Ultrasound v MRI

[pippy164]

Can anyone tell me what is the best test to show up  any damage to the heart muscle and valves  of the heart and placement of a hole in heart device ? Is it an utrasound or MRI?

[ed34]

If you have had a previous heart attack, and there is a possibility of heart damage, clues will be given by an Echocardiogram because they can estimate how efficiently the ventricles are pumping. A nuclear stress scan would highlight any dead muscle and would look very obvious.
I think whatever test you have, it should be stress related because most problems never occur while you are comfortably laying on a bed.

[pippy164]

Thank you for your comments Ed.  The question was raised as my ecgs showed heart attack but I am told it is a red herring.  I need to know for sure as I am experiencing fainting, low blood pressure and low pulse rates. I am not going into an operation (on stomach) until I am 100% confident. I had a hole in heart repair last year so being referred back to hospital.  Looking at your profile you have certainly been through it! Many thanks.

[ed34]

I would have to say an ultrasound along with a nuclear perfusion scan.