Basics Cardiovascular Investigations

• Types of diagnostic tests:

  • can be invasive or non-invasive tests, anatomic or functional
  • include:
  • electrocardiography
  • exercise tolerance test/cardiopulmonary exercise test
  • echocardiography/stress etc
  • nuclear perfusion scan
  • chest xray
  • MRI
  • CT angiography
  • angiography
• What forms part of the cardiovascular clinical examination - subjective:

  • index cardiac event
  • revascularisation procedures/surgeries
  • symptoms
  • left ventricle function
  • medication - adherence
  • smoking status
  • physical activity levels
  • dietary patterns
• What forms part of the cardiovascular clinical examination - objective:

  • blood pressure/heart rate
  • heart and lung sounds
  • peripheral pulses
  • oedema
  • height/weight
  • waist
  • functional capacity testing
  • co2 testing