Many heart valve problems are first found during a physical exam when a healthcare provider:
- Hears a heart murmur with a stethoscope
- Notices something unusual when checking your pulse
To make a diagnosis, the provider will likely:
- Order tests to find out if a murmur is caused by a valve problem.
- Check for other health issues that can raise the risk of valve problems, such as diabetes, liver or kidney problems, or high blood pressure.
The main test for diagnosing heart valve problems is an echocardiogram, called an “echo” for short. Other tests may be done to help plan treatment.
Common Heart Tests
Echocardiogram (Echo, TTE)
This painless test uses sound waves (ultrasound) to make a moving picture of the heart as it beats. The pictures show the size and shape of the heart valves and chambers, and how well they are working.
Sometimes a provider will want a more detailed test called a trans-esophageal echo (TEE). A flexible tube is guided down the throat and into the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach). This test is done with mild anesthesia (medicine to keep you relaxed and comfortable).
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
This test measures the heart’s electrical activity using small sensors (electrodes) placed on the chest and other parts of the body. An EKG can detect:
- An irregular heartbeat
- Signs of a previous heart attack
- Whether heart chambers are enlarged
These can be signs of heart valve problems.
Chest X-Ray
A chest X-ray shows the size and shape of the heart, lungs, and large blood vessels. It can show signs of heart valve problems, such as:
- Enlarged parts of the heart
- Calcium deposits in the heart
- Fluid buildup in the lungs
Stress Test
A stress test shows how the heart works when it is under strain (working hard during exercise). You usually walk or run on a treadmill while images of your heart are taken using an EKG or echocardiogram. If you can’t exercise, you may get a medicine that puts stress on the heart. A stress test can help show:
- Signs or symptoms of heart valve disease
- How serious the heart valve disease is
Nuclear Stress Test
If you have symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, your provider may order a nuclear stress test. You receive an injection of a small amount of radioactive dye. Images of the heart are taken while at rest and again after exercise. This test can find:
- Damaged areas in the heart or related arteries
- An enlarged heart
- How well the heart is pumping blood
Cardiac Catheterization (Angiogram)
This test usually checks for coronary artery disease—whether the arteries supplying blood to the heart are narrow or blocked. It can also give information about heart valves and how to treat them.
During the test, a long, thin tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel in the arm, groin, or neck and guided to the heart. A dye is injected through the tube, and X-ray images are taken to show how it travels through the heart.
Cardiac MRI
A cardiac MRI uses a strong magnet and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of the heart. This test can give detailed information about how the heart valves are working.
Last Updated May 2026