Common tests for heart problems

Angiogram (or cardiac catheterization)

Blood tests

This measures levels of substances in your blood such as cardiac markers, cholesterol, potassium, magnesium and others. Blood is drawn from either your arm or finger.

Cardiac CT (computed tomography) for calcium scoring

A CT scan of the heart is done to get information about the location and size of calcified plaque in the arteries. The amount of calcium identified by the CT scan is known as a calcium score. The purpose of this test is to find coronary artery disease at an early stage (when there are no symptoms) and to tell how severe it is.

Chest X-ray

This takes a picture of your heart, lungs, ribs and blood vessels.

Dobutamine stress echocardiogram

This lets your doctor see how well your heart is working during exercise. This test is used for people who cannot exercise on a treadmill. Instead, you will be given dobutamine, a medicine that makes your heart beat faster and stronger while you lie in bed. The echocardiogram will be used to see how your heart works during stress. It will help tell if there are blockages in the arteries of your heart.

Dual source CT (computed tomography) angiography

This lets your doctor "see" your narrowed or clogged arteries. Because the machine can scan faster than a beating heart, the cardiologist can give an exam to patients who have irregular heart rates and breathing (respiratory) disorders without first giving them medicine to slow their heart rates.

Echocardiogram/doppler exam

This uses sound waves to see how well your heart is working. Doppler exams help evaluate valve disorders and heart failure. It will show how well your heart is pumping and what parts of your heart muscle may or may not be working normally. An echocardiogram (echo) is an ultrasound study of your heart muscle, heart valves and pericardium (sac surrounding the heart).

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

This records electrical impulses from your heart. Electrode patches (discs) attached to your chest send your heart’s electrical activity to a special machine and is recorded on a moving strip of paper. From the ECG pattern, the doctor can tell if the abnormalities are affecting the electrical impulses through your heart.

Electron beam computerized tomography (EBCT)

This uses an ultra fast electron beam to take pictures of your chest. The scanner can build a 3-D image of your heart while it is in motion. The electron beam CT scans your heart and surrounding arteries to spot tiny, hardened deposits of calcium without a dye injection. These bits of hardened plaque can be early warning signs of heart disease. An electron beam CT scan shows the amount of calcium deposits you have in your heart.

Electrophysiology study

Event monitor (cardio beeper test)

This will record your heart rhythm during your everyday activities. For this test, you will wear a lightweight monitor on a belt or shoulder strap for up to 30 days.

Exercise stress test, graded exercise test or treadmill test

This monitors the electrical activity of your heart during exercise. Exercise increases your heart rate and causes your heart to work harder to pump blood to your muscles. The test will show how your heart responds to this "stress." This test is often used to tell if there are blockages in your heart arteries.

Holter monitor

This will record your heart rhythm during your everyday activities. For this test, you will wear a portable EKG machine. You will have a Holter monitor for either 24 or 48 hours.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

This uses a magnetic field to make three-dimensional (3-D) images of your heart. MRI has greater depth than X-rays and does not use radiation. This test can give information about heart and blood flow.

Noninvasive lower extremity exercise test for PAD (peripheral artery disease)

This is an exercise test that causes PAD symptoms. The test is stopped as soon as you feel the symptoms.

Noninvasive peripheral vascular exam

This measures blood pressure and blood flow using sound waves created by a device called a doppler. You will have a test done while you rest and while you exercise on a treadmill. This test helps tell if there are blockages in the leg arteries.

Nuclear myocardial scan also called nuclear imaging test

This helps measure how much blood flows through your heart's arteries. You will receive a small, safe dose of a radioactive material into a vein in your arm. A special camera will scan your heart. You will receive a second dose of the radioactive material while you exercise on a treadmill.

Peripheral angiogram or venogram

This evaluates the circulation in your arms or legs. You will receive a dye in your blood vessels to produce images on a video monitor. Your doctor can study the images to see if there are blockages in the arteries and veins of the legs and arms.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan

This gives information about blood flow and the health of your heart. You will receive a low dose of a radioactive material. The PET machine scans your heart.

Stress echocardiogram

This is a test to see how well your heart responds to exercise. This test uses ultrasound with a regular stress test to record images of your heart before and after exercise.

Tilt study

This is a test used to find out the cause of your fainting. The test tries to make your body react like it does before and during a fainting spell. A special table turns or tilts you from a flat to a head-upright position. Your doctor will watch and record your heart rate and blood pressure during the test. Medicine may be needed to help the doctor find out what is wrong.

Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)

Related Links

About heart tests

Questions to ask before a heart test or procedure

Medical tests for heart problems

Surgeries and interventional procedures

First published: 10/04/2002
Last updated: 06/01/2007

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts