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Tests could include:
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Serum Creatine Test
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A physical examination may reveal:Abnormal heart sounds, such as a murmurAbnormal lung soundsAnkle swellingDistended neck veinsEnlarged liverIrregular or rapid heartbeatWeight gainCommon tests may include:Chest x-rayECGEchocardiogramThe following ...
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A chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.Chest radiography; Serial chest x-ray; X-ray- chest.The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider''s office by an x-...
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A chest x ray is a procedure used to evaluate organs and structures within the chest for symptoms of disease. Chest x rays include views of the lungs, heart, small portions of the gastrointestinal tract, thyroid gland and the bones of the chest ar...
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Detailed information on chest x-rays, including reasons for the procedure X-rays are made by using low levels of external radiation to produce images of the body, the organs, and other internal structures for diagnostic purposes. X-rays pass through body structures onto specially treated plates (similar to camera film) and a "negative" type picture is made. The more solid a structure is, the whiter it appears on the film. For this reason, bones appear very white on an x-ray film, but less dense tissue such as muscle, blood, skin, and fat appears darker.
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A chest x ray is a procedure used to evaluate organs and structures within the chest for symptoms of disease. Chest x rays include views of the lungs, heart, small portions of the gastrointestinal tract, and the bones of the chest area.
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A chest x ray is a procedure used to evaluate organs and structures within the chest for symptoms of disease. Chest x rays include views of the lungs, heart, small portions of the gastrointestinal tract, thyroid gland, and the bones of the chest a...
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An electrocardiogram(ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.
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Electrocardiography is a commonly used, noninvasive procedure for recording electrical changes in the heart. The record, which is called an electrocardiogram(ECG or EKG), shows the series of waves that relate to the electrical impulses that occur ...
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Detailed information on electrocardiogram, including how the EKG/ECG is performed and what happens after the procedure
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The electrocardiography unit, also called an electrocardiograph, is an apparatus that indirectly measures the heart''s electrical activity and records it as a graphic tracing.Electrocardiography is used to detect heart-function abnormalities. It in...
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Did you know that electrical currents flow throughout your body? Because the strongest of these travels through your heart, doctors are able to monitor your heart by placing electrical sensors on the surface of your skin.
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The ECG (also known as EKG) is a test that records electrical signals from your heart onto a paper strip. The pattern of these signals can tell the doctor whether your heart is normal, under stress, or experiencing electrical problems, strain, or damage.
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The electrocardiogram(ECG) displays important information about the heart, including the occurrence of a heart attack or lack of oxygen, whether conduction of the heartbeat is disturbed, or its rate or rhythm altered. It is useful as a rapid indic...
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Detailed information on an electrocardiogram (EKG) procedure, including how the procedure is performed, reasons for the procedure, and pre- and post-evaluation instructions
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The Harvard Health Letter celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. In the first of a series, the Health Letter takes a look back at three decades in medicine.
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During a physical examination, a health care provider studies a patient''s body to determine the presence or absence of physical problems.
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Stress echocardiography is a test that uses ultrasound imaging to determine how the heart muscles respond to stress. It is mainly used to diagnose and evaluate coronary artery disease.Echocardiography stress test; Stress test- echocardiography.A s...
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Stress echocardiography, or stress echo, is a test that records images of your heart before and after exercise. By comparing the images, your doctor can tell whether your heart is getting enough blood to meet its increased demand for oxygen.
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Coronary angiography is a procedure that uses a special dye(contrast material) and x-rays to see how blood flows through your heart.Cardiac angiography; Angiography- heart; Angiogram- coronary.Coronary angiography is usually done along with cardia...
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Auscultation is the method of listening to the sounds of the body during a physical examination.Auscultation is usually done using a tool called a stethoscope. Health care providers routinely listen to a patient''s lungs, heart, and intestines to e...
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The multiple-gated acquisition(MUGA) scan is a non-invasive nuclear test that uses a radioactive isotope called technetium to evaluate the functioning of the heart''s ventricles.The MUGA scan is performed to determine if the heart''s left and right ...
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The multiple-gated acquisition(MUGA) scan, also called a cardiac blood pool study, is a non-invasive nuclear medicine test that enables clinicians to obtain information about heart muscle activity. The scan displays the distribution of a radioacti...
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The multiple-gated acquisition(MUGA) scan, also called a cardiac blood pool study, is a non-invasive nuclear medicine test that displays the distribution of a radioactive tracer in the heart. The images of the heart are obtained at intervals throu...
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Cardiac catheterization involves passing a a thin flexible tube(catheter) into the right or left side of the heart, usually from the groin or the arm.You will be given a mild sedative before the test to help you relax. An intravenous(IV) line is i...
