Kidnapped by the SLA. On February 4, 1974, at the age of 19, Patty Hearst was taken hostage by members of the Symbionese Liberation Army, who aimed to garner a hefty ransom from her wealthy father.
There is also a blood test for B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), which can indicate active heart failure. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to assess the heart rate and rhythm. This test can often detect heart disease, heart attack, an enlarged heart, or abnormal heart rhythms that may cause heart failure.
No matter what type of heart disease you have, your doctor will likely perform a physical exam and ask about your personal and family medical history before doing any tests. Besides blood tests and a chest X-ray, tests to diagnose heart disease can include:1  Electrocardiogram (ECG). 2  An ECG records these electrical signals and can help your doctor detect irregularities in your heart's rhythm and structure. This test is often used to check for heart problems. 2  In a cardiac CT scan, you lie on a table inside a doughnut-shaped machine. 3  An X-ray tube inside the machine rotates around your body and collects images of your heart and chest. 4  Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).