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What Does A Stress ECHO Help Diagnose?
Question: What does a stress echo help diagnose? What about cardiac MRI? I have both scheduled but I am not really sure what my doctor is looking to find. My main symptoms are shortness of breath and fast heart rate
Brief Answer:
Please, find the detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Stress echo is indicated for the diagnosis of ischemic heart disease and valvular heart disease severety, when at rest we have some changes, but we are not sure. And CMR, cardiac MRI, is a very sensitive test to find out subtle changes in heart muscle, we usually order it if we suspect a cardiomyopathy, but may order it also to for evaluating ejection fraction and some other specific cases, such as myocarditis.
They both may complete each other, when we are not sure with the diagnosis.
Take care
Come back if you have any further questions
Please, find the detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Stress echo is indicated for the diagnosis of ischemic heart disease and valvular heart disease severety, when at rest we have some changes, but we are not sure. And CMR, cardiac MRI, is a very sensitive test to find out subtle changes in heart muscle, we usually order it if we suspect a cardiomyopathy, but may order it also to for evaluating ejection fraction and some other specific cases, such as myocarditis.
They both may complete each other, when we are not sure with the diagnosis.
Take care
Come back if you have any further questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I feel better when I lay down so my concern is the echo will not be helpful because even though I feel short of breath with activity, when they do the second set of images they have me laying back down again.
Also, my symptoms like shortness of breath get worse when using my arms for things or lifting things like groceries. Do any cardiac problems cause these symptoms?
Also, my symptoms like shortness of breath get worse when using my arms for things or lifting things like groceries. Do any cardiac problems cause these symptoms?
Brief Answer:
Welcome back
Detailed Answer:
Your complaints may be caused either by cardiac, or respiratory, or GI or spine problems or anxiety. Even if you have no complaints when laying on your back, stress echo will reveal if there are some problems related to heart vessels or valves. And CMR will show structural abnormalities.
If the heart problem is ruled out, when your doctor will proceed to other tests to find out the cause of your complaints.
Welcome back
Detailed Answer:
Your complaints may be caused either by cardiac, or respiratory, or GI or spine problems or anxiety. Even if you have no complaints when laying on your back, stress echo will reveal if there are some problems related to heart vessels or valves. And CMR will show structural abnormalities.
If the heart problem is ruled out, when your doctor will proceed to other tests to find out the cause of your complaints.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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