Cardiology Tests

An ECG or EKG is a non-invasive test that measures the electrical signals in your heart. During the test, several electrodes are placed on your chest, arms and legs. The electrodes are connected by wires to a machine that turns the heart’s signals and displays it as waves on a monitor or on paper. The test allows the doctor to check your heart’s rhythm, diagnose a heart attack, and check on anything abnormal, such as thickened heart muscle. Any change in an ECG can be a sign of many heart-related conditions. 

A stress echocardiogram, also called stress echo, is an imaging test that finds out how well your heart can tolerate a stressful activity. The test uses ultrasound waves to produce images of the heart’s structure before and after the stress. In this test, you will be asked to exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike, and your heart rhythm and blood pressure are monitored throughout the test. It helps assess symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and any abnormal heart rhythm.