The doctor may wish for the patient to wear a heart monitor, also referred to as an ambulatory electrocardiograph or Holter monitor. This device makes a graphic record of the electric currents generated by the heart. The purpose of the ambulatory electrocardiograph is to document and describe the occurrences of abnormal electrical behavior of the heart. This is done over a period of time while the patient goes about his normal daily activities. It will help to determine if the heart malfunctions occur random, spontaneous, while the patient is asleep, or while under stress.

             The doctor may also wish to perform other tests such as cardiac catheterization or a coronary arteriograph. A cardiac catheterization is a procedure where a doctor guides a thin plastic tube through an artery or vein in the arm or leg into the heart and coronary arteries in the heart. It is done to measure blood pressure and oxygen in the blood. It also provides information about the pumping ability of the heart muscle. During an arteriography, opaque dye is injected into the bloodstream and then x-rays are taken to see if the arteries are damaged or occluded.

             The blood pressure of all cardiac patients must be watched carefully. A sphygmomanometer is the instrument used to measure blood pressure. This test measures systolic pressure when the heart beats and diastolic pressure when the heart is at rest. Although blood pressure readings may vary, a typical reading for an adult would be around 130/80. .

             Many doctors focus on preventive medicine, which includes teaching the importance of diet, exercise, and ways to relieve stress. Stress can refer to physical as well as mental tension. There is a lot of scientific evidence that points to a link between the risk of heart disease and psychosocial and environmental factors such as job stress, social isolation and certain personality traits. .

             Diet is an important factor in preventing heart attacks.