Diagnostic cardiology

Diagnostic heart tests

• Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)

  An ECG is a quick, non-invasive test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. It can identify irregular heart rhythms, heart attacks, and other heart conditions by detecting any abnormal electrical patterns.

• Holter Study (24-hour ECG)

  A Holter Monitor is a small, portable, battery-operated device used to record the heart’s electrical activity as an electrocardiogram (ECG) over a 24-hour period. A continuous recording is more likely to detect intermittent heart rhythm irregularities (palpitations) than a single ECG test at a doctor’s office.

• Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor

  Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (APB) involves measuring blood pressure at regular intervals over a 24-hour period while you undergo normal daily activities. The monitor, which is worn on a belt connected to a standard cuff on the upper arm, will automatically pump up every half hour during the day and every hour at night.

• Echocardiogram

  An echocardiogram, or echo heart test, uses sound waves to create images of the heart’s structure and function. It allows us to evaluate the size, shape, and motion of the heart, as well as detect valve problems, heart failure, and other cardiac conditions.

• Transoesophageal Echocardiogram (TOE)

  A Transoesophageal Echocardiogram is a procedure performed under sedation to look at the structures of the heart using a flexible telescope placed down your oesophagus. The telescope has an ultrasound scanner attached to it, so your heart specialist can get a close-up view of your heart.

• Exercise Stress Test

  A stress test evaluates how your heart performs under physical stress. Typically, this involves walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike while we monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG. Stress tests can help diagnose issues like coronary artery disease, heart valve problems, and exercise-induced arrhythmias.

• Myocardial Perfusion Scan / Nuclear Stress Test

  A myocardial perfusion scan, also known as a nuclear stress test, injects a tiny amount of radioactive substance into the bloodstream and uses imaging to show how well the heart muscle is pumping, and how blood flows through it. It can be done at rest or while you exercise.

• Exercise Stress Echocardiogram

  An Exercise Stress Echocardiogram (Stress Echo) examines your heart before and after exercise. It gives your cardiologist more information about your heart function than an exercise stress test, by assessing both ultrasound images as well as the electrocardiogram (ECG).

• Cardiac CT (Computed Tomography)

  A Cardiac CT scan provides detailed cross-sectional images of the heart and blood vessels. It’s commonly used to assess coronary artery disease, heart anatomy, and other structural problems. This non-invasive test can help identify blockages or narrowing of the arteries.