Getting the right test

[Quincy27]

If I think I may have a clogged artery what test do I ask my physician first to get done.

[Quincy27]

Well I have had shortness of breath and my heart sometimes feels like its beating out of my chest. My mother passed away from a heart attack.

[kenkeith]

An EKG is not just for rhythm evaluation although electrical impulse is the source of for diagnosis for arrhythmia,  it also can diagnose heart muscle damage and coronary vessel lesions.  EKG "ST" waveform elevation, depression, T wave inversion, etc. will indicate heart muscle damage, vessel occlusion respectfully.  Granted it is low tech and sensitivity may show many false positives (we know what causes false positives), but few if any false negatives!.  If the test is abnormal and ST and T wave are the bases the doctor may order further testing.

An EKG is included in a stress test. A stress test will induce ischemia with perfusion of contrast agent with images.

An echo

Non-intervention angiogram CT scan 64/128/256 slice is almost as good and maybe better than the intervention of a cath angiogram.  For a successful CT test the heartrate should be below 60 beats and the patient should be able to hold there breath for 20 seconds or so...also an obese patient is not a very good candidate for obvious reasons.  More inclusive than a cath as it includes the anatomy of the vessels, respiratory system, the aorta (ascending, arch, and descending.
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Quincy does not indicate any symptoms but wants to be screened:
MAYO CLINIC:
Who should have this exam?
"This is a screening exam that may be recommended by your doctor if you
have risk factors for heart disease, but you have not yet experienced any
clinical symptoms. Some patients choose to have the test on their own,
or self-refer, in order to discover any early-stage heart disease. The
procedure is most often recommended for people with any two (or more) risk factors".

[Encephalomalcia]

Usually, doctors ordered an EKG test for heart rthymn, then an echocardiogram to check the heart valves and listen to them, then off to the stress test on the trendmill and another echocardiogram to see what it shows during exercise.  If these tests look abnormal, the doctor will order an angiogram.  The angiogram is the best procedure and provides the most knowledge for blocked arteries.  If needed, they can also measure the pressures in the valves during the angiogram.  If you feel you have symptoms of blocked arteries, you should see your doctor.  

[kenkeith]

Before going to the expense, time of a test, you should have symptoms and some clinical evidence of vessel occlusions.  Lutheran is correct if you want to establish a baseline for vessel anatomy, if you have a family history of CAD, it may be warranted.  An EKG usually is the first test, but not as inclusive as a CT.

[Lutheran122]

You would need a stress test or a CT scan of your heart ( 64/128 Slice Coronary CT angiogram ). Make an appointment with a cardiologist. Why do you think you have a clogged artery?