Tests and diagnosis

If your doctor has referred you for heart tests, you can take care of all of your tests at Edward-Elmhurst Health. We’ll make you comfortable, explain what to expect and provide your doctor with timely, reliable results.

Tests for heart disease and cardiovascular conditions

Accurate diagnoses depend on the right tools in the hands of highly-trained specialists. We invest in the latest technology to provide the clearest picture of your heart and blood vessels.

Cardiac catheterization

Our state-of-the-art cath labs play a key role in our ability to diagnose and treat heart problems in record time. During cardiac catheterization, a thin flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin or arm and threaded into the heart. Colorless “dye” is injected into the heart, and images are taken to reveal blockages or other heart abnormalities. Catheterization is used during a variety of procedures, including electrophysiology studies and angiography.

Cardiac catheterization also saves lives. If a blockage is detected, a cardiologist can open the blocked vessel with a balloon in a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) called angioplasty. We consistently perform better than the national time standard for this intervention—often called “door-to-balloon” time—and every minute counts when it comes to the health of the heart muscle.

CT angiography

This test uses very fast X-ray technology to take a 3D image of the beating heart. In this minimally invasive procedure, dye is injected into the arm prior to a CT scan. CT angiography is typically used to diagnose more complex conditions, like abdominal aortic aneurysm or congenital heart disease.

Cardiac stress testing (stress echocardiogram)

A stress test usually involves walking on a treadmill while your heart activity is recorded by an electrocardiogram. It provides information about your level of exercise tolerance, how your heart responds to an increased workload, the size of your heart’s chambers, and its pumping action.

Coronary angiography and peripheral angiography

In this procedure, a catheter is placed in the heart, leg or arm to detect problems with the heart. This procedure is generally done after a person experiences chest pains or other symptoms that could signify a heart problem.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

In this painless test, patches called electrodes are attached to your skin to monitor your heart’s electrical activity and rhythm.

Electrophysiology studies

An electrophysiology study uses catheters to examine the heart’s electrical activity and pathways and detect the source of abnormal rhythms. Our Topera 3D mapping technology enables us to precisely pinpoint the source.

Echocardiography (2D and 3D)

Echocardiography is a form of ultrasound that uses high-frequency sound waves to examine the size, shape and motion of the heart. We offer technology that takes 3D images to help evaluate the strength of the heart and detect holes.

Holter monitor

This small, wearable device records the electrical activity of the heart for a specified period of time while you’re at home or work. The monitor helps detect irregularities or abnormalities in the heart's rhythm during normal activities.

Nuclear studies

In this procedure, a small, safe amount of radioactive substance is injected into your bloodstream. Special cameras outside your body take pictures to assess blood flow, check for damaged heart muscle, and diagnose the presence and severity of heart disease.

Peripheral vascular ultrasound

This ultrasound procedure uses sound waves to examine various parts of the body, including the aorta, abdominal arteries and veins, and blood vessels in the arms, legs and extra-cranial cerebrovascular system.