Diagnosing Heart Disease

Diagnosing women with heart disease is challenging for many reasons. Women often have different symptoms of angina or a heart attack compared with men. In part because some tests are not as accurate in women as they are in men. For instance, a simple exercise stress test may not be effective unless combined with heart imaging or other tests that let the doctor gain more information about blood flow to the heart and how the heart pumps.

The Women's Heart Program cardiologists are especially attuned to diagnosing heart disease in women. They will reccommend the tests that are right for each patient’s specific symptoms and distinguish what type of evaluation and treatment are most appropriate for each woman.

Medical History & Physical Examination

This provides the basis for all other testing. As much time as needed is taken to gain a thorough understanding of all past medical problems and susceptibilities based on family, social, and work history. You may wish to bring information regarding medications you are currently taking, their dosages, and any recent or relevant medical records. You are encouraged to use this time to raise any and all health questions or concerns you may have.

Laboratory Studies

Laboratory tests can reveal quite a bit of information about the condition of your heart and blood vessels.

Tests recommended for those being examined for heart disease may include a complete blood count, cholesterol and lipid profile, urinalysis, blood chemistry, and thyroid study.

The purpose of the tests is to detect problems such as anemia, diabetes, gout, liver disease, thyroid disease, and kidney disorders.

The cholesterol and lipid profile reveals risk for atherosclerosis, which can cause heart disease, stroke or poor circulation.

Resting Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

This test records the electrical activity of your heart. A healthy heart gives out a predictable pattern. Variations can signal different types of heart trouble, ranging from arrhythmia (rhythm irregularity) to coronary artery disease or heart enlargement. The test will provide your physician immediate results and will be used in conjunction with your risk factor profile to determine your risk for heart disease.

Body Composition Test

The analysis of total body weight made up of fat by skin fold measurements and/or electrical impedance. This test determines percent body fat, desired body fat parameters, and target weight.

Exercise ECG (Treadmill Test)

This test shows how well the heart responds to extra demands placed on it during physical activity. It is recommended for individuals over 40 years of age or with multiple risk factors predisposing them to coronary artery disease. It is also recommended for individuals of any age wishing to begin an exercise program.

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Echocardiogram

This is a technique that uses ultrasound waves to examine the heart. It reveals information about the resting ejection fraction, the presence of previous silent heart attack or cardiomyopathy. It is also useful in diagnosing valvular disease, such as mitral valve prolapse, aortic stenosis, and mitral stenosis.

Echocardiography (ECHO) Stress Test

This test uses a combination of the exercise treadmill test and the echocardiogram to evaluate patients with chest pain syndromes and those with known or suspected coronary artery disease. It has been shown to be particularly appropriate in diagnosing heart disease in women.

Nuclear Scan

This diagnostic tool uses a combination of the exercise treadmill test with a computerized scanner that measures blood flow patterns to the heart and analyzes its pumping action during exercise.

Chest X-ray

Determines heart size and screens for lung cancer and other pulmonary diseases.

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GW Women't Heart Program
2131 K. Street, NW #800
Washington, DC 20037

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