If you're worried about your heart health or you've been experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness, or palpitations, it’s natural to ask: what tests should I do for heart disease?
Heart disease often develops gradually and without obvious warning signs. That’s why early diagnosis through appropriate testing is key to prevention, management, and long-term heart health. I’ll walk you through the most common and important tests for heart disease, explain what each one looks for, and when you might need them.
Why Testing for Heart Disease Matters
Heart and circulatory diseases cause a quarter of all deaths in the UK, according to the British Heart Foundation. Yet many people don’t realise they’re at risk until they experience a serious event such as a heart attack or stroke.
The right tests can:
Identify early signs of cardiovascular disease
Help prevent complications like heart attacks or heart failure
Monitor existing heart conditions
Guide treatment plans and lifestyle changes
Whether you have symptoms or simply want peace of mind, understanding the available tests can help you take control of your heart health.
1. Blood Tests
A basic but vital step in assessing cardiovascular risk.
What they show:
Cholesterol levels – High cholesterol can clog arteries and lead to coronary artery disease.
Blood glucose – Checks for diabetes, which increases heart disease risk.
Kidney function and electrolytes – Important for patients with high blood pressure or on heart medications.
Cardiac biomarkers – Troponin levels may be measured if a heart attack is suspected.
At Heartsure, we carry out a full panel of cardiac blood tests as part of our heart health assessments.
2. ECG (Electrocardiogram)
One of the most commonly used tests for heart disease, this simple and painless test records the heart's electrical activity.
What it shows:
Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
Signs of a previous heart attack
Electrolyte abnormalities
Conduction delays in the heart’s electrical system
If your ECG is abnormal, your doctor may recommend further testing, such as a 24-hour ECG monitor or echocardiogram.
3. 24-Hour or Extended ECG Monitoring
Also known as a Holter monitor, this is worn over 24 hours or longer to record your heart’s activity during everyday life.
What it shows:
Intermittent arrhythmias not captured by a standard ECG
Correlations between symptoms (e.g., dizziness or palpitations) and heart rhythm
This test is especially useful for patients who experience occasional symptoms that are hard to capture during a clinic visit.
4. Blood Pressure Monitoring
High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the leading causes of heart disease.
What it shows:
Day-to-night variations in blood pressure
True average reading, as some patients may have “white coat” hypertension (high readings only in clinic)
At Heartsure, we offer 24-hour blood pressure monitoring to give an accurate picture of how your blood pressure behaves throughout the day.
5. Echocardiogram
A non-invasive ultrasound scan that shows how the heart muscles and valves are working.
What it shows:
Pumping efficiency (ejection fraction)
Heart valve problems
Heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy)
Fluid around the heart
We offer both standard transthoracic echocardiograms and stress echocardiograms, depending on your symptoms.
6. CT Coronary Angiogram
A specialised heart scan that uses contrast dye and CT imaging to examine the coronary arteries.
What it shows:
Narrowing or blockages in the arteries
Early signs of coronary artery disease even before symptoms develop
This test is ideal for people with risk factors but no confirmed diagnosis of heart disease. It’s often used as an alternative to an invasive coronary angiogram.
7. Exercise Stress Test
Also known as an exercise ECG or treadmill test, this evaluates your heart’s performance under physical stress.
What it shows:
How well your heart copes with exertion
Signs of reduced blood flow to the heart
Changes in heart rhythm during exercise
It’s useful for diagnosing angina and assessing overall cardiac fitness, particularly if you have symptoms triggered by physical activity.
When Should You Consider Testing?
You should speak to a healthcare provider about heart disease testing if you:
Experience chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or dizziness
Have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes
Have a family history of heart disease or stroke
Are starting a new exercise programme after years of inactivity
Where to Get Tests for Heart Disease in Surrey
If you're looking for tests for heart disease in a setting that offers quick access and expert interpretation, Heartsure in Surrey provides:
Same-week appointments
A full suite of diagnostics including ECG, echocardiograms, CT scans, and blood testing
Specialist cardiologist consultations with personalised care plans
We believe in preventative, proactive care—and that starts with proper testing. If you’re ready to take the next step, contact us here to book an appointment.
Conclusion
Knowing which tests for heart disease are right for you can be life-saving. From routine checks like blood pressure monitoring to more detailed imaging such as CT angiograms, modern cardiac testing can catch early signs of disease and guide timely treatment.
Don't wait for symptoms to become serious. If you’re concerned about your heart health, speak to a specialist and get tested.
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