Heart condition diagnosis
An accurate diagnosis is the first step toward protecting your heart health and helping you feel your best. Our cardiologists are experts in identifying the causes of symptoms and diagnosing heart conditions. We use advanced diagnostic tools that help us evaluate heart function, monitor blood flow and identify problems as early and accurately as possible.
As an academic medical center and a leading regional heart program, we're helping lead the advancement of heart care through research, innovation and physician training. This gives you access to experienced specialists, advanced technology and the latest approaches to diagnosis and treatment.
Advanced testing and diagnostic tools
Today’s technology gives your doctors a clearer picture of heart function and blood flow than ever before. Our specialists have advanced training in using these tools to diagnose heart conditions with greater precision and accuracy.
Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your provider may recommend tests that evaluate your heart function, blood flow or heart rhythm. These tests help your cardiologist better understand the cause of your symptoms and guide next steps in your care.
Common tests include:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) – A noninvasive test that measures the electrical activity of the heart to identify irregular heart rhythms, signs of heart damage and other heart conditions.
- Echocardiogram – An ultrasound test that creates moving images of the heart to evaluate heart function, blood flow and how well your heart valves are working.
- Stress testing – A test that measures how your heart responds to physical activity to identify reduced blood flow or other heart problems.
- Holter or cardiac event monitoring – Portable monitors that record continuously to capture irregular heart rhythms that aren't detected during an office visit.
- Cardiac catheterization – A minimally invasive procedure that uses a thin tube inserted into a blood vessel to evaluate blood flow, pressure and blockages in the heart and arteries.
- Cardiac imaging tests – Cardiac MRIs and other advanced cardiac imaging studies that provide detailed pictures of your heart and blood vessels to help diagnose structural problems and other conditions.
Understanding symptoms (and when to seek care)
Heart symptoms can appear suddenly or develop gradually over time. Some people experience obvious symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, while others notice more subtle changes in their energy level, breathing or ability to stay active.
It’s important to pay attention to changes in how you feel, especially if symptoms continue, worsen or interfere with your daily routine. You should consider scheduling an appointment if you experience:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or fainting
- Fatigue or weakness
- Swelling in the legs or feet
- Irregular or rapid heartbeat
Certain health conditions and risk factors can also increase the chance of developing heart disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, vascular disease and a personal or family history of heart problems. In some cases, testing may help establish a baseline for your heart health so your provider can monitor changes over time and identify potential problems earlier.
If you think you may be having a heart attack, call 911 and go to the nearest emergency room.
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