Heart disease is often described as a silent threat because it can grow unnoticed for years without clear warning signs. Many people feel perfectly fine until a serious complication such as a heart attack suddenly occurs. Health experts stress that early screening plays a crucial role in preventing long-term damage, especially for people above 40 or those with risk factors like diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, or family history.
According to renowned cardiac surgeon Dr Devi Prasad Shetty, understanding the actual condition of your heart should come before starting strong medications or treatments. Simple, non-invasive diagnostic tests can reveal whether your arteries are healthy or already showing early signs of cholesterol buildup. These tests give individuals a chance to correct lifestyle habits before irreversible damage begins.
So, which tests can help identify heart disease early and lower future risk? Here are three commonly recommended heart investigations doctors rely on.
1. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An electrocardiogram, commonly called an ECG, measures the electrical activity of the heart. During the test, small electrodes are attached to the chest, arms, and legs to record heart signals. The procedure is quick, painless, and usually the first test advised when someone experiences chest discomfort, breathlessness, dizziness, or irregular heartbeat.
An ECG helps detect abnormal heart rhythms, signs of heart strain, and evidence of past heart attacks. Dr Shetty has described it as a “basic but extremely important test” that provides real-time insight into how the heart is functioning. In most cases, patients can eat and drink normally before the test unless instructed otherwise by a doctor.
2. Echocardiogram (ECHO)
An echocardiogram, often called a heart ultrasound, uses sound waves to create moving images of the heart. This test allows doctors to observe how effectively the heart pumps blood and whether the valves are opening and closing properly.
An ECHO can also reveal thickening or weakening of the heart muscle, enlargement of chambers, structural abnormalities, infections around the valves, or unusual growths. Because it provides detailed structural information, this test is especially useful when ECG results appear normal but symptoms persist.
Explaining its importance, Dr Shetty notes that an echocardiogram helps determine whether the heart is strong and functioning efficiently.
3. Cardiac CT Angiogram and Calcium Score Test
For a more detailed look at the heart’s blood vessels, doctors may recommend a cardiac CT angiogram (CCTA) or a coronary calcium score test. These advanced imaging scans help detect cholesterol deposits and calcium buildup inside the coronary arteries.
According to medical guidelines, a CT angiogram helps identify narrowing or blockages in the blood vessels that supply the heart. A calcium score, on the other hand, measures the amount of hardened plaque present in the arteries. Higher scores indicate a greater risk of future heart disease — sometimes even before symptoms appear.
Dr Shetty explains this test simply as a CT scan that shows whether abnormal cholesterol has already begun affecting the heart. Early detection through these scans allows people to take preventive steps such as improving diet, increasing physical activity, managing stress, and controlling blood sugar or cholesterol levels.
Why early testing matters
Heart-related conditions do not develop overnight. They progress silently over time, which is why routine screening can be life-saving. Tests like ECG, ECHO, and cardiac CT scans help detect problems at an early stage, when lifestyle changes and timely medical care can still reverse or control damage.
As Dr Shetty emphasizes, combining healthy daily habits with timely diagnostic testing can prevent many heart problems before they become serious.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor for diagnosis and treatment.