What you need to know
about Cardiac Care tests
Your heart is a muscle that receives its energy from blood carrying oxygen and nutrients. Having a constant supply
of blood keeps your heart working properly. Most people think of heart disease as one condition, but in fact, heart
disease is a group of conditions affecting the structure and functions of the heart and may have many root causes.
To make a diagnosis, your doctor will most likely need to review your medical history.
He or she may also want to run a few other tests before discussing your symptoms and recommending treatment.
Several tests to diagnose possible heart diseases are available. The choice of which (and how many) tests to perform
depends on several things. These include a patient’s risk factors, history of heart problems, current symptoms
and the doctor’s interpretation of these factors.
People being evaluated for possible heart disease are usually given simple tests first. Then more complicated ones
may be used, if needed. Specific tests depend on the patient’s particular problem(s) and the physician’s assessment.
Here's what you need to know to prepare for your test:

ECHO DOPPLER
A transthoracic echocardiogram is a cardiac test that employs ultrasound to take images of the heart

Cardiac Perfusion Stress Test
This test shows heart blood flow to detect angina, heart attack, and heart function.

STRESS ECHO
A transthoracic echocardiogram is a cardiac test that employs ultrasound to take images of the heart

ELECTROCARDIOGRAM (EKG)
An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a procedure utilized to measure and record the electrical activity of your heart.

AMBULATORY BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR
An ambulatory blood pressure monitor (ABPM) is a device which records your blood pressure.

MUGA
What is it?
This test assesses the function of your heart.
What do I need to do?
No special preparation is required.
How long will it take?
Takes approximately 1 hours.

HOLTER MONITOR
A Holter monitor is a device which records the rhythm of your heart.

EXERCISE STRESS TEST (GXT)
The GXT looks at the electrical activity of your heart during exercise.