Detection and Diagnosis

During your evaluation, your doctor will review your medical history, symptoms, and concerns. She will listen to your heart and lungs and observe your physical appearance. You will also need several, possibly all, of the following tests to measure your heart’s size and function:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG): A test that records the electrical activity of your heart
• Event monitor (Holter): An EKG device that you wear at home to record the electrical activity of your heart over a period of time. The Holter monitor will catch abnormal heart rhythms that you may not feel.
• Echocardiogram (“Echo”): a type of imaging that produces video images of your beating heart using ultrasound. This test can provide vital information about the thickness and function of your heart.
• Stress Echocardiogram: a test that takes images of your heart during exercise to compare views of your heart at work and at rest. This test also determines your exercise endurance.
• Chest X-ray: Another type of imaging that shows the size and shape of your heart.
• Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Also a type of imaging, Cardiac MRI uses powerful, but safe, magnets to create pictures of your heart that compliments the echocardiogram.
• Genetic Testing: a blood test that looks at your DNA for errors, or mutations. Your doctor may also recommend genetic testing and counseling for your family members.
• Genetic Counseling: Our genetic counselor will help you understand the results of your genetic test. She will educate you and your family on how your genes have impacted the health of your heart muscle. She will also help you identify other family members who are at risk of HCM.