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Heart Care

Heart Care Testing

Heart Care Testing

Cardiac Diagnostic Testing

Cardiologists use a wide array of painless and non-invasive tests to determine the health of your heart and the nature and extent of a cardiovascular problem. If an arterial blockage is suspected, your cardiologist may prescribe a cardiac catheterization procedure.

Non-Invasive Cardiac Diagnostic Testing

Cardiologists use a variety of non-invasive approaches to determine the type and severity of a patient's problem.

  • Functional testing such as stress tests and nuclear isotopes
  • Structural testing such as echocardiography (ultrasound)
  • Electrical disturbance testing via holter monitors and event recorders, which are similar to miniature electrocardiograms (EKGs)

Cardiac Catheterization

In some cases, where serious arterial blockages are suspected, cardiac catheterization is prescribed.

Cardiac catheterization is one of the most advanced diagnostic tools available to identify dangerous blockages in the heart and its blood vessels. In a non-surgical procedure performed under a local anesthetic, a thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted by the cardiologist into the arm or leg and guided through the blood vessels to reach the heart. After a small amount of dye is injected into the catheter, a special computerized camera takes films of the heart and its vessels. The ability to actually see blockages in the heart and blood vessels gives physicians an invaluable tool for diagnosing heart disease.

The Heart & Lung Center’s two new cardiac catheterization laboratories feature the GE Innova, the world’s first all-digital cardiovascular X-ray imaging system. This revolutionary technology provides sharper, clearer images with a minimal radiation dose. The new Heart & Lung Center is the only facility in the Seacoast with two cardiac catheterization labs, and the only one with dual-use capabilities for conducting cardiac and vascular studies simultaneously.

Diagnostic Tests – Glossary of Terms

The following diagnostic tests and non-surgical cardiac procedures are routinely performed at the Heart & Lung Center. For a description of surgical procedures, please visit the Cardiac Surgery Program page of this Web site. If you are a patient preparing for one of these procedures, please visit the Patient Information page of this Web site.

Cardiac Catheterization with Coronary Angiograms

This invasive test is performed under sedation in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab to check the blood flow of the coronary arteries that supply the heart. A small tube is inserted either into the groin or into the arm and advanced using x-rays to the heart. A special dye is injected that will allow the cardiologist to see the coronary arteries.

Cardiolite Stress Test

This is an exercise test where a nuclear isotope is injected into the bloodstream through an IV to image the heart. The cardiologist monitors the heart rate, rhythm and blood pressure during and after exercise.

Carotid Ultrasound Exam

This non-invasive test sends sound waves (ultrasound) through the carotid arteries (large arteries on either side of the neck that carry blood to the head). This test looks for any arterial blockages.

Drug-eluting Stents

Stents are used in angioplasty to open blocked coronary arteries and keep them open. The newest technology, which has just received FDA approval, involves coating the stent with a drug that works to prevent the artery from reclogging (restenosis).

Echocardiogram

This non-invasive test utilizes sound waves to image the heart. The image allows the cardiologist to view the function of the valves within the heart, the size and function of the heart as well as the blood flow within the heart.

Electrocardiogram (EKG)

This non-invasive test is performed by placing several leads on the patient’s chest, arms and legs. It produces a graphic record of the electrical activity of the heart.

Electroencephalogram

This non-invasive test involves the placement of several electrodes on the head. The test records the electrical activity of the brain. A neurologist interprets this test.

Holter Monitor Test

This non-invasive test involves the placement of several electrodes on the chest and the wearing of a small recorder called a Holter monitor for a continuous 24 hours. It collects heart rate and rhythm information during that time period.

Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)

This breathing test measures lung capacity and performance before and after the use of an inhaler. This is helpful for the diagnosis of lung conditions.

Saphenous Vein Mapping

This is a non-invasive test involving ultrasound (sound waves) that allows the technologist to measure and draw the saphenous vein for the cardiac surgeon. The saphenous vein can be used for bypass grafting surgery. The saphenous veins are two large veins of the foot, leg and thigh.

Segmental Blood Pressures

This non-invasive test utilizes blood pressures as well as ultrasound (sound waves) to determine the arterial blood flow in the extremities. The test looks for areas of blockage in the arterial system of the extremities.

Stress Test (ETT)

This non-invasive test involves attaching several leads to the chest. The patient walks on a treadmill while the cardiologist monitors the heart rate, blood pressure and electrical activity of the heart to determine how well the heart handles exercise.

Stress Echo

This is a non-invasive test that utilizes ultrasound (sound waves) as well as a treadmill to determine how the heart reacts to exercise. It involves several leads being attached to the chest and ultrasound images being taken before and immediately after exercise. The cardiologist evaluates all of the information gathered during the test to make a determination of the results.

Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)

This is an invasive test, performed under sedation, where an ultrasound probe is inserted into the esophagus to evaluate heart function and look closely at heart valves.

Venous Imaging of the Extremity

This non-invasive test utilizes ultrasound (sound waves) to evaluate the blood flow within the veins of a specific extremity, looking for abnormalities such as blood clots.

Find a Physician

View Portsmouth Regional Hospital Physicians with Similar Specialties »

Locations

  • Seacoast Cardiology Associates, PA<br>

    Seacoast Cardiology Associates, PA
    2064 Woodbury Avenue
    Newington Park, Building 1, Ste 103
    Newington, NH 3801

    Directions
  • Atlantic Cardiology Associates<br>

    Atlantic Cardiology Associates
    333 Borthwick Avenue
    Suite 401
    Portsmouth, NH 3801

    Directions
  • Clipper Cardiovascular Associates<br>

    Clipper Cardiovascular Associates
    112A Parker St
    Newburyport, MA 1953

    Directions
  • Seacoast Cardiology Associates, PA<br>

    Seacoast Cardiology Associates, PA
    12 Hospital Drive
    York, ME 3909

    Directions
  • Exeter Cardiovascular Associates / Core Physicians<br>

    Exeter Cardiovascular Associates / Core Physicians
    3 Alumni Drive
    Suite 101
    Exeter, NH 3833

    Directions

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