Testing that gets to the heart of the problem

There are many noninvasive tests used to diagnose abnormalities in the heart and the surrounding arteries. Early diagnosis of heart disease or other cardiac problems is an important step in preventing more-serious issues down the road. Asante has a wide range of advanced diagnostic tools available on-site for rapid diagnosis.

The tests described below are some of the more common diagnostic procedures that help cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons evaluate heart health and diagnose possible problems.

Cardiac MRI

A cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan uses radio waves and magnets to create still and moving pictures of the heart and the major blood vessels so that doctors can assess the heart’s structure and function.

CT coronary scan

CT stands for computerized axial tomography. CT coronary scans use X-ray technology to take high-resolution 3D pictures of the moving heart and vessels. This screening is also used to generate a coronary calcium score to evaluate the risk of future heart disease and other problems.

CT coronary angiography

CT coronary angiography consists of high-resolution 3D pictures of the moving heart and great vessels that are used to determine whether a patient has significant coronary atherosclerosis or any structural abnormality of the heart and the surrounding structures.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram uses sound waves to produce a moving picture of the heart. It is more detailed than an X-ray and involves no radiation exposure.

Transesophageal echocardiogram

Just like an echocardiogram, moving pictures of the heart are obtained by sound waves. During a transesophageal echocardiogram, the instrument that captures the sound waves is inserted into the esophagus so that the sound waves have less distance to travel through the body and can provide clearer pictures of the heart.

Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a routine examination that records the electrical activity of the heart.

Event monitor

An event monitor is a small device that is usually worn for two to four weeks to record the heart rhythm during symptoms.

Holter monitor

A Holter monitor is a small device that records the heart rhythm over a 24-hour period. The patient notes any symptoms, which allows correlation of the heart rhythm to any concerning symptoms.

Multigated acquisition Scan

This test uses a cardiac MRI in combination with a tracer substance that is injected into a vein just before the test to enhance the pictures of the heart.

Tilt table test

This simple, noninvasive test is often used to evaluate patients who have fainting episodes. During the test the patient lies on a table and is evaluated as the table moves from horizontal to vertical.

Treadmill stress test

Some heart problems are easier to diagnose when the heart is working hard. A treadmill stress test is a common screening tool to test the effect of exercise on the heart.

Vascular imaging

Vascular imaging consists of ultrasonographic assessment of carotid and peripheral vascular disease, including atherosclerotic blockage, aneurysm formation, and deep venous thrombosis.