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Cardiac catheterization(also called heart catheterization) is a diagnostic procedure which does a comprehensive examination of how the heart and its blood vessels function. One or more catheters is inserted through a peripheral blood vessel in the...
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You may have had angina, dizziness, or other symptoms of heart trouble. To help diagnose your problem, your doctor may suggest having a cardiac catheterization. This common procedure is sometimes also used to treat a heart problem.
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Cardiac catheterization(also called heart catheterization) is a diagnostic and occasionally therapeutic procedure that allows a comprehensive examination of the heart and surrounding blood vessels. It enables the physician to take angiograms, reco...
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Detailed information on a cardiac catheterization procedure, including how the procedure is performed, reasons for the procedure, and pre- and post-evaluation instructions
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Detailed information on cardiac catheterization, including how is a cardiac catheterization performed and what happens after the test
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An echocardiogram (echo) is an imaging test. It helps your doctor evaluate your heart. Here is how it works.
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Detailed information on transesophageal echocardiography, also called TEE or heart scan with endoscopy, including reasons for the procedure, risks of the procedure, what to expect, and discharge instructions
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An arteriogram is an imaging test that uses x-rays and a special dye to see inside the arteries. It can be used to see arteries in the heart, brain, kidney, and many other parts of the body.
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Angiography is the x-ray(radiographic) study of the blood vessels. An angiogram uses a radiopaque substance, or contrast medium, to make the blood vessels visible under x ray.
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Angiography is a special type of x-ray that allows your coronary arteries to be viewed and recorded on film. Your doctor can see if the blood vessels to your heart are clogged.
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CTA creates images of arteries throughout the body. A contrast medium (x-ray dye) is injected to make the blood vessels stand out. Pictures are then taken with the CT scanner. The CT images are processed by a computer to make a three-dimensional picture.
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Angiography is the x-ray(radiographic) study of the blood vessels. An angiogram uses a radiopaque substance, or contrast medium, to make the blood vessels visible under x ray.
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Angiography is the x-ray(radiographic) study of the blood vessels. An angiogram uses a radiopaque substance, or contrast medium, to make the blood vessels visible under x ray.
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Angiography is the x-ray study of the blood vessels. An angiogram uses a radiopaque substance, or dye, to make the blood vessels visible under x ray.
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Angiography is the x-ray study of the blood vessels. An angiogram uses a radiopaque substance, or dye, to make the blood vessels visible under x ray.
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Talk to your doctor about the risks and complications of angioplasty. Peripheral angioplasty is a procedure that helps open blockages in peripheral arteries. These vessels carry blood to your lower body and legs.
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Women who suffer from chest pain but show clear arteries on an angiogram may have a different type of blocked artery, where plaque builds up evenly on the inner surface or bulges outward.
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Hepatic angiography is an x-ray study of the blood vessels that supply the liver. The procedure uses a catheter (thin, flexible tube) that is placed into a blood vessel through a small incision. A specially trained doctor called an interventional radiologist usually does the procedure.
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Echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create a moving picture of the heart. The picture is much more detailed than x-ray image and involves no radiation exposure.Transthoracic echocardiogram(TTE); Echocardiogram- transthoracic; Doppler...
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Echocardiography is a diagnostic test that uses ultrasound waves to create an image of the heart muscle. Ultrasound waves that rebound or echo off the heart can show the size, shape, and movement of the heart''s valves and chambers as well as the f...
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Detailed information on echocardiography, including types and how the procedure is performed
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Detailed information on a echocardiography (echo) procedure, including how the procedure is performed, reasons for the procedure, and pre- and post-evaluation instructions
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Echocardiography is a diagnostic test that uses ultrasound waves to produce an image of the heart muscle and the heart''s valves.Echocardiography is used to diagnose certain cardiovascular diseases, and is one of the most widely used diagnostic tes...
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Common tests that are used to evaluate liver function include:.Albumin Alpha-1 antitrypsin ALP ALT AST Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase(GGT) Prothrombin time.Please see individual tests for details on how each is performed.
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Liver function tests, or LFTs, include tests for bilirubin, a breakdown product of hemoglobin, and ammonia, a protein byproduct that is normally converted into urea by the liver before being excreted by the kidneys. LFTs also commonly include test...
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Detailed information on the most common liver function tests, including serum bilirubin test, serum albumin test, serum alkaline phosphatase test, serum aminotransferases, prothrombin time test, alanine transaminase test, aspartate transaminase test, gamm
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Liver function tests, or LFTs, include tests that are routinely measured in all clinical laboratories. LFTs include bilirubin, a compound formed by the breakdown of hemoglobin; ammonia, a breakdown product of protein that is normally converted int...
