Diagnostic Cardiology Testing
Your heart is one of the most important organs in your body and deserves the best care possible. Diagnostic cardiology tests are used to identify conditions associated with heart disease. Our highly trained technologists have access to some of the most advanced equipment available to assist in making a diagnosis.
A recognized leader in cardiovascular care, our multidisciplinary team of experts is focused on protecting and restoring your heart’s health so you can continue living your best life.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) ultrasound
AAA screens for the existence of an aneurysm in the abdominal aorta. AAA occurs most often in people over age 60, and males are four times more likely to have the condition than females.
Cardiac catheterization
An invasive diagnostic procedure involving a long, thin, flexible tube threaded to your heart.
Carotid artery/stroke ultrasound screening
This test scans the carotid arteries in the neck for plaque buildup that may lead to stroke, one of the most preventable of all life-threatening health problems.
Chest X-ray
X-rays are non-invasive radiograph projections and among the most common tests taken. X-rays are mainly used to examine bones, joints and soft tissue of internal organs, and generate images of what those bodily structures look like.
Computed tomography (CT) coronary calcium scoring
Coronary calcium scoring/screening exams use a special X-ray test to check for the build-up of calcium in plaque on the walls of the arteries of the heart (coronary arteries). This test is used to check for heart disease in an early stage, and to determine how severe it is.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram (echo) is a non-invasive, non-radiation procedure using sound waves to create a very detailed, moving picture of the heart.
EKG
Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG) is a non-invasive recording of your heart. The test reports the electrical activity of your heart through electrodes placed on various parts on your body.
Electrophysiology
This non-invasive test records the electrical activity and pathways of your heart by safely reproducing its abnormal rhythm. This test helps:
- Determine cause of abnormal heart rhythm.
- Locate the site of origin of abnormal heart rhythm.
- Decide the best treatment for abnormal heart rhythm.
Graded exercise testing
This non-invasive test evaluates heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen consumption during exercise.
Heart MRI
MRI is non-invasive and uses large magnets and radio-frequency waves to create images of the heart's pumping cycle. No X-ray exposure is involved.
Holter monitor
Holter monitoring is a continuous, 24-hour EKG recording of the heart's rhythm. Electrodes are placed on the chest area with the leads attached to a small recorder. A 24-hour diary is used to record daily activities and any symptoms experienced. This test will help the provider evaluate the type and number of irregular heartbeats during regular activities, exercise and sleep.
Myocardial biopsy
This test is done during invasive cardiac catheterization or similar procedures. It is used to remove small pieces of tissue from the heart muscle which are then sent for testing.
Pericardiocentesis
Also called a pericardial tap, this invasive procedure involves a needle and catheter to remove fluid from the sac around the heart. The fluid is then sent to a lab for tests.
Peripheral arterial disease (PVD) ultrasound
This screens for peripheral arterial disease (plaque buildup) in the lower extremities, which is linked to coronary artery disease.
Stress echocardiogram:
A stress echo is a non-invasive test combining a treadmill stress test and echocardiogram (echo). This test will help the doctor to evaluate the patient's cardiac condition related to:
- Irregular heart rhythms.
- A decreased supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.
- Overall level of cardiovascular conditioning.
- How hard the heart can work before symptoms develop.
- How quickly the heart recovers after exercise.
Stress radionuclide/nuclear cardiography
This procedure involves injecting a radioactive isotope that is absorbed by the heart. Images are then obtained during rest and exercise.
Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)
An invasive procedure, TEE uses sound waves to produce an image of the heart. These waves travel through a tube-like device put in the mouth and passed down the throat into the esophagus.
