Cardiac Diagnostics is a critical component of the cardiovascular services continuum of care at Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers. Cardiologists use results of cardiac diagnostic tests to assist them in diagnosing a patient’s heart condition and developing a treatment plan.
If your physician orders a cardiac diagnostic test, you will receive a call from the Morris Hospital Scheduling Department. The Scheduling representative will work with you to select a date and time for your test and will provide you with instructions.
Listed below are the most common cardiac diagnostic tests performed at Morris Hospital, along with a brief description of the purpose of each test.
For additional information about your cardiac diagnostic test, please contact your physician or call the Cardiac Diagnostics department at Morris Hospital at 815-705-1170.
Common Cardiac Diagnostic Tests Performed at Morris Hospital
Electrocardiogram (EKG) – A 12-lead electrocardiogram measures electrical activity of the heart. By placing electrodes (small stickers) at specific locations on the body, a tracing of the heart’s electrical activity can be viewed. The tracing is then read by a cardiologist.
Holter Monitor – Holter monitoring provides a record of a patient’s electrical heart activity over a 24-48 hour period. A small heart monitor is attached to the patient and remains in place for 24-48 hours. Patients go about their normal life activities. The monitor is then removed by the patient and returned to the hospital so it can be scanned and then read by a cardiologist.
Echocardiogram – Also known as an Echo, this test shows an image of the heart by using ultrasound technology. During the test, patients are required to rest on their back or left side while a technologist uses an ultrasound machine (similar to one used during pregnancy) to take images of the heart for the cardiologist to review.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram – A transesophageal echocardiogram is a special type of ultrasound test that uses sound waves to take very clear pictures of the heart. It is used in special circumstances when the doctors want to obtain ultrasound images that have more detail than a regular echocardiogram. The study is done by passing a special tube down the throat into the esophagus or food pipe. The end of this tube is placed near the heart which allows very clear, detailed pictures to be taken. The patient is given medication to help relax for this exam. You will need someone to drive you for this exam.
Stress Test – During a basic stress test, the patient walks on a treadmill while an EKG is recorded. This test is done to evaluate the heart’s response when its rate increases with exercise. There are a number of variations to the basic stress testing, including:
- Stress Echo – This test is similar to the basic stress test listed above but also includes ultrasound pictures. Ultrasound, or echocardiogram, is performed before and after exercise to determine how well the heart functions with exertion.
- Cardiolite Nuclear Stress Test –This nuclear imaging study uses a radioactive tracer, called Cardiolite, to produce images of the heart muscle. When combined with stress, either through exercise or the use of a pharmacological agent, the Cardiolite scan helps determine if the heart muscle is getting an adequate blood supply.
- Pharmocological Stress Test – This test is used mainly for patients who are unable to walk on a treadmill. Instead, the patient receives medication delivered through an IV that simulates some of the effects of exercise.
Tilt Table Testing – A tilt table test is commonly used on individuals who have a history of syncope or fainting. It helps determine some of the causes of fainting spells. The patient will be resting on a bed and brought into an upright standing position for a period of time to assess for fainting.
Cardioversion – Cardiologists may use cardioversion in non-emergency situations to restore regular heart rhythm for patients who have been diagnosed with an arrhythmia or abnormal heartbeat. Patients are given medication through an IV in the arm to help them relax. Next, the cardiologist delivers an electrical shock through two electrodes. to reset the heart rhythm. Some patients require more than one shock to restore a regular heartbeat. Patients having cardioversion need someone to drive them.
