Several tests are available to diagnose possible heart disease.  The  choice of which (and how many) tests to perform depends on factors such as the patient's risk factors, history of heart problems, current symptoms and the physician's interpretation of these factors.

In a person being evaluated for possible heart disease, the tests usually begin with the simplest and may progress to more complicated ones.  Specific tests depend on the patient's particular problem(s) and the physician's assessment.  Some of these tests are noninvasive, they don't involve inserting needles, instruments or fluids into the body. Those that do are call invasive tests.

What are some examples of noninvasive tests?

• Resting Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
• Signal-averaged Electrocardiogram (SAECG)
• Chest X-ray
• Holter Monitor (ambulatory electrocardiogram)
• 30-Day Event Monitor
• 2-D Echocardiogram, Stress Echo-Exercise/Medication Induced
• Treadmill stress test - Exercise/Medication Induced
• Tilt-Table Test

What are some examples of invasive tests?

• Nuclear Imaging (each requires a needle puncture in an arm vein)
• MUGA Scan
• Thallium-Sestamibi Stress Test
• Electrophysiology Evaluation
• Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
• Cardiac Catheterization ("cath") - also known as coronary angiography
• Swan-Ganz Catheter

Carolina Regional Heart Center provides all the diagnostic tests mentioned above, including:

Preventive Services

• Blood Pressure Checks
• Nutrition Counseling
• Congestive Heart Failure Clinic
• Cardiac Screening Programs
• Risk Factor Modification Clinic

Treatment Services

• Coumadin Clinic
• Drug Research Studies
• Pacemaker clinic

Rehabilitation Services

• Phase I-IV through Heartstrides
• Congestive Heart Failure Clinics
• Nutrition Counseling
• Risk Factor Modification Clinic
• ICD support Group
• Referral Back to Primary Care for Follow-up Care

Take the Heart Attack Quiz!