Cardiac Diagnostics
Whether you need a simple cardiac stress test or an advanced procedure, Christian Hospital offers a range of diagnostic tests in a convenient, outpatient setting. Tests are expertly conducted and reviewed by a team of specially trained health care professionals and board-certified cardiologists.
Cardiac Catheterization
If narrowed blood vessels are diagnosed or if other diagnostic tests are inconclusive, cardiac catheterization might be necessary. Our Cardiac Catheterization lab operates 24/7, performing diagnostic procedures to determine the extent of disease.
Cardiac Event Monitor
A Cardiac Event Monitor is worn for an extended period of time to document the heart’s rhythms when intermittent symptoms or other sporadic cardiac “events” occur.
Cardiac Stress Test
This is an exercise tolerance test. You might be asked to walk on a treadmill or ride an exercise bike to see how your heart reacts to physical stress and exercise. This test can help diagnose the cause of chest pain, heart disease or coronary heart disease.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a non-invasive procedure that uses ultrasound waves to display the movements of the heart’s chambers and valves to see how well they are functioning. This test can be done in conjunction with a cardiac stress test.
EKG
The most common non-invasive cardiology test is an electrocardiogram (EKG), which records your heart’s electrical activity.
Holter Monitor
A Holter Monitor is worn for a 24-hour period to continuously monitor the heart’s rhythm. Your physician studies the recording and looks for a link between normal activities and changes in your heart’s rhythm.
Heart CT
A heart CT provides a detailed three-dimensional images of the heart that can reveal potential causes of chest pain, such as coronary artery disease and vascular disease.
Multi-gated Acquisition (MUGA) Scan
A MUGA scan uses is a noninvasive test that uses a low dose of radioactive material injected into a vein to evaluate how well your heart is pumping.
Nuclear Stress Test
A nuclear stress test is performed on a treadmill or through pharmacologic methods to evaluate your heart’s likeliness of having coronary heart disease.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Exam
This non-invasive test uses multiple blood pressure cuffs to observe blood flow and detect any artery blockages, providing early detection of PAD.
Stress Echocardiogram
This test combines an ultrasound study of the heart with an exercise test, evaluating the likelihood of coronary heart disease.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
A transesophageal echocardiogram is a procedure that uses ultrasound waves to help a cardiologist see movements of the heart’s valves and chambers.
Christian Hospital and Northwest HealthCare, members of BJC HealthCare, provide world-class medical care to the communities of North County, Greater St. Louis County and Southern Illinois.