Cardiovascular Diagnostic Tests
Diagnostic Tests for Cardiovascular Disease
Central Valley Doctors Health System offers tests that can help diagnose or detect heart disease. Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, lifestyle risk factors, and family history. They’ll also perform a physical exam, checking your blood pressure, heart rate and other vital signs to help determine which tests are most appropriate for you.
What Are Cardiovascular Diagnostic Tests?
Cardiovascular diagnostic tests are medical procedures used to help detect conditions like coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, heart valve problems, and more. These tests can range from simple blood pressure checks to advanced imaging techniques like cardiac MRI or catheterization.
Types of Cardiovascular Tests
30-Day Event Recorders - A wearable device that records heart rhythms when symptoms occur, useful for detecting intermittent arrhythmias.
Angiography - The use of contrast dye and X-rays to identify narrowed or clogged arteries.
Ankle brachial index (ABI) - Involves placing blood pressure cuffs on the legs to determine the location of possible artery disease on the leg.
Arterial Vascular Study – Lower Extremity - An ultrasound test to evaluate blood flow in leg arteries, used to diagnose peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Blood tests – May include tests for cardiac enzymes, C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, homocysteine, lipoproteins, triglycerides, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and prothrombin to determine the heart condition after a heart attack and to assess future risk for cardiovascular disease.
Cardiac catheterization – Uses special X-rays called angiograms to examine the blood vessels. One of the tests for heart disease is performed to know if there is plaque buildup, measure blood pressure, evaluate heart muscle and valve function and determine the best course of treatment.
Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan – A collective term that includes electron-beam CT (EBCT), positron emission tomography (PET) scan, dynamic cerebral angiography (DCA), digital subtraction angiography (DSA), multidetector CT or MDCT, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT). These procedures create three-dimensional (3D) images of the heart that can show blockages in the coronary arteries.
Cholesterol test - A blood test that measures cholesterol levels in the blood.
Dobutamine Stress Test with Echocardiography or Nuclear Imaging - Uses dobutamine to simulate exercise and assess heart function via imaging when physical activity isn’t possible.
Duplex ultrasound - Aims to see how blood moves through the veins and arteries. We offer arterial, venous and carotid Doppler ultrasound services.
Echocardiogram - An ultrasound of the heart that shows its structure and function, used to detect valve issues and heart failure.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) - Records the heart’s electrical activity to detect arrhythmias, heart attacks and other conditions.
Genetic testing - Takes DNA samples from a person to look for genetic changes that could cause inherited heart disease.
Holter Monitors - Records continuous heart activity to detect irregular rhythms.
Lexiscan Stress Test - A pharmacologic stress test using regadenoson (Lexiscan) to increase blood flow for heart imaging.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Produces detailed photos of the body organs using radiofrequency waves and a magnetic field.
Pulmonary function testing - Aims to check how well the lungs function.
Stress Test (exercise or nuclear) - The use of physical activity or medicines to apply stress to the heart to check how well the heart functions under stress.
Thallium Stress Test – Also known as myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI), multi-gated acquisition (MUGA) scan, radionuclide stress test and nuclear stress test. This procedure is the same as the exercise test but with images.
Tilt-table Test – Usually used for people who often feel faint or lightheaded, this procedure involves the patient lying on a tilted table, and the doctor monitors how the blood pressure and heart rate respond to the force of gravity.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) - An ultrasound probe inserted into the esophagus provides detailed heart images, especially of valves and clots.
Urine analysis - Detects the presence of proteins in urine that may indicate health conditions such as dehydration, heart failure and kidney issues.
X-ray – Creates pictures of the heart, lungs and bones.
How to Prepare for Your Test
Your doctor will provide instructions, and each test is a little different, but here are some general tips to help you prepare:
- Fasting: Some tests, like cholesterol or glucose blood tests, may require you to fast for 8–12 hours.
- Medications: Your doctor may ask you to pause certain medications or avoid caffeine before your test.
- Clothing: Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes, especially for stress tests.
- Bring a list: Have a list of your medications and supplements with you.
- Let your doctor know: If you’re pregnant, have diabetes, kidney issues or allergies (especially to contrast dye), tell your care team in advance.
Some tests, like catheterizations, may require you to stay for observation afterward. Others, like Holter monitors, let you go about your day while the device records your heart activity.
Why These Tests Matter
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., but it’s also highly treatable, especially when caught early.
These tests help your care team:
- Detect heart disease before symptoms appear
- Monitor existing conditions
- Guide treatment decisions
- Prevent serious complications like heart attacks or strokes
Cardiovascular tests can provide an opportunity to make changes to help prevent or manage heart disease. Your doctor may ask you to revise your diet, exercise more, or start medication, which can protect your heart for years to come .