Your doctor may perform several tests to diagnose coronary artery spasms.
Coronary angiography, also called a coronary angiogram, is a test that evaluates your coronary arteries to determine if a narrowing or blockage is present.
A coronary angiogram is performed in the cardiac catheterization lab. You will receive sedation to help you relax. Depending on your health and the reason for your angiogram, you may be awake or you may receive general anesthesia so you’re completely asleep.
Your provider makes a small incision in your groin or wrist. A catheter is then inserted into the incision. This flexible tube is guided to the heart, and then a special dye is released from the tube. The contrast dye spreads through your heart and blood vessels. X-ray pictures then highlight blocked arteries causing your symptoms.
If you have a blockage, your doctor may choose to treat it right away. This may be done by inflating a balloon on the end of the catheter to expand the artery and remove the blockage. During this procedure, known as angioplasty, a mesh tube called a stent is often placed to help the artery stay open.
Depending on your condition, you might be able to go home the same day as your coronary angiogram, or you might need to stay in the hospital longer.
An echocardiogram (echo) uses ultrasound technology, or sound waves, to capture an image of your heart’s structure.
During the echocardiogram, your technologist will place a wand on the skin of your chest above your heart. Sound waves from the wand bounce off your heart, creating an image of your heart’s chambers and valves.
An echocardiogram is an outpatient test that takes less than an hour. You can return home as soon as the test is completed.
An electrocardiogram is a noninvasive test that records your heart’s electrical activity.
During an electrocardiogram, temporary electrodes will be placed on the chest to monitor and record electrical signals. A computer then translates those signals into a wave pattern to be interpreted by a medical provider.
An electrocardiogram is a simple test that can be performed within minutes in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Other forms of ECG track the heart’s rhythms for longer periods of time. These include an event monitor, which is worn for a week or longer, and a Holter monitor, which is worn for up to 48 hours.
If needed for differential diagnosis, specific agents may be introduced to trigger a spasm for close study.
During provocative testing, the interventionalist injects a small amount of medication into your heart. When your heart responds to the medicine, your team watches in real-time, allowing them to identify the cause of your heart issue.
