Diagnostic Tests
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
A special recording machine is attached
to legs, arms and chest via 10 electrodes
and takes a snapshot of the
electric signals creating heart rhythms.
[more]
Echocardiogram
A special imaging machine with a
microphone-like attachment creates
a videotaped image of heart structures
that shows the heart’s four chambers,
valves and movements.
[more]
Holter Monitoring
To detect irregular heart rhythms,
patients wear a Walkman-size
recording box attached to their chest
by five adhesive electrode patches for
24-48 hours.
Event Recorder
Patients carry a pager-sized event
recording box so they can make a
one- to two-minute recording of their
heart rhythm when they actually
experience symptoms. This is useful
for patients with relatively infrequent
and brief symptoms.
Tilt Table Test
This test evaluates the potential
reasons for fainting, or syncope.
Heart rhythm and blood pressure are
carefully monitored while a patient
rests on a special table. The table tilts
the patient upright at a 70-80 degree
angle for 30-45 minutes. If the patient
faints, it usually means that he or
she has a condition called vasovagal
or neurocardiogenic fainting, which is
not life threatening.
[more]
Electrophysiology Study (EPS)
Under sterile conditions, thin tubes
called electrode catheters are inserted
into veins in the groin or neck area
and threaded into the heart. The
heart's electrical conduction system
is measured. Electrical impulses are
applied to the heart to provoke and
analyze a fast heart rate. This study
can diagnose symptomatic and
potentially life-threatening slow and
fast heart rates.
[more]
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