Being referred for a cardiac test can feel daunting, especially when you're not sure what to expect. The Tests section explores the most common cardiac investigations — from ECGs and echocardiograms to stress tests and coronary angiograms. Each article explains what a test involves and what the results generally mean, written by cardiologists to help readers feel more informed going into their next appointment.
15 articles
The hs-CRP test measures inflammation in the blood — but it is not a diagnostic test for heart disease. Here is what it can and cannot tell us about cardiovascular risk.
April 16, 2026
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Read the guideBeing referred for a cardiac test can feel daunting, especially when you’re not sure what to expect. The Tests section explores the most common cardiac investigations — from ECGs and echocardiograms to stress tests and coronary angiograms. Each article explains what a test involves and what the results generally mean, written by cardiologists to help readers feel more informed going into their next appointment.
The hs-CRP test measures inflammation in the blood — but it is not a diagnostic test for heart disease. Here is what it can and cannot tell us about cardiovascular risk.
Leadless pacemakers offer a promising alternative to traditional devices — no leads, no chest wound. Here’s how they work.
Lp(a) is genetic, largely untreatable by standard medications, and affects one in five people — yet most have never had it measured. Here is what you need to know.
Drug-coated balloons treat coronary blockages by delivering medication directly to the artery wall — then are removed completely, leaving no metal behind.
The CT coronary angiogram gives a detailed view of the coronary arteries without any catheters — just a scan and a cannula. Here is what to expect from the procedure and how to interpret the results.
When a standard echocardiogram cannot provide the detail needed, a TOE fills the gap. Here is why it is requested, what happens during the procedure, and what to expect.
The ECG is the most widely performed cardiac test in the world — quick, painless, and remarkably informative. Here is what it measures and what the results actually mean.
Most people are home within hours of a coronary angiogram — but knowing what to expect from the TR band, the results conversation, and the days after makes a real difference.
The coronary calcium score is one of the most powerful tests in preventive cardiology — and one of the most misunderstood. Here is what the scan involves and what the result means.
