Diagnosing subaortic stenosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history review and various diagnostic tests.
A heart murmur, which a physician may hear during a routine physical, is often the first sign of subaortic stenosis. Medical history and risk factors are also reviewed when a congenital heart defect like subaortic stenosis is suspected.
Imaging studies will also be performed to evaluate the structure and function of the heart. One or more of these tests may be used to help diagnose subaortic stenosis.
During cardiac catheterization, a thin tube called a catheter is guided through a blood vessel from an opening in the groin to the heart. The catheter can measure pressure and blood flow. Some types of heart problems can be repaired from within the blood vessels during a cardiac catheterization procedure.
Cardiac CT uses X-ray images taken from many angles to create a 3D view of your heart. Using cardiac CT, doctors can evaluate the heart valves’ structure and locate blockages that prevent the valves from opening or closing correctly.
This type of test records activity of the heart using high-frequency sound waves, or ultrasound. A technologist called a sonographer conducts this test by applying gel to your chest. This makes it easier for sound waves to reach your heart. The sonographer will then wave a device called a transducer across your chest to send sound waves to your heart. The echo created by those waves is translated into images of your heart as it beats.
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnets to create detailed images of the heart’s structure and show blood flow and heart valve function. Using cardiac MRI, your physician can diagnose heart valve disease by evaluating leaky or narrowed valves.
