Special Tests
To diagnose any condition, the doctor will review your signs and symptoms, discuss your and your family's medical history, and conduct physical examinations.
Your doctor may order several tests to diagnose your condition, and determine the cause and severity of your condition. Tests may include:
Echocardiogram
A heart ultrasound is a test that records the activity of the heart in real time. This is achieved by the use of ultrasound technology. It is a painless test that gives many details about the heart, such as heart wall and cavity dimensions, valve function, cardiac walls mobility, blood flow into the heart, ascending aorta dimensions, etc.
Transesophageal echocardiogram
The esophageal ultrasound follows the same rules but, is performed by placing a tube in the esophagus, for the purpose of more detailed study, when a simple ultrasound cannot help.
This examination is performed with the patient with mild sedation.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
The electrocardiogram is a simple examination in which electrodes record the electrical activity of the heart. This test gives us information about heart rate. It is the most reliable test for any form of tachycardia, bradycardia or arrhythmia. Also, the electrocardiogram gives information on ischemia or myocardial infarction, hypertrophy or dilation of the heart etc.
Chest X-RAY
This enables your doctor to determine whether your heart is enlarged — a possible indicator of aortic valve regurgitation — or whether you have an enlarged aorta.
It can also help doctors determine the condition of your lungs.
Cardiac MRI
Using a magnetic field and radio waves, this test produces detailed pictures of your heart, including the aorta and aortic valve. This test may be used to determine the severity of your condition.
Thoracic computerized tomography
This test can provide doctors with clear images of aorta including the size and shape of an aneurysm. Alternatively, a thoracic CT angiogram with 3D reconstruction of the images is a very accurate test for diagnosis and detailed assessment.
Computerized tomography (CT) scan
A cardiac CT scan may show detailed images of the heart and heart valves.
CT coronary angiography
CT coronary angiography is the CT scan that aims to visualize the coronary arteries after administration of a contrast agent. This is intended for screening those who are considered at high risk for developing coronary heart disease.
CT coronary angiography is purely diagnostic examination and not invasive.
Coronary Angiography
Coronary angiography is the most reliable test for evaluating the coronary arteries, therefore coronary artery disease.
In this test, a catheter is inserted through an artery and reaches the heart. Through this catheter, a contrast agent is given in order to outline the arteries and their narrowing. In some cases this examination rather than diagnostic, may also be invasive.
Stress Test
Exercise tests help doctors see whether you have signs and symptoms of aortic valve disease during physical activity, and these tests can help determine the severity of your condition.
If you are unable to exercise, medications that have similar effects as exercise on your heart may be used.