Cardiac Catheterization Test for Heart Disease
Cardiac catheterization, also known as coronary angiography or coronary arteriography, is a computerized x-ray of the coronary arteries. A catheter (a thin plastic tube) is inserted into an artery in the groin or arm and threaded into a coronary artery. After a fluid is injected, the x-ray reveals blockages in the coronary arteries.
Specialized CT Scan: A New Test for Heart Disease
A new test for
heart disease is now available that may allow healthcare providers to diagnose
heart disease early before symptoms occur. This test is a specialized type of computed tomography (CT) scan. Two types of CT scans are currently used to help diagnose heart disease early:
- Electron beam computed tomography (EBCT)
- Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).
Both of these heart disease tests can identify and measure calcium buildup in and around the coronary arteries.
If you are at high risk for coronary heart disease, your healthcare provider may suggest one of these tests for heart disease even if you have no symptoms.
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