Cardiac diagnostic tests allow us to diagnose and monitor a range of heart conditions. We use these tests to look at the function and structure of the heart and record its electrical activity. We can also monitor your heartbeat rhythm and assess the blood flow coming into and out of the heart.

Common cardiac diagnostic tests:

• Angiogram
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Echocardiogram
• Stress echocardiogram
• Transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE)
• A Holter monitor (ambulatory ECG monitor)
• Cardiac CT (computed tomography) scan
• Cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan
• Implantable loop recorder
• Exercise treadmill test

You may need multiple tests to identify the cause of your heart problems. We often perform blood tests alongside these tests as well.

Most cardiac diagnostic tests are quick and painless, though diagnostic tests involving exercise may be uncomfortable and tiring. Some people might struggle exercising and need modified tests, such as a dobutamine stress test.

Cardiac diagnostic tests tend to be very low risk. So, assessing suitability often depends on a person’s risk factors and symptoms. However, some of these tests may feel more invasive than others, such as the TOE test. We may take this into account when recommending which diagnostic tests to perform.

Pregnancy may influence the risks for some tests, such as X-rays. But, most are considered safe during pregnancy. We may consider alternative tests, though, if it is likely that you will need multiple X-ray procedures.

The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart, and people can experience angina and heart attacks when they’re blocked. During an angiogram, we pass a catheter through the artery in the wrist or groin to the heart. We then inject dye into the artery and assess the arteries with an X-ray. An angiogram is an invasive test, but it is safe.

Electrocardiogram

An ECG gives an overview of the function of the heart. We place 12 stickers on your arms, legs and chest to gain information on various aspects of your heart structure and function. The ECG records your heart’s electrical activity and highlights abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram (echo) is an ultrasound scan of the heart. With an echo, we can get detailed pictures of the moving heart. We place a small ultrasound probe in different positions on your chest to see how your heart is beating. We can also see whether your heart has any structural abnormalities.

Stress echo

During an echo, we scan your heart while you rest. But, it can be helpful to get pictures of the heart under stress. We assess your heart’s stress response by scanning your heart before and after increasing your heart rate. It involves exercise or using a drug to make the heart beat faster and harder.

Transoesophageal echocardiogram

During a TOE test, we pass an endoscope – a small, flexible tube – down your food pipe (oesophagus). This allows us to get the ultrasound probe closer to your heart and better image quality. A TOE provides detailed information about the heart structure and function, including the heart valves. It can also find blood clots in the heart.

Holter monitor

A Holter monitor is a portable ECG. We use a Holter monitor to analyse your heart rhythm. You usually wear a Holter monitor for 24 hours, though it can be up to 7 days. It can detect irregular heartbeats that a regular ECG may miss. The monitor also has a button to press when you experience symptoms, such as shortness of breath. We can compare these with abnormal rhythms.

Implantable loop recorder

If you experience infrequent symptoms of palpitations, dizziness, or blackouts, an ECG monitor may not reveal any abnormality. We might then recommend using an implantable loop recorder to monitor your heart rhythms over three years. We place the loop recorder under your skin. This is a quick and easy procedure performed at our outpatient clinic.

Cardiac CT

A cardiac CT scan shows 3D images of the heart. We sometimes inject a dye into your veins to capture the arteries as well – the blood supply to the heart. The X-ray machine rotates around you to form a 3D image. We can use it to look for artery blockages and narrowing that may need surgical intervention.

Cardiac MRI

A cardiac MRI involves using a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to collect detailed pictures of the heart. With the MRI, we may look at the heart valves and major vessels. We can also use it to diagnose or monitor heart disease and assess congenital heart problems.