Chest X-Rays for Heart Disease: Diagnosis & What to Expect

According to the National Institutes for Health, a chest X-ray scan can be used to diagnose certain conditions, include heart disease. Your doctor can see the shape and size of your heart, and the condition of your major arteries from an X-ray.

Uses

• According to Radiology Information, a chest X-ray may be ordered to determine problems related to chest pain, persistent cough and shortness of breath.

Heart Conditions

• The Mayo Clinic indicates that an X-ray can reveal conditions such as congenital heart disease, heart failure, heart valve problems or fluid around the heart related to congestive heart failure.

Blood Vessels

• An X-ray can also show problems with the blood vessels around the heart, such as aortic aneurysms, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Calcium Deposits

• The Mayo Clinic indicates that calcium deposits in the heart or blood vessels can be detected through X-rays.

Lung Problems

• Some lung problems can be related to heart conditions, such as accumulation of fluid in your lungs. This type of condition can be diagnosed through an X-ray.