Screening and Diagnostic Testing

One of the first steps our cardiovascular specialists at the Yuma Regional Medical Center take to identify the underlying cause of a patient’s heart condition is to perform one or more of the following diagnostic tests:

Cardiac Catheterization

This test, which typically takes 2-3 hours, indicates if plaque is narrowing or blocking the coronary arteries. It can also be used to measure blood pressure within the heart and to evaluate heart muscle and valve function.

Cardiac Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan

For this non-invasive test, a computer is used to create three-dimensional (3D) images of the heart to help identify any blockages in the arteries or heart disease.

Carotid Angiogram

The carotid arteries are large arteries that supply blood to the brain. This test uses contrast dye and an x-ray procedure to identify whether there any blockages in these arteries.

Coronary Calcium Scoring

Through the use of a special type of x-ray called computed tomography (CT), this test checks for any buildup of calcium on the walls of the arteries of the heart to help determine if there is any heart disease present and, if so, how severe it is.

Echocardiogram

For this test, a hand-held device that emits high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) is placed on the patient’s chest to produce images of your heart's size, structure and motion.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

This test records the electrical activity of the heart to determine if a heart attack has occurred, help predict if one is developing and to monitor any changes in the patient’s heart rhythm.

Electrophysiology Study

By testing the electrical activity of your heart, this test helps identify where an abnormal heartbeat is coming from. The results can help your doctor determine whether you may need medications, a pacemaker, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), cardiac ablation or surgery.

Exercise Stress Test

This test measures a patient’s heart function through the use of electrodes placed on your chest as you walk in place on a treadmill. It can help identify coronary artery disease as well as the possible cause of symptoms such as chest pain.

Holter Monitoring

A Holter monitor is a portable, battery-operated device your doctor may ask you to wear for 24 to 48 hours or more to record your heart’s activity to determine if you have fast, slow or irregular heartbeats called arrhythmias.

Implantable Loop Recorder

Considered to be the best way to record heart rhythm problems that may only occur once in a while, this device, which is placed under the skin in a minor procedure, can record the heart’s rhythm for up to 14 months.

Intravascular Ultrasound

This diagnostic tool uses soundwaves to provide images of the inside of the coronary arteries and is used to help evaluate their condition.

Peripheral Vascular Angiogram

This test uses a contrast dye and x-rays to help identify areas that are narrowed or blocked in one or more of the arteries that supply blood to the legs.

Tilt Table Test

This test helps identify why a patient may be feeling faint or lightheaded. During the test, the patient will be asked to lie down on a table that will slowly be tilted upward to measure how your blood pressure and heart rate respond to gravity.

Transesophageal Echocardiogram

By using high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound), this test creates images of the heart’s muscle, chambers, valves and outer lining (pericardium), as well as the blood vessels that connect to the heart.

If you have been scheduled for a screening or diagnostic test and have questions or if you need to make an appointment, please call Yuma Regional Medical Center Cardiovascular Services at 928-336-7055.

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