What to Expect: Cardiac Testing
When it comes to treating heart disease, it's important to get an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor may order one or more of the following cardiac tests:
Cardiac catheterization
This procedure helps your physician precisely identify a heart problem, such as narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, heart valve disease, or congenital heart defects. Cardiac catheterization is usually performed in a hospital, on an out-patient basis, after one or more tests indicate heart disease or a heart problem.
During the procedure, a catheter is inserted in to the heart or blood vessels to assess (using a contrast medium and X-rays) the condition of the coronary arteries, heart valves and heart muscle. Cardiac Catherization can also be used to open blocked arteries and reshape heart valves.
Cardiac angiography - also called arteriography - is also performed, but allows the cardiologist to explore the coronary arteries.
Chest X-ray- A painless chest X-ray, one of the most simple diagnostic tools, reveals important information for your doctor, including:
- the size and shape of your heart
- the presence of calcium deposits
- the condition of your lungs
Learn about (PDF) electrocardiograms, stress testing and other cardiology services.
Electrophysiology studies
Electrophysiology studies (EPS) may be performed:
- to help your doctor evaluate serious cardiac arrhythmias that are not being adequately controlled with medication
- to evaluate the effectiveness of medication before you undergo a surgical procedure
- to correct an arrhythmia or to have a pacemaker or defibrillator implanted
First, a cardiac catheterization is performed to place electrodes temporarily into your heart that record and measure your heart's electrical activity. This test can be used to help your physician evaluate the effectiveness of medication, to control your irregular heartbeat, or to correct arrhythmia.
Note: This procedure has some associated risks. Be sure to discuss them with your physician before you sign your consent form.
Exercise stress test
The treadmill, or exercise stress test, is a safe and painless tool that can detect heart problems that become apparent only when the heart must work hard.
Using an electrocardiogram and a blood pressure monitor, this test records your heartbeat while you walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike. This test is used to detect potential narrowings of the coronary arteries. It measures how well your heart performs under moderate stress, compared to the resting ECG described above. If shortness of breath or chest pain becomes uncomfortable, the test can be stopped.
Holter monitoring
Holter monitoring is a safe, painless and portable way of producing a 24-hour electrocardiogram (ECG) while you take part in your normal daily activities. You simply wear a monitor, which records irregular heartbeats, problems with blood flow to the heart muscle, and sudden drops in blood pressure that occur only briefly or sporadically.
While you are wearing the monitor, you will need to record your activities, especially when your symptoms occur, such as while climbing stairs. This helps the doctor pinpoint the cause of your symptoms.
Nuclear imaging
Nuclear imaging can show your physician how well blood flows through the muscle, or walls, of your heart. During this test, a small amount of radioactive material, called a tracer, is used to trace the blood as it flows through your heart muscle. A scanning camera records the tracer as it moves through the heart. This test may be done with or without exercise. If you are unable to exercise, you will be given a drug that will increase your heart beat to simulate exercise. This test may also be called a thallium scan, a perfusion scan, or a cardiolyte scan.
