CARDIOPULMONARY LABORATORY - Cardiac

• EKG (electrocardiogram): A recording of the electrical patterns of the heart at rest.
• Stress testing: An evaluation of the heart during stressful situations. This may be done with either exercise or medication that stimulates the heart’s response.
• Holter monitoring: A portable device used to continuously monitor the heart for 24 to 48 hours, often because of intermittent rhythm disturbances.
• Event recorder monitoring: A small device used to record the EKG when a patient feels symptoms.
• Echocardiogram (cardiac ultrasound): A procedure for evaluating and documenting the heart’s size, pumping capability and valve function, which also detects heart murmurs.
• Pacemaker check: An evaluation of some of the more commonly used pacemakers to be sure they are working at their best.
• Tilt table testing: Blood pressure and EKG testing performed on a table tilted to various angles for patients who faint or feel dizzy.
• Cardioversion: Special technology used to convert a patient’s abnormal heart rhythm to a normal rhythm.
• Transesophageal echocardiogram: A procedure by which heart images are obtained to provide information on cardiac valves, endocarditis or an atrial septal defect.
• Non-invasive arterial testing: A test of the main arteries in the arms and/or legs to check for narrowing or obstruction and the degree of that obstruction.