Cardiac and vascular testing, explained

What it is: A visit with a cardiologist to review your heart health and testing needs.

Who it's for: Patients referred for heart concerns or follow-up review.

What to expect: A discussion of symptoms, history, and next diagnostic steps.

What it is: A recording of the heart's electrical activity while you rest.

Who it's for: Patients with palpitations, chest pain, or abnormal ECG follow-up.

What to expect: A brief, non-invasive test with small electrode patches on the chest.

What it is: An ECG recorded while you walk on a treadmill at increasing effort.

Who it's for: Patients whose doctor wants to see how the heart responds to exercise.

What to expect: Wear comfortable clothing and athletic shoes; staff monitor you throughout.

What it is: An ultrasound of the heart taken before and after exercise or medication-based stress.

Who it's for: Patients whose doctor wants detailed imaging of heart function under stress.

What to expect: Ultrasound images are taken at rest and again during or after stress.

What it is: A non-invasive ultrasound that images the heart's chambers and valves.

Who it's for: Patients whose doctor wants to assess heart structure and function.

What to expect: A gel is applied to the chest while a technologist takes images.

What it is: A portable ECG worn for 24 to 48 hours to record heart rhythm during daily life.

Who it's for: Patients with intermittent palpitations or irregular rhythm.

What to expect: Electrodes stay on the chest; keep a symptom diary as instructed.

What it is: A longer-term portable ECG recording over one to two weeks.

Who it's for: Patients whose rhythm changes are infrequent and need longer monitoring.

What to expect: A small recorder is worn continuously; return it as instructed.

What it is: A cuff that records blood pressure at regular intervals over 24 hours.

Who it's for: Patients whose doctor needs to understand blood pressure outside the clinic.

What to expect: Continue normal daily activities and keep your arm still during readings.

What it is: An ultrasound of the carotid arteries in the neck, showing blood flow.

Who it's for: Patients whose doctor wants to assess stroke risk or narrowing.

What to expect: Lying still while a technologist scans the neck; no radiation.

What it is: An ultrasound that measures blood flow in the arteries of the arms or legs.

Who it's for: Patients with leg pain, cramping, or circulation concerns.

What to expect: Blood pressure cuffs and a handheld probe are used at several points.

What it is: An ultrasound that checks blood flow in the veins of the legs.

Who it's for: Patients with leg swelling or suspected clotting concerns.

What to expect: You may be asked to change position while images are taken.

What it is: An ultrasound of the abdominal aorta to measure its size and shape.

Who it's for: Patients whose doctor wants to monitor the aorta.

What to expect: Fasting is sometimes requested; follow the instructions from your referral.

What it is: Ankle-brachial index, comparing blood pressure at the ankle and arm.

Who it's for: Patients whose doctor wants to screen for reduced leg circulation.

What to expect: Blood pressure cuffs are placed on the arms and ankles for a short test.