Diagnosis and Treatment

A wide range of tests is available to diagnose different forms and stages of heart diseases. In general, a doctor will start by taking the patient’s medical history and conducting a physical examination. Depending on the findings, a series of non-invasive and/or invasive tests will be used to pinpoint the specific nature and severity of the heart condition. Learn about the diagnostic tests, treatments and surgical procedures for heart patients.

Non-invasive Tests

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Invasive Tests

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Classification Of Heart Disease
Based on the results of the diagnostic tests, doctors usually classify a patient’s heart condition based on how severe his symptoms are. In this respect, the most used classification system is the New York Heart Association’s Functional Classification, which places patients into one of four categories depending on the extent to which their cardiac problems limit their capacity for physical activity.

Class	Nature of Symptoms
I	No symptoms and no limitations on ordinary physical activities
II	Mild symptoms with slight limitations on ordinary activities. The patient is comfortable at rest.
III	Symptoms are sufficiently serious to place significant constraints on ordinary physical activities and less strenuous activities. The patient is comfortable only at rest.
IV	Symptoms impose severe limitations on the patient’s daily activities. The patient experiences symptoms even while at rest.

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Treatment

Depending on the symptoms and severity of the heart condition, various treatment options may be available. These range from non-invasive treatment such as medication if the patient’s symptoms are mild to invasive treatment if his condition is more serious.

At the other extreme, should the patient be suffering from end-stage heart failure, a heart transplant may be necessary.

Medication

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Invasive Treatment

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Heart Transplantation