Diagnostic Services

Descriptions of some commonly ordered diagnostic tests

Carotid Doppler Ultrasound
a non-invasive ultrasound procedure performed by a cardiac sonographer

A carotid artery ultrasound is a test which uses sound waves to create pictures of the carotid arteries in the neck which carry blood from the heart to the brain and to assess the blood flow through these arteries. Potential blockages in the carotid arteries can be identified through this testing.

a non-invasive ultrasound procedure performed by a cardiac sonographer to show the anatomical structures of the heart

An echocardiography (echo) is a test that uses sound waves to create pictures of your heart. The size, shape, structure and function of the heart is assessed through this test. Additionally, any abnormalities of the valves in the heart can be assessed.

24 Hour Holter Monitor
records the heart’s rhythm during daily activities for 24 hours

A Holter monitor is a portable heart monitor used to continuously monitor the heart’s electrical activity during a 24 hour or 48 hour period of time. This monitor is used to assess for any abnormal heart rhythms.

Event Monitor
a non-invasive, portable method for diagnosing cardiac arrhythmias

An event monitor is also a portable heart monitor which is used to determine if a potential abnormal heart rhythm is the cause of a particular symptomatic event by recording a patient’s heart rate and rhythm during a period of time.

Mobile Cardiac Outpatient Telemetry Monitor (MCOT)
a device used to transmit heart information in real time

Mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry is an additional portable heart monitor that is able to assess and transmit real time heart rates and rhythms from various remote locations in order to identify potential heart arrhythmias in a timely manner.

Exercise Stress Test
a non-invasive test to evaluate cardiovascular response to physical stress.

An exercise stress test is a treadmill test which is used to assess how well the heart responds to extra demand. The heart requires more oxygen during exercise so the heart must pump more blood. This test can reveal if the blood supply is reduced in certain arteries in the heart.

Nuclear Stress Test
a diagnostic test used to determine if the heart muscle is getting the blood supply it needs.

A nuclear stress test is a test performed either through exercising on a treadmill or through the administration of a medication. This test shows the distribution of blood flow to the heart at rest and also during exercise or during the administration of a particular medication.

Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiogram (CTA)
a noninvasive method for detecting blockages in the coronary arteries.

By producing high-resolution, 3D pictures of the moving heart and arteries, plaque or calcium deposits can be visualized in the arterial walls.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A noninvasive method using a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce high resolution pictures of heart structures in order to evaluate the anatomy and function of the heart.

Duplex Scan of Aorta
a non-invasive ultrasound that is used to visualize and measure the major artery (aorta) in the abdominal cavity.

This test uses sound waves to produce pictures of the aorta, which is the largest and main artery in the body, and all of the main arteries that are attached to the aorta. This test can show if there is plaque deposits in the aorta or potentially aneurysms.

Diagnostic Peripheral Ultrasound
a non-invasive ultrasound that is used to visualize and measure the blood flow in the blood vessels from the pelvis to the ankles.

This test is uses sound waves to evaluate the veins or arteries in either the upper or lower extremities to assess for blockages or clots.

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