Non-Invasive Cardiology Tests

A hand-held device is placed on the chest that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the heart and surrounding structures in order to identify any structural abnormalities and evaluate the function of the heart.

Exercise stress testing usually involves exercise which is monitored by your cardiologist. These exercises provide your cardiologist with information about how well your blood supply to the heart performs while under physical stress.

A stress echocardiogram also called an echocardiography stress test, is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that combines an echocardiography test with a stress test to determine how well your heart and blood vessels perform during rest and exercise. The test is usually performed on patients suspected of having or already have had coronary artery disease or insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle.

During stress echocardiography, you’ll exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle while your doctor monitors your blood pressure and heart rhythm.

When your heart rate reaches peak levels, the doctor will take ultrasound images of your heart to determine whether your heart muscles are getting enough blood and oxygen while you exercise.

Your doctor may order a stress echocardiography test if they suspect chest pain is due to coronary artery disease. This test also determines how much exercise you can safely tolerate if you’re in cardiac rehabilitation.

The test can also tell your doctor how well treatments such as bypass grafting, angioplasty, and anti-angina or antiarrhythmic medications are working.

A dobutamine stress echocardiogram is another form of stress echocardiogram. A dobutamine stress echocardiogram (DSE) test may be used if you are unable to exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Dobutamine is infused into your body through venous access and causes the heart to beat faster. It mimics the effects of exercise on the heart.

The doctor will take ultrasound images of your heart to determine whether your heart muscles are getting enough blood and oxygen. It is also used to determine how well your heart tolerates activity and your likelihood of having coronary artery disease and evaluates the effectiveness of your cardiac treatment plan.

Holter Monitoring records the electrical activity of the heart during daily activities. The test documents and describes abnormal electrical activity in the heart during daily activities to help doctors determine any abnormal rhythms of the heart and the best possible treatments.

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a special type of echocardiogram test that produces pictures of your heart. TEE uses high-frequency sound waves to make detailed pictures of your heart and the connected arteries. The test allows your doctor to find problems in your heart’s structure and function.

Unlike a standard echocardiogram, the echo transducer that produces the sound waves for TEE is attached to a thin, long tube that passes through your mouth, down your throat, and into your esophagus. Very clear images of the heart structures and valves can be obtained when compared to standard echocardiograms because the sound waves don’t have to pass through skin, muscle, or bone tissue.

Being overweight can interfere with images of the heart. Doctors may recommend using a TEE if you have a thick chest wall or are obese.

The head-up tilt table test is a way to find the cause of dizziness or lightheadedness, or fainting spells suspected to be associated with a drop in blood pressure. During the test, you lie on a bed and you’re tilted at different angles (from 30 to 60 degrees) while the service team monitors your blood pressure, electrical impulses in your heart, and oxygen level.