Diagnosis of Congenital Heart Disease: Tests and Procedures

Introduction:Diagnosing congenital heart disease (CHD) might sound complicated, but doctors have simple tools and procedures to figure out what’s going on with your heart. Let’s explore these tests in easy-to-understand terms:

Physical Examination: Your doctor will listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope and look for any signs of CHD, like abnormal heart sounds or bluish skin.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This test records the electrical activity of your heart using stickers placed on your chest and limbs. It helps detect irregular heartbeats or other abnormalities.

Echocardiogram: It’s like taking a picture of your heart using sound waves. You’ll lie down, and a special machine will create images of your heart’s structure and how it’s working.

Chest X-ray: You’ll stand in front of a big camera, and a picture will be taken of your chest. This helps doctors see the size and shape of your heart and check for any problems.

Cardiac Catheterization: A thin tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in your arm or leg and guided to your heart. This allows doctors to take pictures and measurements inside your heart.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): You’ll lie down inside a big machine that uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of your heart. It helps doctors see how your heart is built and if there are any issues.

CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: Similar to an MRI, but you’ll go through a big donut-shaped machine that takes pictures of your heart and blood vessels.

These tests and procedures help doctors understand what’s going on inside your heart and diagnose any problems like CHD. The earlier CHD is detected, the sooner doctors can start treatment and help you stay healthy.

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