🩺 Basic Diagnostic Exams

1. ECG (Electrocardiogram)

• Measures electrical activity of the heart.

• Used to detect arrhythmias, heart attack history, ischemia, etc.

• Quick, non-invasive, performed at rest.

2. Blood Pressure Measurement

• Essential for assessing hypertension and cardiovascular risk.

3. Cardiac Auscultation

• The cardiologist listens to heart sounds using a stethoscope to detect murmurs, irregular rhythms, or valve issues.

📈 Monitoring Over Time

4. Holter Monitor (24–72h ECG Monitoring)

• A portable device worn continuously for 1–3 days.

• Detects irregular heart rhythms that may not appear during a standard ECG.

5. Event Monitor / Loop Recorder

• Similar to Holter but worn longer (weeks or months), triggered manually or automatically.

• Used for intermittent arrhythmias.

6. Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor (ABPM)

• Measures blood pressure over 24 hours during normal activity.

• Useful to detect “white coat hypertension” or nocturnal hypertension.

🫀 Imaging Exams

7. Echocardiogram (Heart Ultrasound)

• Uses ultrasound waves to create real-time images of the heart.

• Evaluates heart structure, valve function, and ejection fraction (how well the heart pumps).

• Types:

  • Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE) – standard, non-invasive.

  • Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) – via the esophagus, for clearer views of structures.

8. Stress Echocardiogram

• Ultrasound of the heart before and after stress (exercise or medication-induced).

• Used to detect ischemia or reduced blood flow to the heart.

9. Cardiac MRI / Cardiac CT

• Advanced imaging to assess heart anatomy, function, blood vessels, and scarring.

• Often used in complex or congenital heart diseases.

🏃 Functional Exams

10. Exercise Stress Test (Treadmill Test)

• ECG and vitals are monitored while the patient exercises on a treadmill.

• Identifies how the heart responds to exertion and detects signs of ischemia.

11. Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET)

• Measures oxygen consumption, ventilation, and cardiac function during exercise.

• Used in cases of unexplained shortness of breath or for athletes.