If you have symptoms of endocarditis, your doctor will perform several tests to confirm a diagnosis.
Your provider’s first step in diagnosing your heart condition is taking your history, followed by a physical exam. The purpose is to learn about your symptoms and overall health. During your visit, expect your provider to do the following:
- Discuss your medical history and current medical conditions.
- Examine your body, including your abdomen, eyes and ears, feet and ankles, neck, nose and mouth, and skin.
- Listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope.
- Check your blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels.
Blood tests, a common part of a medical exam, are tests that help doctors diagnose medical conditions. Blood tests can be used to check your overall health, and they can alert your doctor to changes occurring within your body.
During most blood tests, a healthcare provider inserts a needle into your arm at your elbow. The blood flows through the needle and into a tube, which is sealed and evaluated in a lab.
A blood test usually takes less than 15 minutes.
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.
Other imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI or a PET scan may be used to help identify the sites of infection.
