Clarify the cause of symptoms
Diagnostic testing helps your care team evaluate symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, swelling, or reduced exercise tolerance.
DIAGNOSTIC CARDIOLOGY
Better testing helps create better heart-care decisions.
Diagnostic services are used to understand symptoms, measure heart function, and guide the next step in treatment. The goal is not more testing. The goal is the right testing for the right clinical question.
In plain language
This page explains what common heart tests are generally used for, what they may help clarify, and how to prepare for your visit or study.
Do not wait on testing for emergencies
Call 911 right away for chest pain or pressure, severe trouble breathing, fainting, sudden weakness or numbness, or trouble speaking. Diagnostic scheduling is not a substitute for emergency evaluation.
Why Testing Matters
Diagnostic care should answer real clinical questions
A well-chosen test helps explain symptoms, measure risk, and guide the next step without adding unnecessary confusion.
Measure heart structure and function
Some tests help show how the heart beats, pumps, and fills, and whether valves, chambers, or circulation patterns need closer attention.
Guide treatment decisions
Results can help determine whether lifestyle changes, medication, monitoring, further imaging, or procedures are the most appropriate next step.
Track progress over time
Testing may also be used to follow known heart or vascular conditions and evaluate how well your treatment plan is working.
Common Tests
Heart tests explained in plain language
Your clinician may recommend one or more of these studies depending on your symptoms, history, and exam.
Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG)
An EKG records the electrical activity of your heart and may help evaluate rhythm problems, signs of strain, or other cardiac changes.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create moving images of the heart so your clinician can review pumping function, chambers, and valves.
Stress testing
Stress testing may be used to evaluate symptoms or understand how your heart performs with exercise or medication-induced stress.
Heart rhythm monitoring
Holter monitors or event monitors may be recommended when symptoms come and go and need to be captured over a longer period.
Vascular ultrasound
Ultrasound can help evaluate circulation, blockages, blood clots, or venous insufficiency in blood vessels outside the heart.
Advanced imaging or catheter-based testing
When clinically appropriate, your team may recommend CT, additional imaging, or catheter-based evaluation to answer more complex questions.
Preparation
A little preparation makes the results more useful
Bring an updated medication list, including supplements and over-the-counter medicines.
Ask in advance whether you should avoid caffeine, food, or certain medicines before the test.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes if exercise-based testing may be involved.
Bring prior records or outside test results if your care team asked for them.
Write down your symptoms, when they happen, and what seems to trigger them.
When testing may be discussed
Symptoms and situations that often lead to evaluation
Chest pain, pressure, or unexplained discomfort
Shortness of breath with activity or at rest
Rapid heartbeat, skipped beats, or fluttering sensations
Dizziness, fainting, or near-fainting spells
Swelling, fatigue, or reduced exercise tolerance
High cardiovascular risk or follow-up of known heart disease
Testing decisions are individualized. Not every symptom means every test is needed, and not every abnormal result means an invasive procedure will follow.
Related care
Explore nearby service pages
Trusted resources
Read more from primary patient-education sources
American Heart Association: Electrocardiogram (EKG)
Explains what an EKG measures, what it can help diagnose, and what patients can expect during the test.
MedlinePlus: Echocardiogram
NIH patient reference describing how an echocardiogram works and why it may be used.
MedlinePlus: Stress Tests
Overview of common stress tests, symptoms that may lead to testing, and the kinds of questions stress testing can answer.
FAQ
Questions patients often ask about testing
Use these answers as general education, then review your personal testing plan with your care team.
Does every patient need the same heart tests?
No. Diagnostic testing is chosen based on your symptoms, history, examination, and risk factors. Your clinician may recommend only the tests that answer the most useful questions for your care.
Do heart tests always mean something serious is wrong?
Not necessarily. Tests are often used to rule out problems, explain symptoms more clearly, or monitor a known condition over time.
Should I wait for a test if I have severe symptoms?
No. Call 911 for emergency symptoms such as chest pain or pressure, severe shortness of breath, fainting, sudden weakness, or trouble speaking.
What should I ask before a diagnostic test?
Ask why the test is being ordered, how to prepare, whether medicines need to be adjusted beforehand, when results will be reviewed, and what the next step may be after the test.
Next step
Need help understanding which test may fit your symptoms?
Bring your symptom history, current medication list, and recent outside records if you have them. Our team can help explain what testing may be useful and what happens next.