Diagnosis is typically made if you have ongoing symptoms and significant disease in the main arteries has been excluded. Tests to diagnose small vessel disease are similar to those for other types of heart disease:
Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) A test that records the electrical activity of the heart.
CT scan (computed tomography scan, also called CAT scan) – An imaging procedure that uses X-rays and computer technology to produced cross-sectional, detailed images of the body, including bones, muscles, fat and organs.
Cardiac MRI (cardiac magnetic resonance imaging or CMR) – A noninvasive, sophisticated imaging procedure that uses large magnets and a computer to produce detailed images of the structure and function of the heart while it is beating.
CT angiogram (CTA - computed tomography angiogram) – An imaging procedure that uses CT technology to produce cross-sectional, detailed images of blood vessels.
Exercise stress test – A test performed on a treadmill or stationery bicycle to measure heart, lung and muscle function during physical activity. You are attached to an electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) to record electrical activity of the heart.
Positron emission tomography (PET) – A nuclear medicine procedure to measure metabolic activity of cells of body tissues. A tiny amount of a radioactive substance is used to evaluate information about the function and structure of the organ or tissue.