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Wednesday, 17 September, 2025
Your Guide to Heart Tests: Types, Reports, and Results
Your heart doesn’t come with a warning light, but it does send signals. The tricky part? Decoding them before something serious shows up. That’s where heart tests come in. Whether your doctor just told you to do one or you’re simply curious about your heart health, this guide breaks it all down without overwhelming you.
We’ll walk through the types of heart tests, what they measure, what your reports actually mean, and how to have better conversations with your doctor about the results.
What Are Heart Tests?
Heart tests are diagnostic tools that evaluate how well your heart is functioning. They help detect early signs of heart disease, monitor existing conditions, or clear doubts if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or other suspicious symptoms.
There are non-invasive options like ECGs and blood tests, and more advanced scans like MRIs or CTAs. Some are done during rest, others during physical stress. The key is knowing which one tells you what.
10 Common Heart Tests You Should Know About
Understanding the different types and common heart tests can help you feel more in control of your care. Each test offers a different window into your heart’s health, whether it's your rhythm, structure, blood flow, or risk of disease. Some tests are used to confirm diagnoses, others to screen for risk factors even before symptoms appear. These are the most commonly recommended tests to check heart health, each offering a different insight into your heart’s condition. If you’re looking at heart checkup packages, understanding what each test is for can help you make better choices.
1. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
This quick test records your heart’s electrical activity. It can detect irregular rhythms (arrhythmias), signs of a previous or current heart attack, and abnormalities in heart size.
In the heart ECG report, you’ll see:
- Heart Rate (BPM): Normal is 60-100 bpm.
- P wave, QRS complex, T wave: These represent various phases of your heartbeat.
- PR/QT intervals: Measure timing.
- ST-segment: Elevation or depression can signal a heart attack.
2. Echocardiogram (ECHO)
An echocardiogram test is an ultrasound-based test that gives a real-time image of your heart. It checks heart valves, wall motion, and pumping efficiency.
An echo report for the heart typically includes:
- Ejection Fraction (EF): How much blood your heart pumps with each beat. Normal is 55-70%.
- Valve Function: Whether they open and close properly.
- Wall Motion Abnormalities: Can indicate areas affected by a past heart attack.
3. Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE)
This is similar to an echo, but more detailed. A probe is inserted through the esophagus, which lies closer to the heart. It gives sharper images, especially for complex valve or clot detection.
What You’ll See in the Report?
- Enhanced views of valves, clots, or infections.
- Often used for pre-surgery evaluation or suspected endocarditis.
- Especially useful when surface echoes aren’t clear enough.
4. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
A heart MRI scan creates highly detailed images using magnets and radio waves. It’s great for spotting tissue damage, heart muscle scarring, and congenital issues.
What You’ll See in the Report?
- Size and structure of heart chambers
- Presence of fibrosis or inflammation
- Heart function (EF included)
5. Coronary Computed Tomography Angiogram (CCTA)
A CCTA test (Coronary CT Angiography), a non-invasive way to visualize coronary arteries and check for blockages or narrowing.
Heart scan report will show:
- Any plaque buildup or narrowing of arteries
- Calcium scores may be mentioned
- Recommendations for further tests, like angiography if needed
6. Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Test
What does it measure?
This specialized CT scan detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries.
What You’ll See in the Report?
- Calcium Score: Ranges from 0 (no calcium) to 400+ (extensive plaque buildup)
- Risk category based on score
7. Chest X-ray
What does it measure?
Though basic, a heart X-ray can show the size and shape of the heart, fluid in the lungs, and some lung diseases.
Your heart X-ray or heart X-ray report helps check:
- Enlarged heart
- Signs of heart failure
- Abnormalities in surrounding structures
8. CT Scan
What does it measure?
A CT can give cross-sectional images of the heart and blood vessels.
What You’ll See in the Report?
- Blockages, tumors, or structural defects
- Often paired with contrast dye for better visuals
9. Stress Test (Treadmill or Pharmacologic)
What does it measure?
It checks how your heart performs under stress (physical or medication-induced).
What You’ll See in the Report?
- Heart rate response
- Blood pressure response
- ECG changes
- Symptoms during the test
10. Blood Tests
These are part of routine heart-related blood tests or full heart blood tests panels.
Cholesterol Levels
- LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): "Bad" cholesterol, high levels increase risk.
- HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): "Good" cholesterol, protective.
- Triglycerides: High levels raise risk of heart disease.
- Total Cholesterol: Combined number for overview.
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)
Checks for inflammation in your body, especially in blood vessels. Even if cholesterol is normal, high hs-CRP may signal risk.
Lipoprotein(a)
A special type of LDL cholesterol, inherited and an independent risk factor.
How to Understand a Heart Test Report
Heart Rate
Normal is 60-100 bpm. Too high or low may indicate issues.
Ejection Fraction (EF)
Normal 55-70%. Lower values may suggest heart failure.
Cholesterol Levels
- LDL: Under 100 mg/dL
- HDL: Over 40 (men), 50 (women)
- Triglycerides: Under 150 mg/dL
Blood Pressure
Normal is around 120/80 mm Hg. High blood pressure increases risks.
Calcium Score
Result of CAC test, higher scores mean higher risk.
How to Discuss Your Results with Your Doctor
Ask for Clarification
Always ask what a number or measure means, whether it’s urgent, and if it’s normal.
Inquire About Next Steps
Ask if you need another test, medication, or urgent follow-up.
Be Proactive
Use reports as motivation to improve diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management.
When Should You Get a Heart Test?
- You have risk factors: diabetes, high BP, smoking, family history.
- You’re over 40 and haven’t tested recently.
- You feel chest discomfort, fatigue, breathlessness, palpitations.
- Planning high-intensity workouts.
Conclusion
Your heart does a lot, but it can’t speak for itself. Heart tests act as its voice. Whether it’s an ECG, MRI, or blood test, the data empowers you. If you're in Bangalore, consider a comprehensive checkup at a reputed heart hospital.
FAQs
1. Why might my doctor order multiple heart tests?
Different tests show different aspects of heart health. Together, they give a fuller picture.
2. How accurate are heart tests in diagnosing heart disease?
Quite reliable when combined, though follow-ups may be needed.
3. Are heart tests safe? Are there any risks?
Most are non-invasive and safe. Dye-based imaging may have minor risks.
4. How often should I get a heart test if I have no symptoms?
If over 40 or at risk, every 1-2 years. If younger and healthy, consult your doctor.
