Question

Using at least three sentences, identify and describe two clinical diagnostic tests that are used for the cardiovascular system. Include the purpose of each test in your description.

Answer 1

Tests that are used to assess cardiovascular system:

• Electrocardiogram:

It records the conduction of electrical impulses that pass across the heart, originating from the SA node and finally passing to the cardiac myocytes. The electrical impulses are picked up by electrodes which are placed on the surface of the body. The potential diffences that occur in this electodes is used to form a graphical representation of the heart's electrical activity. ECG helps in detecting any abnormalities that are associated with conduction of impulses. Thai includes myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, bundle branch blocks etc. It is often used to screen for cardiac diseases.

• Echocardiogram:

Echocardiogram used ultrasound to give live images of a beating heart. This can be used to assess the size and shape of the cardiac chambers, great vessels and valves as well the pattern of movement of the myocardium. It can pick up valvular heart diseases, wall motion abnormalities, infective endocarditis, cardiomyopathy, septal defects and congenital heart disease.