MHVI Owners Manual . Diagnostics

Diagnostic testing is the term used to describe the many different tests your doctor may order to determine whether or not you have a cardiovascular disorder or to assess your progress once diagnosed. Stress tests, EKGs, ultrasound tests, and cardiac catheterizations are all examples of diagnostic tests.

Diagnostic testing is not always necessary. Your doctor, cardiologist, or vascular surgeon may be able to make a diagnosis by asking you detailed questions about your medical history, listening carefully as you describe your symptoms, and by completing a thorough cardiovascular physical examination. Your doctor may conclude that no further tests are required. Frequently, however, a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing is necessary. We are fortunate that advances in medical research and technology continue to produce safer, more effective, and less time consuming tests to assist in the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease.

Your doctor will collect information about your health to determine if you have a cardiovascular disorder. He or she will ask detailed questions about your medical history, perform a thorough physical examination, and possibly order tests to diagnose your condition.

In this section, you will find a brief description of the tests most commonly used to diagnose diseases of the heart and blood vessels. You will receive more detailed information on any test that is ordered for you. Be sure to carefully read the information you are given. You may want to write down any questions you have so they will be easier to recall when you see your doctor or the nurse or technologist who may be administering the test.