Experienced cardiac nurses and technicians perform more than 5,000 non-invasive cardiac diagnostic tests each year to assist primary care physicians and cardiologists evaluate chest pain and other potential cardiac problems. All reports of diagnostic tests are mailed or transmitted to the patient’s physician immediately after the test.

EKG, Event Monitor and Holter Monitor Tests

EKG tests are performed in the EKG department and surgical Pre-Assessment Center and only take about fifteen minutes.

Holter and 30 Day event monitors are small EKG recording units that allow patients to go about their routine daily lives while monitoring their heart rhythm. After being applied by EKG technicians, patients wear the monitors, at home or work, while the unit records their heart rhythm. Some units require that the patient press a record button when they feel symptoms and then transmit the EKG to the hospital via telephone.

Exercise Stress Tests

Cardiac stress tests or treadmill tests are performed by Riverside cardiologists and are used to help determine the cause of chest pain and guide further testing and treatment. These tests are performed in conjunction with echocardiograms and nuclear cardiac imaging, if needed, to further elevate the diagnostic accuracy.

Echocardiography

Echocardiograms are ultrasound pictures of the heart. These ultrasound images show the size and shape as well as the function and efficiency of the heart muscle. This painless procedure is performed by highly trained technologists and then interpreted by board certified cardiologists.