Cardiac Testing

Cardiac (or heart) testing services are performed by the Cardiopulmonary Services Department at Wilson Health. These tests assist doctors in diagnosing and preventing cardiopulmonary diseases and conditions. All tests require a physician's order.

Echocardiography 

  • Uses sound waves to produce live images of your heart (echocardiogram)
  • This test allows your doctor to monitor how your heart and its valves are functioning
  • The images can help spot blood clots in the heart
  • Wilson Health is IAC Accredited for Echocardiography

EKG (Electrocardiogram)

  • Records the electrical activity of the heart including the timing and duration of each electrical phase in your heartbeat
  • Determines whether a heart attack has occurred or helps predict if a heart
    attack is developing
  • An EKG monitors changes in your heart rhythm

Holter Monitor

  • A portable EKG recorder
  • Records the electrical activity of the heart during daily activities
  • Documents and describes abnormal electrical activity in the heart during daily activities to help doctors determine the condition of the heart
  • Helps determine the best possible treatments

Stress Test

  • A test where a monitor is placed on your chest while you exercise on a treadmill
  • Measures heart function during exercise to include heart rate, EKG, and
    blood pressure
  • Helps diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD) and helps predict heart related conditions such as a heart attack
  • Helps diagnose the possible cause of symptoms such as chest pain and determines the safest level of exercise for you

Thallium Stress Test

  • Similar to a routine stress test but with pictures of your heart
  • Uses radioactive substances called thallium that is injected into your bloodstream when you are at a maximum level of exercise
  • Pictures of the heart are then taken with a special camera
  • Helps measure blood flow in the heart muscle at rest and during exercise
  • Helps determine extent of coronary vessel blockage
  • Helps determine cause of chest pain, level of safe exercise or the extent of damage from a heart attack

Tilt Table Test

  • Done for patients who complain of recurring episodes of fainting spells
  • Shows what the heart rate and blood pressures response is to a change in position from lying down to standing up

For more information about Cardiac Testing, call (937) 498-5574.