Lipoprotein(a): The Inherited Heart Risk Most People Have Never Heard Of
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.
Tests & Procedures
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.
Drug-Coated Balloons: A New Frontier in Treating Coronary Artery Disease
Drug-coated balloons treat coronary blockages by delivering medication directly to the artery wall, then are removed completely, leaving no metal behind.
First-Degree AV Block on Your ECG: What Does It Really Mean?
First-degree AV block is a common ECG finding that sounds alarming but is usually harmless. Here is what it means, what causes it, and when further investigation is warranted.
Transoesophageal Echocardiogram (TOE/TEE): What It Is and What to Expect
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 Electrocardiogram (ECG / EKG)
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.
Recovering After a Coronary Angiogram: What to Expect
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: What It Measures and What to Expect
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.
The Holter Monitor: Catching Arrhythmias in Daily Life
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.
When a Standard ECG Isn’t Enough: A Guide to Cardiac Rhythm Monitoring
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.