Hypertension additional tests

Hypertension Main page
Overview
Causes
Classification Primary Hypertension Secondary Hypertension Hypertensive Emergency Hypertensive Urgency
Screening

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Assistant Editor-In-Chief: Taylor Palmieri

Overview

Additional imaging studies are often performed to evaluate for end organ damage in the patient with hypertension.

Electrocardiogram

• An electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) is performed to evaluate for the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy or silent myocardial infarction.

Chest X-ray

• A chest X-ray is performed to evaluate for signs of cardiac enlargement or evidence of cardiac failure.

Echocardiography or Ultrasound

• An echocardiogram can help in diagnosing left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction.