If I have heart disease can it be diagnosed accurately?

Prof Lahiri says: “Chest pains are often the first telltale signs of CVD, however, in many instances the differential diagnosisThe process of determining which condition a patient may have. of chest pain is elusive, leading to a large number of ‘false’ diagnosis”.The point is that up until recently, even the most advanced cardiology departments have not been sufficiently equipped with accurate instrumentation. As a result, there has been an unfortunately high level of ‘false positives’ reported. As anyone can imagine, the implications of a ‘false positive’ diagnosis has massive implications. As Prof Lahiri says: “Chest pains are often the first telltale signs of CVD, however, in many instances the differential diagnosis of chest pain is elusive, leading to a large number of ‘false’ diagnosis”.

There has therefore been a major need for a more accurate cardiology screeningA way to identify people who may have a certain condition, among a group of people who may or may not seem to method. There have been tremendous improvements in our knowledge of the underlying process of cardiovascular diseaseDisease of the heart and blood vessels, usually due to atherosclerosis. (CVD), but unfortunately 30%  of people who have a heart attackThe death of a section of heart muscle caused by an interruption in its blood supply. Also called a myocardial infarction. don’t survive therefore early detection is critically important.  Early detection is confounded by the fact that almost 80% of the patients have had “silent” heart disease for many years. It’s important to obtain an accurate and rapid diagnosis of coronary artery diseaseNarrowing of the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle, leading to symptoms such as angina and sometimes to a heart attack or myocardial infarction at the outset and exclude non-cardiacRelating to the heart chest pain, since there may serious consequences with a missed diagnosis. Also it’s vital to understand that the symptoms of heart disease are different in men than women.

The latest scanners come with ‘interesting’ names and for those people interested in the technology, they are called:

Dual-source ultra-fast CTThe abbreviation for computed tomography, a scan that generates a series of cross-sectional x-ray images scanner (Definition), combined with the hybrid CT+Gamma Camera (SPECTAn abbreviation for single photon emission computerised tomography, an imaging technique that uses a radioactive tracer and a gamma camera.-CT) (Symbia T6), 4D- Echocardiography.

This is recognised as the latest state-of-the-art digital and remote telemetry system for exercise testing and 24 hour ECGThe abbreviation for electrocardiogram, a tracing of the electrical activity of the heart to help in the diagnosis of heart disease. monitoring. Furthermore, this new diagnostic approach is non-invasiveAny test or technique that does not involve penetration of the skin. The term 'non-invasive' may also describe tumours that do not invade surrounding tissues..

Anyone concerned about heart disease or seeking information on how to go about obtaining a full and accurate diagnosis should read Diagnosing and Treating Heart Disease by Prof Lahiri.

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