Diagnostic Testing

In order to provide complete cardiac care, Harbin Clinic cardiologists run diagnostic tests to help assess and evaluate patients with cardiac issues.

COMMON DIAGNOSTIC TESTS INCLUDE

Chest x-ray

Chest x-rays produce images of the heart, blood vessels, lungs, airways, and bones of the spine and chest. Chest x-rays can help cardiologists determine if patients have a cardiac illness, or even see if a treatment is working.

CTA (Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography)

CTA is a non-invasive test that uses special X-rays to focus on the coronary arteries. It allows cardiologists to see if you have blockages in your arteries, specifically both calcified ‘hard’ plaque and ‘soft’ plaque, which can be even more dangerous. Blockages can cause chest pain and lead to heart attacks.

Cardiac Cath

Harbin Clinic cardiologists use a wide range of innovative technologies to perform procedures that help accurately treat and diagnose patients with cardiac issues. Many of these procedures are performed with the use of a cardiac cath.

Cardiac catheterization is a medical procedure used to diagnose and treat some heart conditions. Learn more here.

EKG

An electrocardiogram (EKG, ECC) test looks at the electrical waves your heart makes through the use of electrical triggers. These “triggers” cause your heart muscles to contract and pump blood. Echocardiograms are useful in other cardiac procedures like nuclear stress testing.

Echo

An echo or echocardiography is a test that takes ultrasound pictures of your heart’s movements.

Exercise Stress Test

Holter Monitoring

Similar to an exercise test, Holter monitoring records the heart’s rhythms but during normal activity. The monitor is normally worn for 24-48 hours.

TEE

Transesophageal Echocardiogram is a type of echocardiogram in which a scope is inserted down your numbed throat. The end of the scope contains a device that sends out sound waves. A highly skilled cardiologist performs this test to get a clear echocardiogram of your heart.

Lab Blood Testing

Lab blood testing evaluates and assesses blood samples for any cardiac health issues.

MRI

A cardiac MRI provides an accurate diagnosis of the heart structure and function without much exposure to radiation. It is based on the same principles and functionality as a regular MRI but with special attention on the cardiovascular system. Harbin Clinic cardiologists are among the few cardiologists in Georgia who have the expertise and qualifications to interpret cardiac MRI imaging.

Nuclear Testing

Nuclear stress testing measures blood when your heart is at rest, and when it is working harder from exertion. This test takes images, showing areas of low blood flow, and damaged heart muscle.

MUGA

MUGA test provides images of the right and left ventricles of the heart using a radioactive tracer and a special camera that takes pictures of your heart as it pumps blood.

Adenosine Thallium

Adenosine Thallium scan examines the heart muscle and blood supply. Radioactive thallium is injected into the bloodstream as a tracer that attaches to heart muscle cells and makes them visible to a special camera.

Visit Harbin Clinic Cardiology for more information.