What is an Echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram, also called an “echo,” is an imaging test that creates pictures of your heart as it beats. During an echo, a doctor, nurse, or technician uses a thick wand, called a “transducer” or “probe,” to send sound waves into the heart. The sound waves create images that show the size of the heart chambers, how well the heart pumps, and how well the heart valves work.
What is an Exercise Stress test?
A stress test measures how well the heart works when it is beating fast and working hard. When the heart pumps fast, it needs more blood. A stress test helps doctors see if the heart is getting enough blood during these times. A stress test is sometimes called an “exercise stress test” or a “treadmill test” during which the ECG is continuously monitored.
What is a Nuclear Stress Test?
Nuclear stress testing aka myocardial perfusion stress test is a way for doctors to check how healthy your heart is. A nuclear heart test is an imaging test that can show:
- How much blood flows to your heart muscle when the heart pumps very fast.
- How well your heart pumps blood to the rest of your body
For more detailed information regarding each procedure, please click on the procedure links in the dropdown box.