Tests & Diagnostics

The first step in the process of diagnosing and treating cardiovascular disease is a visit with your doctor to describe and discuss your symptoms, including their impact on your daily activities, how long you have noticed them and how often they occur and under what conditions. For example, do you notice symptoms when you are lifting a bag of groceries, working out at the gym, walking or just sitting quietly?

Your doctor will also perform a physical examination to check your blood pressure, weight, cholesterol levels and ask you questions, such as:

Lifestyle choices

• How often do you exercise? What do you do for exercise?
• Do you drink alcohol? How much? How often?
• Do you eat a heart-healthy diet?
• Do you smoke? Have you used tobacco products in the past?

• Do you live a high-stress lifestyle? How do you manage stress?

Medical history

• Has anyone in your family had a heart attack or stroke and at what age?
• Has anyone been told they have coronary artery disease or heart disease?

• Has anyone had bypass surgery or undergone a procedure to have blockages in their arteries opened?

Recommendations

Based on the discussion with your doctor and the results from your physical exam and blood tests, your doctor will:

• Recommend medical, or drug, therapy and changes in your lifestyle to help control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, maintain a healthy weight and manage blood sugar levels; or
• Refer you for tests to diagnose what may be causing your symptoms.