Cardiovascular Diagnostics

Cardiac Catheterization (Left and Right Heart)
A procedure involving insertion of a catheter (a long, narrow, flexible tube) through a blood vessel in the arm or groin and guided to the heart. A dye is injected through the catheter causing the blood flow through the coronary arteries to show up on X-rays. This is used to see the structure and function of the heart as well as any blockages in the arteries.

Contrast Echocardiogram
A dye is injected through an IV. High frequency sound waves are then used to produce a moving picture of the heart.

Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram
A combination of an echocardiogram and a drug induced stress test. A medication called Dobutamine is given through an IV to produce an effect on the heart similar to exercise. Echocardiogram produces moving pictures of the heart to see the structure and function of the heart as well as the flow and direction of the blood.

Dual Isotope Exercise Testing
A test to evaluate the blood supply to the heart muscle. A radioactive substance is given through an IV before and after exercise. A special camera is used to take pictures of the flow through the heart. Exercise consists of walking on a treadmill with continuous heart rhythm and blood pressure monitoring.

Dual Isotope Persantine Testing
A test to check the blood supply to the heart muscle. A radioactive substance is given through an IV before and after receiving an IV medication called Persantine. A special camera is used to take pictures of the flow through the heart. This test is used with people who are unable to walk on a treadmill.

Echocardiogram 
A test using high frequency sound waves to produce moving pictures of the the heart. It is used to check the structure and function of the heart as well as the flow and direction of the blood.

Electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG)
A test that measures the rate, rhythm, and type of heartbeat while lying still. Small patches (electrodes) are placed on the chest, legs and arms. Wires are connected to the patches and an electrical recording is taken.

Electrophysiologic Studies (EPS)
A test used to check the electrical system of the heart to determine causes of abnormal heart rhythms. Special catheters are inserted in a vein in the groin and guided into the heart. The catheters contain wires that are used to record the heart's electrical activity and may be used to stimulate areas of the heart muscle.

Endomyocardial Biopsy
A special catheter is inserted in a vein and guided to the heart. A very small tissue sample is taken from the heart muscle to be checked.

Exercise Stress Echocardiogram
A combination of an echocardiogram and treadmill stress test. Echocardiogram is done before and immediately after exercise to compare the structure and function of the heart as well as the flow and direction of the blood.

Holter Monitoring
A test used to measure the rate, rhythm and type of heartbeat by recording the heart's electrical activity over a 24 hour period. Patches (electrodes) are placed on the skin and wires are connected to them. The wires connect to a small recorder that is carried over the shoulder or around the waist. An individual is asked to keep a diary of activity while wearing the monitor.

Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiogram
A transesophageal echocardiogram that is done during surgery.

Intravascular Ultrasound
A special catheter is inserted in a blood vessel and guided to the heart. High frequency sound waves are used to see the inside of these vessels.

Implantable Loop Recorder
A small device that is implanted below the collarbone and connected by wires to the heart to evaluate the rhythm of the heart. It monitors the heart rhythm and when activated can take a recording of the electrical activity.

Tilt Table Test
A test used to help find a reason for passing out or nearly passing out. A person lies down on a special table. The table is then tilted to a standing position for up to 20 minutes. Symptoms are checked. The test may be repeated after an IV injection of a medication called Isuprel which has a similar effect on the heart as exercise.

Transesophageal Echocardiogram
A test used to see the heart from inside the esophagus (the tube that goes from the mouth to the stomach). Since the esophagus is very close to the heart, this test allows very clear pictures of the heart muscle and valves.

Treadmill Stress Testing
Also called stress test or graded exercise test. An individual walks on a treadmill while monitored by a 12-lead EKG in order for a physician to assess the heart's response to exercise.