Heart Health Tests

Heart Health Tests: Descriptions and Procedures

Shown below is a comprehensive guide to various heart health tests, including their purpose, how they are performed, and how they are categorized. It is designed to help patients and caregivers understand the role of each test in diagnosing and monitoring cardiovascular health. This information is not designed to replace a physician's independent judgment about the appropriateness or risks of a procedure for a given patient. Always consult your doctor about your medical conditions. HHC does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Use of the HHC site is conditional upon your acceptance of our HHC Terms and Conditions of Use and HHC Privacy Policy.

Common Symptoms Leading to Heart Testing

- Chest pain or tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue or weakness
- Irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Fainting or dizziness
- Swelling in legs or ankles
- High blood pressure or cholesterol
- Family history of heart disease

Non-Invasive Tests

Blood Pressure:

Purpose: Measures force of blood in arteries
How it's performed: Cuff inflates on the arm to record systolic/diastolic values

Blood Test:Purpose:

Detects cardiac enzymes, cholesterol, sugar levels
How it's performed: Blood drawn from a vein

Ankle–Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI):

Purpose: Checks for peripheral artery disease
How it's performed: Compares blood pressure in ankle vs arm

Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG):

Purpose: Detects arrhythmias, heart attacks
How it's performed: Electrodes on skin measure heart’s electrical signals

Chest X-ray:Purpose:

hows heart size, lung fluid
How it's performed: X-ray taken of chest area

Echocardiogram:

Purpose: Shows heart structure and function
How it's performed: Ultrasound probe on chest

Cardiac Computed Tomography (CT):

Purpose: Evaluates heart anatomy
How it's performed: Uses X-rays to create 3D heart images

Calcium Score (Heart Scan):

Purpose: Detects coronary calcium (plaque)
How it's performed: CT scan without contrast to assess risk of heart disease

Carotid Ultrasonography:

Purpose: Checks for stroke risk via carotid arteries
How it's performed: Ultrasound probe on the neck

MRI (Cardiac MRI):

Purpose: Visualizes detailed heart structures
How it's performed: Magnetic scanner creates 3D heart images

Holter Monitor:

Purpose: Detects irregular rhythms over time
How it's performed: Worn for 24–48 hrs, records ECG continuously

Tilt Table Test:

Purpose: Evaluates fainting or dizziness
How it's performed: Patient tilted while vitals are monitored

Coronary CT Angiography (CCTA):

Purpose: Detects coronary artery disease
How it's performed: CT scan with contrast dye injected in vein

Invasive Tests

Cardiac Catheterization / Coronary Catheterization / Angiography:

Purpose: Detects blockages in coronary arteries
How it's performed: Catheter is threaded through artery to heart, contrast dye is injected

Electrophysiology Study (EPS):

Purpose: Maps heart’s electrical pathways
How it's performed: Thin wires inserted into the heart to test for arrhythmias

Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE):

Purpose: Shows detailed images of heart valves and chambers
How it's performed: Probe is passed down esophagus under sedation

Imaging-Focused Tests

Echocardiogram:

Purpose: Measures heart structure and pump function
Imaging Modality: Ultrasound

Cardiac CT / Coronary CT Angiography:

Purpose: Visualizes coronary arteries and calcium
Imaging Modality: CT scan

Calcium Score:

Purpose: Detects calcium buildup in arteries
Imaging Modality: Non-contrast CT scan

Cardiac MRI:

Purpose: Views heart structure and scarring
Imaging Modality: MRI scanner

Transesophageal Echo (TEE):

Purpose: Closer view of heart via esophagus
Imaging Modality: Ultrasound

Carotid Ultrasonography:

Purpose: Assesses carotid arteries for stroke risk
Imaging Modality: Ultrasound

Chest X-ray:

Purpose: Checks heart size, lungs, and fluid
Imaging Modality: X-ray

Nuclear Stress Test:

Purpose: Views blood flow to heart muscle
Imaging Modality: Gamma camera + radioactive tracer

Monitoring & Electrical Tests

ECG (Electrocardiography):

Purpose: Records heartbeat rhythm
How it's performed: Electrodes on chest, arms, legs

Holter Monitor:

Purpose: Tracks heart rhythm over 24–48 hrs
How it's performed: Portable ECG device worn

Electrophysiology Study:

Purpose: Finds arrhythmia sources
How it's performed: Electrodes placed inside heart

Tilt Table Test:

Purpose: Diagnoses causes of fainting
How it's performed: Table tilts while vitals are tracked

Stress-Based Tests

Exercise Stress Test:

Purpose: Tests heart during physical exertion
How it's performed: Walk on treadmill while ECG is monitored

Stress Test (General):

Purpose: Detects ischemia or exercise-induced symptoms
How it's performed: Can be physical or with medications

Nuclear Stress Test:

Purpose: Visualizes heart perfusion during rest and stress
How it's performed: Tracer + imaging pre- and post-stress

Cardiac Stress MRI or CT:

Purpose: High-resolution imaging during stress
How it's performed: Rare but combines MRI/CT with stress agent