Common Tests and Procedures Performed by Cardiologists: A Guide to Hea

Cardiology is a field of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating heart conditions, ranging from arrhythmias to heart failure. Cardiologists use a variety of tests and procedures to assess the heart’s health, identify underlying conditions, and plan effective treatments. Whether you are visiting the best cardiologist in Delhi NCR or anywhere else, understanding these common procedures can help demystify the process and make you feel more at ease.

Dr. Vanita Arora, one of the best heart specialists in Delhi and a pioneer in cardiac electrophysiology, performs a variety of advanced tests and procedures to manage complex heart conditions. Below is an overview of the most commonly used diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in cardiology.

1. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

An Electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the most routine tests cardiologists perform. It measures the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time and is used to detect arrhythmias, heart attacks, and other conditions affecting the heart’s rhythm. ECGs are non-invasive and provide immediate results, making them crucial for initial cardiac assessment.

2. Echocardiogram

An Echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart that provides detailed images of the heart’s chambers, valves, and blood flow. This test is essential for diagnosing heart valve problems, heart failure, and congenital heart diseases. It helps cardiologists like Dr. Vanita Arora—who is recognized as one of the best cardiologists in Delhi NCR—to visualize the heart’s structure and function in real-time.

3. Stress Test

A stress test, also known as a treadmill or exercise test, assesses how well your heart functions during physical exertion. By measuring the heart’s activity through ECG while you exercise, cardiologists can determine if there is reduced blood flow to the heart muscle or if there are any signs of coronary artery disease. It’s commonly recommended for patients with symptoms like chest pain or those with a history of heart disease.

4. Holter Monitoring

Holter monitoring is a continuous, 24-hour recording of your heart’s electrical activity. Unlike a standard ECG, which records heart activity for a few minutes, Holter monitors are worn for an extended period to detect irregular heartbeats or arrhythmias that might not appear in a shorter test. Cardiologists use this test to evaluate palpitations, fainting spells, and unexplained dizziness.

5. Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure used to examine the coronary arteries, valves, and chambers of the heart. A thin tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart. This procedure is often performed when diagnosing or treating conditions like coronary artery disease or valve disorders. Dr. Vanita Arora, regarded as one of the best heart specialists in India, frequently utilizes cardiac catheterization for both diagnosis and treatment, including angioplasty.

6. Angiography

An Angiography is a specific type of cardiac catheterization that uses contrast dye and X-rays to visualize the coronary arteries. It helps detect blockages or narrowing in the arteries that could lead to heart attacks. This procedure is essential for planning interventions like stenting or bypass surgery.

7. Pacemaker Implantation

For patients with bradycardia (a condition characterized by abnormally slow heartbeats), a pacemaker implantation may be necessary. Pacemakers are small devices implanted in the chest that help regulate the heart’s rhythm. Dr. Vanita Arora, being one of the pioneers and best heart doctors in Delhi, specializes in leadless pacemakers, which offer a more minimally invasive option and a quicker recovery time compared to traditional pacemakers.

8. Electrophysiology Study (EPS)

An Electrophysiology Study (EPS) is used to evaluate the heart’s electrical system and pinpoint the source of arrhythmias. Tiny electrodes are placed inside the heart via catheters to map the electrical signals. Based on the findings, treatment options like catheter ablation may be recommended to correct abnormal rhythms. As a leading electrophysiologist in India, Dr. Arora frequently performs this procedure for patients with conditions like atrial fibrillation.

9. Catheter Ablation

For patients suffering from arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), catheter ablation is a key treatment option. This procedure involves using radiofrequency energy to destroy small areas of heart tissue causing abnormal electrical signals. Dr. Vanita Arora, being one of the best heart specialists in Delhi, uses the latest 3D mapping techniques to perform catheter ablations with precision.

10. Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD)

Patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest due to life-threatening arrhythmias may require an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD). This device monitors the heart’s rhythm and delivers a shock if it detects a dangerous arrhythmia, restoring a normal rhythm. ICDs are crucial for patients with a history of heart failure or those who have survived a cardiac arrest. Dr. Arora’s expertise in this field makes her a leading authority on managing arrhythmia patients with ICDs.

11. Cardiac MRI and CT Scans

Advanced imaging techniques like Cardiac MRI and CT scans provide detailed pictures of the heart and blood vessels, helping cardiologists detect issues like plaque buildup, blood clots, and structural abnormalities. These tests are non-invasive and offer valuable information that can guide further treatment.

 Conclusion

Cardiologists use a wide array of diagnostic tests and therapeutic procedures to assess heart health and treat cardiovascular diseases. From non-invasive imaging techniques to complex interventions like pacemaker implantation and cardiac catheterization, these tools help cardiologists like Dr. Vanita Arora—widely regarded as the best heart doctor in Delhi —provide effective treatment for a variety of heart conditions. Understanding these tests can help patients feel more confident about their care, ensuring they receive the right interventions for long-term heart health.

If you are seeking expert heart care, particularly for conditions like arrhythmias or the need for advanced treatments like pacemakers, visiting one of the best cardiologists in Delhi NCR like Dr. Vanita Arora can be a transformative step toward better heart health.