Most of us know the facts: Heart disease is the number one killer of American adults. Roughly one in three adults in the United States has heart disease, which can manifest itself in a variety of ways, from hardening of the arteries, to narrowed blood vessels to irregular heartbeat.

Here’s something you might not know: Heart disease is largely without noticeable symptoms. “Unfortunately, most people don’t know they have heart disease until they suffer a heart attack,” says Dominick Stella, MD, Medical Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory on staff at Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital.

Diagnostic tests get to the heart of heart disease
With so few symptoms that it’s known as “the silent killer,” how do you know whether you have heart disease? Dr. Stella says it’s a combination of understanding your personal risk for the disease and undergoing routine screenings of your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.

Depending on your age, overall health and family history of heart disease, your doctor may recommend further evaluation, even if you don’t currently have any symptoms. Here are a few of the diagnostic tests Dr. Stella and his colleagues perform at Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital.

CT Scan: The 64-slice CT scan is a noninvasive imaging test that can create a detailed 3D image of your heart in about five seconds. The sharp images it produces lets doctors clearly see any blockages, and gives coronary calcium scores which can predict your likelihood for having coronary artery disease.

Electrocardiogram (EKG): This noninvasive, painless test uses electrodes attached to your body to measure your heart’s rhythm. It creates a digital scan that your cardiologist can share with other members of your medical team.

Stress test: Your heart rate and blood pressure is monitored as you walk on a treadmill. As the rate and incline increases, doctors measure your heart’s ability to keep up with the intensity of the workout. If you are unable to walk on a treadmill, a stress test using drugs to simulate the effects of exercise may be used.

Cardiac Catheterization: A minimally invasive diagnostic test involves inserting a short tube into a vein or artery in your leg or arm. Using a flexible tube and images on an X-ray monitor, your doctor guides the tube to your heart where it can measure irregularities. If a blockage is found, a stent can also be placed inside to open your artery and increase blood flow.

“We have state-of-the art diagnostic technology available, which means we can get a precise picture of what’s going on with your heart,” Dr. Stella says. “For the patient, it means not having to travel far from home to get necessary tests.”

Treating heart disease is part of your lifestyle
If your tests reveal you have heart disease, your doctor will work with you to create a manageable, realistic treatment path. Medications for heart disease can include ACE inhibitors, beta blockers or blood thinners. Surgery for heart disease is most often a balloon angioplasty, which opens up your artery, or in some cases, coronary bypass surgery.

Lifestyle changes like eating healthier, getting more exercise or quitting smoking will always be part of your treatment program. “Once you have heart disease, you have it for life,” Dr. Stella explains. “That’s why, in addition to any medication or surgery you might need, we always make sure to help you adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle.”

Learn how heart disease affects women. Attend “Women at Heart,” a FREE evening of education, glamour and fun. Click here  or call 866-533-7968 for details and to register.