Noninvasive procedures An exercise stress test precisely measures your body‘s reaction to physical activity in a safe and controlled environment. An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) monitors electrical activity of the heart, picking up potentially dangerous abnormalities. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound test that identifies problems of the heart valves and muscle function. Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring is a 24 hour carry-along monitoring system capable of recording blood pressure activity. Ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring (Holter monitoring) is a 24-hour, carry-along heart monitoring system, capable of pinpointing previously difficult-to-detect heart rhythm problems. Event Monitor is a device which you activate by pressing a button and holding the monitor to your chest when you feel a symptom. It can be utilized as needed during your daily activities for a period longer than 24 hours. It detects or monitors electrical abnormalities of the heart. Nuclear Stress Test uses a special camera to scan the heart muscle so we can visualize the heart‘s structure and analyze its blood flow. Carotid ultrasound may help detect plaque build-up in the neck's carotid arteries that may lead to a stroke. Tilt Table Testing is a procedure performed in the hospital setting. It is utilized to detect abnormal decreases in blood pressure, or heart rate, while elevating and lowering the upper and lower extremities of the body. Invasive procedures Transesophageal echocardiography This ultrasound procedure allows the cardiologist to evaluate if there are any defects, heart valve disease or heart muscle disease, if an artificial valve is functioning properly or if there are any blood clots within the heart. Cardioversion is a procedure to restore the heart’s normal rhythm. It is performed in a hospital setting, and may be performed on an outpatient basis. Diagnostic cardiac catheterization utilizes a flexible, narrow tube (catheter) which is inserted into an artery to determine the extent of the blockage in the arteries of the heart. (performed at St. Joseph’s Hospital) Interventional procedures (performed at St. Joseph’s Hospital) Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), more commonly known as “balloon angioplasty,” is a method of treating the narrowing of a coronary artery by inserting a specialized catheter with a balloon attachment. By inflating the balloon, the blockage is reduced, resulting in improved blood flow to the heart. Intracoronary stent deployment is an implantation technique used to reinforce the wall of a vein or artery to ensure it remains open.