Cardiovascular Diagnostics

Cardiovascular Tests & Procedures

  • Ambulatory EKG - This type of electrocardiogram is a continuous, 24-hour test designed to measure your heart’s activity while you go about your day. Some heart problems only become noticeable during such activities, like sleeping, eating, becoming stressed and exerting yourself physically.
  • Blood tests - Laboratory testing can help determine if cardiac enzymes or other markers of heart damage are present in your blood.
  • Cardiac catheterization - A thin tube is inserted into a vein or artery to determine blood pressure and blood flow patterns within the heart. It can also be used to help treat several heart and vascular conditions.
  • Cardiac CT - Computed tomography (CT) is a noninvasive imaging test that visualizes the heart without a catheter. Images can be combined to create a three-dimensional model of the heart.
  • Cardiac MRI - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the heart’s structures.
  • Echocardiography - Also called an ultrasound, this type of noninvasive imaging uses sound waves to show a moving image of the structure and function of your heart.
  • Electrocardiography (EKG or ECG) - An electrocardiogram is a noninvasive, painless test that measures the electrical activity of the heartbeat.
  • Electrophysiology (EP) study - A test of the heart’s electrical activity and rhythm using a catheter. 
  • Nuclear stress test (myocardial perfusion imaging) - A radioactive substance is used to produce images of the blood flow to the heart muscle. It can be combined with stress testing to determine if all of the areas of the heart are receiving enough blood.
  • Stress test—Sensors continuously record your heart rhythm as you run on a treadmill or ride an exercise bike at increasing speeds to determine stamina and your heart’s use of oxygen. If you’re unable to exercise, medication may be used to stimulate heart activity instead.
  • Tilt table testing - A tilting table is used to measure how your heart rate and blood pressure are affected in different positions, like laying down and standing up, which can help determine if the heart is the cause of fainting spells.