Diagnostics & Interventions

Thanks to advances in technology and training, many tests to diagnose heart disease can now be comfortably performed in a cardiologist’s office, using the latest in diagnostic equipment. When diagnostic catheterization procedures are ordered, they do require a visit to Highline’s state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization lab.

Diagnostic tests that a doctor might recommend for cardiac problems include:

• Stress Echocardiogram (Exercise Stress Test) — This test involves walking on a treadmill, and allowing a physician to see how well the heart works at rest as well as during and after exercise. Patients unable to exercise because of physical limitations may receive medicine to simulate the effect of exercise on the heart. Learn more.
• Holter Monitor — This is a portable device worn during normal activities to monitor and record the electrical activity of the heart. The recorded information is stored for later evaluation by a doctor. Learn more.
• Echocardiography — Sound waves (ultrasound) are used to take pictures of the heart. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and recorded, allowing a physician to see how well the heart is working. Learn more.
• Nuclear Medicine — Cardiac nuclear testing allows doctors to check the blood supply to the heart, usually by injecting a small amount of radioactive material (a tracer) that can be traced through the bloodstream to the heart muscle. A special camera that can see the tracer is used to take pictures. Learn more.
• Cardiac Catheterization — Also called a coronary angiography, this procedure allows physicians to create an angiogram (map) of the coronary arteries or of the heart itself that shows blockages, irregularities or other problems. Injected dye shows details of the arteries and/or heart on a special monitor. Learn more.
• PTCA — Also called a coronary angiography, this procedure allows physicians to create an angiogram (map) of the coronary arteries or of the heart itself that shows blockages, irregularities or other problems. Injected dye shows details of the arteries and/or heart on a special monitor. Learn more.
• Stents — Also called a coronary angiography, this procedure allows physicians to create an angiogram (map) of the coronary arteries or of the heart itself that shows blockages, irregularities or other problems. Injected dye shows details of the arteries and/or heart on a special monitor.  Learn more.