Kärldiagnostik

Kärldiagnostik refers to the methods and procedures used to diagnose diseases and conditions affecting the heart. This broad field encompasses a variety of diagnostic tools, both non-invasive and invasive, employed by healthcare professionals to assess cardiac function, structure, and health.

Non-invasive diagnostic techniques are often the first line of investigation. These include electrocardiography (ECG or EKG), which records the electrical activity of the heart; echocardiography, an ultrasound of the heart that visualizes its chambers, valves, and pumping action; and chest X-rays, which can reveal the size and shape of the heart and lungs. Stress tests, such as exercise stress tests or pharmacological stress tests, are used to evaluate how the heart performs under physical exertion or stress.

More advanced non-invasive imaging modalities include cardiac computed tomography (CT) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which provide detailed cross-sectional images of the heart and surrounding structures. These can help identify blockages in coronary arteries, assess heart muscle damage, and evaluate congenital heart defects.

Invasive diagnostic procedures are typically performed when non-invasive tests are inconclusive or when a more definitive diagnosis is required. Coronary angiography, for example, involves inserting a catheter into an artery and injecting contrast dye to visualize the coronary arteries and detect blockages. Electrophysiology studies (EPS) are used to diagnose heart rhythm abnormalities by mapping the electrical pathways of the heart. These diagnostic tools collectively enable clinicians to accurately identify and characterize a wide range of cardiac ailments, guiding appropriate treatment strategies.