What Kind of Tests Does a Cardiologist Do?

So What Tests Do Cardiologists Actually Do? What Should I Expect?

If you're visiting a cardiologist, one of the key aspects of your care will be diagnostic testing. Cardiologists use various tests to assess heart health, diagnose potential conditions, and determine the most effective treatment options. Each test plays an essential role in building a clear picture of how your heart is functioning. In this blog, I’ll walk you through some of the most common tests that a cardiologist may perform and what they involve.

Why Are Tests Important in Cardiology?

The heart is a complex organ, and even minor issues can have significant effects on your overall health. Cardiologists use a range of diagnostic tools to detect abnormalities in heart rhythm, blood flow, and the structure of the heart. These tests help cardiologists identify problems early, before they lead to more severe conditions like heart attacks or heart failure.

Tests are also important for monitoring existing heart conditions. Whether you’ve had a heart condition for years or you’ve recently noticed symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, these tests allow your cardiologist to track any changes and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

What Types of Tests Does a Cardiologist Do?

Here are some of the common cardiologist tests you might undergo:

Blood Tests

Blood tests are often the first step in assessing heart health. A blood test can reveal a lot about the condition of your heart and your overall health. For example, blood tests can measure cholesterol levels, check for markers of inflammation, or detect signs of damage to the heart muscle. Some specific blood tests include:

• Cholesterol Test: Measures levels of LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and HDL (“good” cholesterol) to assess your risk of heart disease.

• Troponin Test: Detects damage to the heart muscle, often used if a heart attack is suspected.

• BNP Test: Helps diagnose heart failure by measuring a hormone produced by your heart when it’s under stress.

12-Lead ECG and Monitoring

One of the most common tests a cardiologist will perform is an Electrocardiogram (ECG). This test records the electrical activity of your heart and can identify issues such as abnormal heart rhythms, signs of a previous heart attack, or other abnormalities. A 12-Lead ECG provides a detailed snapshot of your heart’s electrical activity.

For more extended monitoring, your cardiologist may recommend ECG monitoring over several days (up to 7 days). This helps capture irregularities that might not show up during a shorter test, especially if your symptoms occur infrequently.

Blood Pressure Monitoring

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Cardiologists use blood pressure monitoring to track your blood pressure levels over a period of time, usually 24 hours. This extended recording provides a more accurate representation of your blood pressure throughout the day, including during sleep.

Regular blood pressure checks in the clinic can sometimes miss key fluctuations, so this continuous monitoring helps to identify patterns and guide treatment.

Echocardiogram / Stress Echo

An Echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan that creates detailed images of your heart’s structure and function. It allows your cardiologist to assess how well your heart is beating and how the valves are functioning. There are two main types:

• Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE): A non-invasive test where the ultrasound probe is placed on your chest to capture images of the heart.

• Stress Echocardiogram: This is done while your heart is under stress, typically after exercise or with medication that makes the heart work harder. It helps identify issues with blood flow and heart function under pressure.

Both types of echo are essential in diagnosing heart conditions such as valve disease, cardiomyopathy, and heart failure.

CT Coronary Angiogram

A CT Coronary Angiogram is a specialised scan used to look at the coronary arteries—the blood vessels that supply your heart with blood. This test helps cardiologists assess whether there are any blockages or narrowing in the arteries, which could lead to chest pain or heart attacks. It’s a non-invasive test that uses a special dye and CT scanning to produce detailed images of your coronary arteries.

Exercise Tolerance Test

Also known as a Stress Test, the Exercise Tolerance Test (ETT) measures your heart’s electrical activity while you’re exercising, usually on a treadmill or stationary bike. This test helps identify issues like coronary artery disease by showing how your heart responds to physical exertion. If your heart doesn’t receive enough oxygen during exercise, it may indicate blocked arteries or other heart problems.

Why Are These Tests Necessary?

Each test serves a specific purpose, but they all contribute to a more complete picture of your heart health. A cardiologist uses these tests to:

• Diagnose heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, or heart valve problems.

• Monitor the progression of existing conditions, such as heart failure or hypertension.

• Develop and adjust treatment plans based on accurate, up-to-date information.

For many people, early detection of heart issues through these tests can prevent more serious complications in the future. Catching a problem early means it can often be treated more effectively, potentially avoiding the need for more invasive treatments later on.

What Can You Expect During Testing?

Most cardiology tests are straightforward and non-invasive. For example, a 12-Lead ECG takes just a few minutes and involves attaching electrodes to your chest to record your heart’s electrical activity. Blood pressure and blood tests are similarly simple and painless.

For more detailed tests like an echocardiogram or CT angiogram, you might be asked to lie down while the images are taken, or in the case of the exercise tolerance test, you’ll be asked to walk or run on a treadmill while being monitored. These tests are generally well-tolerated and provide valuable insights into your heart’s condition.

Conclusion

Cardiology tests are an essential part of diagnosing, monitoring, and treating heart conditions. From simple blood tests to more specialised procedures like echocardiograms and CT angiograms, each test plays a crucial role in understanding your heart health. If you're ever unsure about what a specific test involves, or why it’s needed, your cardiologist will be happy to explain everything in detail.

Taking care of your heart health starts with the right diagnosis. If you have concerns about your heart or have been referred for a test, don’t hesitate to contact us here to schedule an appointment.

For more information on heart tests and treatments, check out our other blogs:

• Understanding the Signs of Heart Disease

• How to Reduce Your Risk of Heart Failure

To learn more about heart health, you can also visit the British Heart Foundation or NHS websites, which provide comprehensive resources on cardiovascular care.