An electrocardiogram is used to monitor your heart. Each beat of your heart is triggered by an electrical impulse, an electrocardiogram also called an EKG, records these electrical signals as they travel through your heart. Your doctor can use an electrocardiogram to look for patterns among these heartbeats and rhythms to diagnose various heart conditions.

An electrocardiogram is a noninvasive, painless test. The results of your electrocardiogram will likely be reported the same day it's performed, and your doctor will discuss them with you at your next appointment.

Echocardiography, also known as an ultrasound of the heart, is a diagnostic test used to examine the heart, this helps determine the size and shape of the heart, as well as how well the different heart chambers are functioning.

An echocardiogram is a painless procedure performed in your doctor's office in less than an hour. The images of the heart are shown on a video monitor in real time for the doctor and patient to view during the exam.

A stress test is a common diagnostic exam used to determine the amount of stress the heart can manage before developing abnormalities such as arrhythmias or ischemia. This procedure is often performed to detect the cause of chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat or fluttering in the chest, as well as diagnose a wide range of conditions.

Routine
During a routine stress test, electrodes are attached to the skin to record EKG results as the patient undergoes increased levels of exertion on a treadmill or stationery bicycle to evaluate the patient's heart rate, breathing and blood pressure. A resting EKG is also performed so that results can be compared.

Nuclear (Thallium Stress Test)
A nuclear stress test is similar to an exercise stress test, but combines elements of a nuclear imaging exam to provide more accurate results than a standard exercise electrocardiogram. During the nuclear stress test, a radioactive substance is injected into the bloodstream. A special scanner is used to detect this substance and capture images of the heart muscle as the patient exercises.

Pharmacologic
A pharmacologic stress test is often used for patients who cannot walk on a treadmill long enough in order to properly perform an exercise stress test. During this test, a medication is used to raise the heart rate to a suitable level. The test then proceeds the same way as a regular stress test.

Stress Echocardiography
Stress echocardiography is a test that uses ultrasound imaging to show how well your heart muscles are working to pump blood to your body. It is mainly used to detect a decrease in blood flow to the heart.
 

A Holter monitor is a small, portable EKG device that records the electrical activity of your heart. Since an EKG lasts for a few minutes, any heart abnormalities not present at the time of the EKG may not be detected. The Holter monitor, worn for 24 to 48 hours, records the heart's activity throughout that time period. This consistent monitoring may detect arrhythmias that only occur at certain times, such as after physical exertion.

A carotid Doppler ultrasound is a diagnostic procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to generate images of the blood flow within the carotid arteries in the neck. The carotid arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain. This test allows the doctor to detect any narrowing of the arteries and also determine how quickly blood flows through them to determine a patient's risk of stroke or other heart conditions.

Lower extremity arterial ultrasound
Lower extremity arterial ultrasound is a safe and painless way of visualizing the arteries of the legs. It can detect the presence and location of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), narrowing of the arteries supplying the legs. It uses a small hand-held device called a transducer to transmit and receive sound waves. Special equipment changes the sound waves into images that are seen on a monitor. This is the same technology used to image babies in utero (sonogram).

Lower extremity venous ultrasound
Lower extremity venous ultrasound is a safe and painless way of visualizing the veins of the legs. It can detect the presence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and/or venous insufficiency (venous reflux disease). It uses a small hand-held device called a transducer to transmit and receive sound waves. Special equipment changes the sound waves into images that are seen on a monitor. This is the same technology used to image babies in utero (sonogram). During the study, the technologist may ask you to tighten your abdominal muscles while certain images are recorded. This is to assess for leakage in the valves that typically prevent backflow of blood into the legs.
 

PVR Doppler, also called Pulsed Volume Recording Doppler, is a test which compares the blood pressure in your legs to the blood pressure in your arms. It is a safe and painless test that helps your physician determine if your legs are getting the proper amount of blood supply. If you have been experiencing leg cramping when you walk, the PVR can be performed on a treadmill to test how much blood flows to your legs during exercise.