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.
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.
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.
A standard ECG captures 10 seconds of heart rhythm. A Holter monitor records it across 24 to 48 hours of real life, catching arrhythmias that would otherwise go undetected.
A normal ECG when you feel well does not rule out an arrhythmia. This guide explains the monitoring options available, from Holter monitors to implantable loop recorders.
Troponin is the blood test at the heart of chest pain assessment. If you have been to emergency with chest pain, here is what it measures and what the result means.
A stress echocardiogram combines an ultrasound of the heart with an exercise challenge, revealing how the heart performs under pressure, not just at rest.
HbA1c measures your average blood glucose over three months, and for anyone managing cardiovascular risk, it is one of the most informative tests available.
The echocardiogram is cardiology’s most comprehensive non-invasive imaging test. Here is what it reveals about your heart and what to expect from the procedure.