The nuclear stress test is one of the most popular cardiac tests used to diagnose and monitor heart problems. This test is also named as myocardial perfusion imaging, cardiac PET (positron emission tomography), and cardiac SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography). A myocardial perfusion imaging test is performed by injecting a small amount of radioactive substance called a tracer into the bloodstream. Patients’ blood vessels and heart muscles absorb this radioactive substance, ... [Read More]
Cardiac Testing
Echocardiogram Explained
An echocardiogram is a type of noninvasive diagnostic test that produces images of your heart. This imaging shows how the heartbeats and pumps blood and will help identify signs of heart disease. A doctor may order an echocardiogram if you are experiencing symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath. Let’s talk more about an echocardiogram – how it produces images of the heart, the different types of echocardiograms, and what happens during the test. How an Echocardiogram Creates ... [Read More]
Reasons To Get A Cardiac Test
There are many tests used to measure cardiac function. Among the most common cardiac assessment tools are the echocardiogram, cardiac stress test, and Holter monitor. An echocardiogram is used to evaluate the size of the heart chambers and check for a thickening of the walls. A cardiac stress test monitors breathing and blood pressure while the heart is at rest and during exercise. During the test, you’ll get on a treadmill or stationary bike (radioactive dye may be used to visualize blood ... [Read More]
