. These include valve problems (stenosis, prolapse), chamber size, wall motion, and muscle wall thickness. It can also determine the severity of regurgitation (if present). Although it can identify location of muscle damage (from a heart attack), it does not provide information about coronary artery blockages. Hope this helps.
Hi again Hilery:
The "definitive" test for detecting coronary blockage is the angiogram - which is invasive. I believe a PET scan can show how well different parts of the heart are receiving blood (an indirect assessment of coronary blockage), but wouldn't be able to determine the degree of blockage.
Tests to rule out heart condition 
