Heart Testing
Mercy Health System's team of skilled cardiologists, nurses and technologists can expertly diagnose heart abnormalities using a full array of advanced technology in a comfortable, convenient setting. Sophisticated testing that a physician may prescribe to detect a problem with a patient's heart includes:
Cardiac CT Angiography
Cardiac CT Angiography uses an intravenous dye which contains iodine and CT scanning to image the coronary arteries. This test is used to diagnose coronary artery disease.
Calcium Scoring
Calcium Scoring uses computed tomorgraphy (CT) to check for buildup of calcium in plaque on the walls of the arteries of the heart. This test is used to check for heart disease in an early stage and to determine how severe it is.
Echocardiogram (ECHO)
An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to visualize the heart. The purpose of the echocardiogram is to evaluate cardiac size and function, evaluate wall motion abnormalities, detect valvular disease and congenital heart disease.
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
An EKG is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. This procedure gives vital information about the rhythm of the heart. An EKG can also show if there is any ischemia (insufficient blood flow) to the heart muscle or myocardial infarction (death to an area of the heart muscle).
Holter and Event Monitoring
A 24-hour Holter monitor is a machine that continuously records the heart's rhythm during normal activity. This non-invasive cardiac test assists the physician in the diagnosis and treatment of an individual with suspected abnormal heart rhythms.
Stress Testing
A cardiac stress test evaluates the ability for arterial blood flow to the heart to increase during physical exercise, compared to blood flow at rest. A physician will determine the type of stress testing (exercise, nuclear or echocardiogram stress test) that is best for you.
