Heart Tests

Heart Catheterization is a test where contrast dye is injected into the arteries of the heart and x-ray pictures are taken.  An angiogram shows if there are any narrowing or blockages in your heart arteries. After the angiogram, the cardiologist (heart doctor) will talk to you and your family about the results and the recommended plan of care.

Booklet: Cardiac Angiogram/Angioplasty - What you need to know

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Video: Cardiac Angiogram Information

Video: After Your Angiogram

A cardiac CT scan is an imaging test that uses X-rays to take many detailed pictures of your heart and its blood vessels. This test can help diagnose or evaluate heart disease, calcium buildup in the coronary arteries, problems with the aorta, problems with heart function and valves, and pericardial disease. There are a variety of different types of Cardiac CT scans that may be done, not all tests are available at all locations. 

For more information about Computed Tomography, visit our X-Rays & Medical Imaging page.

A small monitor that is used to detect and record abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). The technologist applying the Cardiac Event Monitor will prepare your skin prior to hooking up the monitor. The monitor will be connected to your chest using small adhesive stickers and wires for up to 14 days.

An Event Monitor may be ordered if you’re experiencing any of the following:

• Dizziness
• Palpitations
• Pulseless limbs
• Stroke or warning signs of a stroke
• Fainting

Resources:

Patient Information Sheet: Cardiac Event Monitor

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Cardiac MRI is an extremely sensitive non-invasive test that can provide information on the heart structures and how they are working. This can help your doctor monitor and decide the best way to treat heart problems such as coronary heart disease, heart valve problems, pericarditis, heart tumors, or damage from a heart attack.

For more information about Computed Tomography, visit our X-Rays & Medical Imaging page.

A cardiac stress test (also called a graded exercise stress test) measures the electrical activity of the heart during exercise. You will be asked to walk on a treadmill (or pedal on a bike) while your heart rhythm and blood pressure are monitored. The treadmill speed and slope (incline) will increase throughout the test. It is important to exercise for as long as possible and report any symptoms that you may experience during exercise.  View locations where Cardiac Stress Tests are offered
Note: There are other types of stress tests that may be done. Please confirm the test you are having with your Health Care Professional as they may be done in different locations and have different instructions to prepare for the test.

• Cardiac Nuclear Medicine Stress Test
• Stress Echocardiogram
• Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram

For more information, visit our X-Rays & Medical Imaging page.

A Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram is a heart test that checks how well your heart is working. This test uses medication called dobutamine to make your heart muscle act as if you are exercising. This may be done when you are unable to walk on a treadmill or use an exercise bike for the test.

Patient Information Sheet: Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram

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Note: There are different types of stress tests that may be done. Please confirm the test you are having with your Health Care Professional as they may be done in different locations and have different instructions to prepare for the test.

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a quick simple test used to review your heart activity. Electrodes (small patches that stick to the skin) are placed on specific spots on your chest, arms, and legs. An ECG machine is attached to the electrodes with a wire. This machine will provide a reading of your heart activities

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Heart Rhythm Services provide testing and treatments for irregular heart rhythms. This includes electrophysiology studies, cardiac ablations and implanted heart devices.

Learn more about Heart Rhythm Services

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A procedure that records your heart rhythm for 24 hours. The Holter Monitor is a small, portable monitor that is attached to your chest using small adhesive stickers and wires. You will be given a diary to record your symptoms and activities while wearing the monitor.

Patient Information Sheet: Holter Monitor

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For more information, visit our Lab Tests & Services page.

Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is a nuclear medicine procedure that uses special radiotracers (or imaging agents) to trace how fast they are taken up by the heart muscle. This is a non-invasive test that shows how well blood flows through your heart muscle. It can show areas of the heart muscle that aren’t getting enough blood flow and how well the heart muscle is pumping. 

Note: There are different types of stress tests that may be done. Please confirm the test you are having with your health-care professional as they may be done in different locations and have different instructions to prepare for the test.

A stress echocardiogram is a test used to check how well your heart is working. The test uses sound waves (ultrasound) to take pictures of your heart before and after exercise. You will be asked to walk or run on a treadmill to increase your heart rate. While you’re on the treadmill, a cardiology technologist will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and heart symptoms.Patient Information Sheet: Stress Echocardiogram

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Note: There are different types of stress tests that may be done. Please confirm the test you are having with your Health Care Professional as they may be done in different locations and have different instructions to prepare for the test

A Transesophageal Echocardiogram or TEE, is a procedure that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to take pictures of your heart without any interference from the chest wall, ribs or lungs. This is done by giving a medicine to help you relax, then a flexible probe is passed down the esophagus (the tube that carries food to the stomach).

Patient Information Sheet: Transesophageal Echocardiogram

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A transthoracic echocardiogram, also known as an ‘echo’ or TTE, is a procedure that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to take pictures of your heart. This is done by placing a camera and a small amount of ultrasound gel to your chest, stomach and neck. The pictures show the size, shape and function of your heart muscle, as well as the movement of your heart valves. This test is safe and painless.

This test may be done to:

• Check the size and shape of your heart.
• Check the valves in your heart
• Check your heart function and how well it is pumping
• Detect abnormal structures in the heart or heart tissue
• Detect any fluid leaking into the sac surrounding the heart

Patient Information Sheet: Transthoracic Echocardiogram

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