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Liver function tests, or LFTs, include tests that are routinely measured in all clinical laboratories. LFTs include bilirubin, a compound formed by the catabolism of hemoglobin; ammonia, a product of protein catabolism that is normally converted i...
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Thyroid function tests are common tests used to tell how well your thyroid is working.
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Thyroid function tests are blood tests used to evaluate how effectively the thyroid gland is working. These tests include the thyroid-stimulating hormone test(TSH), the thyroxine test(T 4), the triiodothyronine test(T 3), the thyroxine-binding glo...
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Detailed information on the most common types of thyroid function tests Thyroid function tests are common procedures performed to determine how well the thyroid is functioning. Some of the most common thyroid function tests include the following:
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Thyroid function tests are blood tests used to evaluate how effectively the thyroid gland is working.These tests include the thyroid-stimulating hormone test(TSH), free and total thyroxine tests(FT 4,T 4), the free and total triiodothyronine tests...
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The key tests to determine thyroid function are serum measurements of free thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH). Thyroid hormones have a negative feedback on TSH secretion from the anterior pituitary.
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The concentrations of these ions in the bloodstream remain fairly constant throughout the day in a healthy person. Changes in the concentration of one or more of these ions can occur during various acute and chronic disease states and can lead to ...
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However, there is a narrow concentration limit of these electrolytes that the body must maintain within each of these compartments. The body transfers electrolytes intracellularly and extracellularly as required to maintain electrolyte balance.
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Electrolytes are positively and negatively charged ions that are found within the cells and extracellular fluids, including blood plasma. A test for electrolytes includes the measurement of sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate.
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Electrolytes are positively and negatively charged molecules called ions, that are found within the body''s cells and extracellular fluids, including blood plasma. A test for electrolytes includes the measurement of sodium, potassium, chloride, and...
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BUN stands for blood urea nitrogen. Urea nitrogen is what forms when protein breaks down.A test can be done to measure the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood.Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.
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The blood urea nitrogen(BUN) test measures the level of urea nitrogen in a sample of the patient''s blood. Urea is a substance that is formed in the liver when the body breaks down protein.
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Creatinine is a breakdown product of creatine, which is an important part of muscle. A serum creatinine test measures the amount of creatinine in the blood.
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Creatine phosphate is used in skeletal muscle contraction.The creatinine test is used to diagnose impaired kidney function and to determine renal(kidney) damage.A diet high in meat content can cause transient elevations of serum creatinine. Some d...
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Bilirubin is a product that results from the breakdown of hemoglobin. Total and direct bilirubin are usually measured to screen for or to monitor liver or gallbladder problems.Total bilirubin; Unconjugated bilirubin; Indirect bilirubin; Conjugated...
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A bilirubin test is a diagnostic blood test performed to measure levels of bile pigment in an individual''s blood serum and to help evaluate liver function.The bilirubin test is an important part of routine newborn(neonatal) diagnostic screening te...
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The bilirubin test is a blood test to monitor the liver function of newborns. The rapid destruction of red blood cells after birth produces more bilirubin than the infant''s liver can handle, causing some jaundice in about 99% of newborns.
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AST(aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme found in high amounts in heart muscle and liver and skeletal muscle cells. It is also found in lesser amounts in other tissues.This article discusses the test to measure the amount of AST in the blood.A...
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The Aspartate aminotransferase test measures levels of AST, an enzyme released into the blood when certain organs or tissues, particularly the liver and heart, are injured. Aspartate aminotransferase(AST) is also known as serum glutamic oxaloaceti...
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The lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) test measures the amount of LDH in the blood.
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Lactate dehydrogenase, also called lactic dehydrogenase, or LDH, is an enzyme found in the cells of many body tissues, including the heart, liver, kidneys, skeletal muscle, brain, red blood cells, and lungs. It is responsible for converting muscle...
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BNP is a hormone produced by the body when the heart is enlarged. Testing a person's BNP level is an easy and accurate way to help doctors diagnose congestive heart failure.
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The pulse oximeter is a photoelectric instrument for measuring oxygen saturation of the blood.
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The pulse oximeter is a photoelectric instrument for measuring oxygen saturation of blood.A pulse oximeter measures the amount of oxygen present in blood by registering pulsations within an arteriolar bed(an area between arteries and capillaries)....
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Detailed information on peak flow meters, including how to obtain one, how to measure personal best peak flow, peak flow zones, and how a peak flow meter should be used, and information on oximeters and spirometer
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Alanine transaminase(ALT) is an enzyme found in the highest amounts in the liver. Injury to the liver results in release of the substance into the blood.This article discusses the test to measure the amount of ALT in the blood.SGPT; Serum glutamat...
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