So, what is THE best test to check for Heart problems?? - Heart Disorders Message Board

Phlox · 07-15-2008, 01:04 PM

I know there are alot of members here with experience in testing for heart problems, and Im getting a little confused by some posts that recommend certain tests. Basically I am wondering which test is THE most informative and dependable for finding whether or not there is a problem with the heart? Ive read some that say it should be a Heart CT, or a NUCLEAR Stress Test, or Angiogram, or Heart Echo...etc, etc. I would think that if a Doctor wasnt sure what was wrong with a heart, isnt there a test that can see ALL problems?

If someone were to have one (or two if just one isnt enough), which test is the most helpful, and the one test that could find most (if not all) problems a Heart could have? Thank you for any help, I would really appreciate any opinions or experiences on which test is the best to have to check for a Heart problem!

confused32 · 07-15-2008, 03:52 PM

An angiogram is known by all to be the only test that is able to tell if you have a blockage. It is the gold standard in heart testing. The others have to many chances of having a false positive or false negative result.

Phlox · 07-15-2008, 11:39 PM

Thank you for the reply Confused32, but I was under the impression that Doctors will only give an angiogram if you fail stress tests, or if there is more "evidence" of a heart problem, because it was risky? In other words, is it unlikely that a Doctor will give you an angiogram before having other tests? If that is the case, which test is the best to have prior to the angio?

Also, just how dangerous is an Angio, and is it something that is very painful?

Thank you again for any responses!

confused32 · 07-16-2008, 08:46 AM

In my case i have had every test besides a cath or the 64 slice scan. I was told by one of my cardio's that they would do the angio for my piece of mind. I decided against that due to the risk of the test and no test had showed i need it, i just believe i need it. I am going to a new cardio in August and i am going to ask for the 64 slice scan. I believe and this is just my opinion that none of the test are accurate enough to know for sure. I had 2 nuclear and they both showed my heart is fine. I had a calcium scanning and it showed i had no calcium build up. I have had several echo's and a regular stress test. I have a severe health anxiety about my heart and it keeps me from relaxing even though all my test show my heart is fine. I think after i have the 64 slice i will finally put my mind to rest. I am to scared to do the angio even though it would totally put my mind at ease, i worry something will go wrong and i didnt even need the darn test. Its just really going to be on your personal preference on what testing you do that will make you feel comfortable. I know they are very easy on giving the nuclear stress test they say it is very reliable.

Phlox · 07-18-2008, 11:51 AM

Thank you very much Confused, I appreciate your reply! My doctor is setting me up for a regular stress test, I asked about the nuclear and she said something along the lines of "Thats usually for senior citizens, I dont think you need that yet." Its hard to argue when you still arent sure whats going on, at least for me. Although, IIRC, Tim Russert had just had a regular Stress Test a month before he dropped from a heart attack, and thoughts like that certainly dont help either, hehe! I just hope this regular stress test is at least SOMEWHAT accurate, in comparison to the nuclear stress test? I just have no idea about these things. Thank you again!