Common Tests and Procedures

EKG
The electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a test that records electrical signals of your heart. The patterns of this signal can sometimes tell a physician whether your heart is normal, under stress, experiencing an electrical problem, strained, or damaged. Our Health Encyclopedia has more information on EKG.

STRESS EKG/TREADMILL
The stress EKG, or stress test, is conducted while you exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle. The test measures your heart's response to the stress of physical activity. Your blood pressure and pulse are also monitored by a specially trained technician who is an expert in using stress test equipment.

Results will be evaluated by a cardiologist or your physician. The stress EKG aids in determining how fit you are, how safe an exercise program will be for you, and if certain types of heart problems exist. View the Health Encyclopedia topic on Stress (or Exercise) EKG.

ECHOCARDIOGRAM
The echocardiogram, or echo, produces images of the heart by using sound waves. These images can help identify abnormalities of heart muscles or valves, and detect the presence of abnormal fluid around the heart. The echo is performed by specially trained technicians. A physician who is an expert in interpreting these tests will report the results to your physician. Our Health Encyclopedia has more information on Echocardiogram.

CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION (CARDIAC CATH)
Cardiac catheterization, or cath, is a common, relatively painless, nonsurgical procedure that can help your doctor diagnose certain heart problems. In some cases, catheterization can be used to treat heart disease, as well. To perform the procedure, your cardiologist inserts a long, flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel and gently guides the tube toward your heart. Once the catheter is in place, x-rays and other tests are done to help your doctor evaluate how well your heart is working. For more information, view the Cardiac Catheterization topic on the Health Encyclopedia.

CAT (CT) SCAN
A computed axial tomography, or CAT, scan is a painless examination in which an X-ray beam is focused on a specific body part and a computer produces a series of images. These images can identify many conditions. For some CAT scan studies the patient may need to drink a special liquid, or receive a certain injection at the time of the test, in order to generate extra details in the pictures. Such an injection carries a small risk of a reaction – discuss this with your doctor. Learn more about CAT (or CT) Scans on our Health Encyclopedia.

PERSANTINE THALLIUM
The persantine thallium scan helps to evaluate certain conditions of your heart and its arteries. The result of this test will help your doctor decide what kind of treatment is best for you.

ULTRASOUND
An ultrasound uses high-powered sound waves to obtain images of an area of interest. The ultrasound test is performed by a specially trained technician. A warm gel is placed on your skin and a transducer, similar to a microphone, is moved around the area. A physician who is an expert in interpreting these tests will report the results to your physician.

Developed by the Department of Surgery. All rights reserved. Kaiser Permanente, 2006. (Rev. 5-06)

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