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Coronary Artery Disease / Diagnosing Heart Disease
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 Heart disease is sometimes referred to as the "silent killer". This is because many people don't know they have heart disease until they have a heart attack. This occurs far too often. Approximately once every twenty seconds, in the United States, someone has a heart attack. Heart disease ranks as the number one cause of death in the U.S. Lifestyle risk factors for heart disease are modifiable, making it possible for many people to prevent heart disease. To protect your heart, take note of any risk factors you have, and learn more about what you can do to live a heart healthy lifestyle.
Regular medical check ups are important. Your physician can evaluate your risk of heart disease by considering your medical and family histories, and by conducting routine physical exams. If, at any time, further evaluation is warranted, specific tests can be performed in order to diagnose possible heart disease.
There are many types of diagnostic tests for heart disease. The simplest of these are noninvasive, meaning it is not necessary to insert anything into the body. Invasive tests may require the use of needles, instruments or contrast dyes. Depending on personal symptoms and physician's judgement, one or more of these test may be necessary to accurately diagnose the type of heart disease, and to plan for appropriate treatment.
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Description |
Image/Link |
| Chest X-ray |
Takes a picture of the heart muscle. |
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Resting Electrocardiogram
(ECG or EKG) |
Reads the heart's electrical impulses are taken while patient is resting and displays electrical activity as a graphic image on screen. ECG's can show if there is heart damage. |
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Signal-Averaged Electrocardiogram
(SAECG) |
Computers are used to clarify the ECG signal. This test is useful in identifying people who are at risk for sudden cardiac death due to abnormal rhythms of the ventricles in the heart. |
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Holter Monitor
(ambulatory electrocardiogram) |
This is the same as an ECG except it is portable and the patient wears it for 24 hours to record the heart's electrical currents over the course of the day. Helpful in diagnosing silent ischemia (oxygen shortage). |
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Computed Tomography Scan
(CT scan) |
This is a special type of x-ray that provides detailed images of the heart and blood vessels. |
Link for more information |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
(MRI) |
Also called nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging. Magnets are used to supply information to computers, which in turn provide three dimensional pictures of the heart. It can provide images of the chambers and vessels of the heart without the use of injected contrast dyes. |
Link for more information |
| Echocardiogram |
Sound waves are used to create a picture that shows the size, shape and function of the heart and the heart's valves. This test can be done at rest or during exercise. |
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| Exercise Stress Test |
Exercise requires the heart to pump more blood. This test evaluates the heart's ability to keep up with the workload of exercise. The patient is monitored for changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. An ECG records the heart's electrical impulses. This test shows if the blood supply to the heart is impaired. Physicians also use this test to provide guidelines for safe exercise. |
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Invasive Tests |
Description |
Coronary Angiography or
Coronary Arteriography |
A dye is injected into the bloodstream. As the dye moves into the blood vessels of the heart, an x-ray picture is taken. It can show problems or blockages of the heart's blood vessels. |
| MUGA Scan |
Radionuclides are injected into the bloodstream. Computers are used to locate the radionuclides as they enter the heart. Details about the blood flow to the heart, and the function of the heart's chambers are provided by the MUGA scan. |
| Thallium Stress Test |
Thallium is injected into the bloodstream and travels to the blood vessels feeding the heart. A special camera takes pictures of the thallium. This test detects if blood is flowing normally to the heart muscle. It can also confirm previous heart attacks. This test can be done at rest or during exercise. |
Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography
(SPECT Test) |
A tracer is injected into the bloodstream and the blood carries the tracer to the heart. Computer graphics create pictures of the heart. This test can be done at rest or during exercise to diagnose various abnormalities. |
Positron Emission Tomography
(PET) |
A radionuclide dye is injected into the blood and a special machine takes computerized pictures which makes it possible to detect complex disturbances of the heart. |
Transesophageal Echocardiogram
(TEE) |
A tube is placed into the throat of the patient, in order for an instrument that emits and collects sound waves to get very close to the heart. The sound waves are used to create clear pictures of the heart and its valves. |
Cardiac Catheterization
(Coronary Angiography) |
A catheter (thin tube) is placed into the heart. The pressure within the heart is measured and detailed pictures are taken. This information shows the health of the heart muscle, blood flow and the heart's pumping ability. | 
Test the body for subluxations, especially the atlas, 7th cervical, Towers Meridians. and pinkies/thumbs (all fingers)
The following supplements are often indicated:
Cardio-Plus ® is a special combination product containing the vitamin complexes E2, B,and G; plus bovine heart PMG ™ extract. Cardio-Plus contains 24-mg of Coenzyme Q10 per tablet. Coenzyme Q10 plays a key role in numerous metabolic activities and is vital for the healthy functioning of a strong heart and cardiovascular system.*
Cardiotrophin PMG ® is uniquely formulated to help maintain the healthy functioning of the heart. The
ProtomorphogenTM protomorphogen™ extracts found in this product contain units of the cellular "blueprint" assembly. These concentrated components of cell chromosomes are the primary facilitators of regular cell growth, repair, and function. Scientific literature establishes the relationship between cell growth and differentiation controlled specific growth factors.*
Cataplex® E2 is a glandular extract that contains an important component of the vitamin E complex. It is a natural phospholipid concentrate, high in chromatin material and trace elements. This concentrate contains nutrients that support healthy oxygen metabolism in addition to protective antioxidants.*
Garlic (organically grown) enjoys a long history of supporting healthy cardiovascular function and can help maintain normal blood lipid levels. Garlic is beneficial in maintaining the healthy flow of blood throughout the circulatory system. Garlic also proves a powerful protector against cell damage from free radical assault. Sulfur containing compounds such as those found in garlic can help maintain healthy cell growth and division.* 
Chiropractic can help in treating heart conditions. Nerve pressure in the upper mid spine can cause heart problems. Go here for information regarding spinal conditions. Use our NutritionLocator to find a doctor in your area. Take this preliminary to see if your condition could respond to treatment.
Not sure on your treatment options? For a limited time you can schedule a
to talk with a licensed doctor or clinician regarding your condition.
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