Cardiovascular Testing

Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)- a simple test to check for peripheral artery disease (PAD). This test compares the blood pressure measured at the ankle with the blood pressure measured at the arm. A low ankle-brachial index number can indicate narrowing or blockage of the arteries in the legs and arms.

Calcium-score - screening detects calcium deposits in plaque within coronary arteries.

Cardiac MRI - or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging; an imaging test that uses a strong magnetic field and radiofrequencies to image the heart, blood vessels and assess the function of the heart.

Cardiac Stress Test - or exercise stress test; a non-invasive test utilizing exercise equipment (treadmill or stationary bike) or medication to show how the heart works during physical activity. It provides information about heart function and blood flow through the heart. It can reveal blockages in the arteries of the heart, allowing for early detection and treatment.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET)- a specialized type of stress test that measures the body’s exercise ability. This helps to assess the severity of heart failure.

• Coronary angiogram (cardiac)- provides a picture of how blood is moving through the coronary arteries. An angiogram allows a cardiologist to see blockages within the coronary arteries.
• Fractional flow reserve (cardiac)- measures a change in pressure within the coronary arteries and detects a decrease in blood flow that is lost because of a narrowing in the artery.
• Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)- a test performed with a catheter that guides a tiny camera into the coronary artery to provide a picture of the location and extent of fatty deposits, or plaques.
• Transeptal cardiac catheterization - measures pressures in the heart, which allows for closing of congenital defects in the heart or to perform minimally invasive mitral valve repair.

Carotid Ultrasound - a safe, non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to assess blood flow through the carotid arteries.

CT Scan - or computerized tomography scan; an imaging test that uses a special scanner and computer to show pictures of the structures inside the body. A cardiac CT scan provides detailed imaging of the heart structure and function and compiles the pictures into a 3D image.

Chest x-ray provides a picture of the lungs, heart, and surrounding structures. It can show whether there is fluid in the lungs from heart failure or if the heart is enlarged.

Duplex Ultrasound - a non-invasive test that uses high-frequency sound waves in combination with computer images to assess blood flow through blood vessels, tissues.

Echocardiogram - a test that uses ultrasound to provide images of the heart. This common test is used to assess the anatomy and function of the heart, heart structure, heart valves and more. 

• 3D echo – uses transthoracic echo (TTE) technology, as well as transesophageal (TEE) technology in conjunctions the use of multiple sensors and sonogram technology to look at the heart from all directions, see the complex anatomy of the heart and measure how well the heart is working.
• Doppler echo – uses transthoracic echo (TTE) technology, as well as transesophageal (TEE) technology in conjunctions with color flow, which creates a portion of waves, color pictures and audio signals to show the direction and speed of blood flow through the chambers and valves of the heart.
• Stress echo – uses sound waves to examine the heart chamber while you exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle or with the use of medicines to stimulate the heart. This test can be used to visualize the motion of the heart’s walls and pumping action when the heart is stressed.
• Transesophageal echocardiogram (TTE) is considered an invasive procedure.  Under sedation, a small probe is placed in the esophagus.  Sound waves are sent into your heart, then reflected and converted by a computer into pictures on a screen.  Because the esophagus is so close to the heart, very clear images can be obtained.
• Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is a non-invasive procedure that evaluates the valves and chambers of your heart using sound waves to create clear images of your heart.

Electrocardiogram - or ECG; records the electrical activity of the heart, as well as the heart rate and rhythm. It is a non-invasive test that can help diagnose many heart problems.

Electrophysiology Study - a test performed to assess the electrical system of the heart and to diagnose abnormal heartbeats or arrhythmias. The test is performed by inserting a catheter (thin, hollow tube) and small, thin wire electrodes into a vein in the groin (or neck, in some cases). The wire electrodes are then guided into the heart to measure the heart’s electrical signals in detail.

A provider listens to the heart and lungs. Vital signs, such as blood pressure and heartrate, are measured. In addition, they will ask about family history, especially cardiac problems, lifestyle, medications, personal medical history and discuss current symptoms.

Holter Monitor - or cardiac monitor; a portable ECG device that keeps track of the electrical activity of the heart over time. The monitor can detect an irregular heart rhythm. It is usually worn for approximately 7-30 days to gather information to guide diagnosis and treatment. This is a non-invasive test.

Implantable Loop Recorder - a type of heart monitoring device that records the heart rhythm continuously for up to three years. It allows doctors to remotely monitor a patient’s heartbeat and watch for any abnormal beats or rhythm. This monitor is placed just under the skin of the chest.

Peripheral Angiogram - a test that uses X-rays and contrast dye to help find narrowed or blocked areas in one or more of the arteries that supply blood to the extremities. A catheter (a thin, flexible tube) is inserted through an artery in the groin (femoral artery), wrist (radial artery) or arm (brachial artery). To make the arteries visible on X-ray, dye is injected through the catheter into the target arteries. An x-ray camera films the arteries as they pump blood.

Pulse Volume Recording (PVR)- or plethysmography; a noninvasive test that uses ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves) to measure blood flow within the blood vessels, or arteries. A PVR test helps to locate blockages in the arteries.

Tilt Table Test - measures how blood pressure and heart rate respond to the force of gravity by placing a table in different angles and monitoring a patient’s response. This test may be performed when patients report lightheadedness or feeling faint to aid in diagnosis.