Tests used to diagnose heart valve disease range from routine physical exams to more sophisticated computer imaging. During your evaluation, you may undergo some or all of the following procedures:

Physical Exam

Your physician will evaluate your heart's function with standard work-ups such as:

  • Listening to your heartbeat with a stethoscope to hear how the valves are opening and closing
  • Measuring your pulse for rate, rhythm, and regularity
  • Taking your blood pressure readings
  • Testing your blood for cholesterol and other markers, and signs of infection
  • Getting a chest x-ray to look reviews size and shape of arteries coming out of the heart. Shape of the heart. Look at the lungs and other heart structures.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

An ECG measures the electrical activity of your heart, which may reveal heart rhythm irregularities or enlargement of the heart. It is performed by placing electrode patches on the chest and extremeties and connecting these electrodes to an ECG machine.

Exercise Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Also called a stress test, this procedure monitors the electrical activity of your heart as you walk on a treadmill at increasing levels of exertion.

Holter Monitoring

You may be asked to wear a portable device that measures a continuous ECG to catch intermittent arrhythmias, possibly indicating abnormal function in your heart.

Echocardiogram

Also called a Doppler echo, this test uses sound waves to create detailed images of your heart on a video screen. The test is used to see how the valves move when your heart beats and also to observe blood volume, speed, and direction of flow through the valves. An echocardiogram is also used to measure heart size and shape. It can be done in one of two different manners.

Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)

With TEE, a transducer (probe) is inserted down your esophagus and into your stomach, near your heart. The transducer can obtain detailed images of your heart valves and the blood flowing through them. With TEE the probe is just ½" from the heart and can therefore produce detailed images of the heart structure.

Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)

With TTE, a transducer (probe) is placed directly on the chest to obtain images.

Cardiac Catheterization

Also called coronary angiography, this procedure uses a catheter (thin tube) that is threaded to your heart to deliver a special dye. The dye is seen on x-ray as it moves through your heart, revealing how your heart valves, coronary arteries and heart chambers are functioning.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A MRI scan uses a magnetic field and radio waves to obtain detailed 3-dimensional images of your heart and valves. A MRI is used to evaluate your heart, heart valves, lungs, major vessels and pericardium (lining of the heart).

Other tests may be used to help diagnose your heart valve disease. Ask your physician to explain the tests and what they are designed to do in more detail.