One of our cardiologists will evaluate your child and
prescribe the appropriate test(s) to help diagnose their
heart problem. These tests are generally ordered during
the initial consultation and might be continued with
future appointments. Our board certified physicians are
well trained and perform all tests using state of the art
technology. Each physician understands the need
to answer all of your questions and they are always
available should any emergency or concern arise.
Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a recording of the electrical
activity of the heart muscle. This is a painless test where
electrodes are placed on the chest to record the heartbeat
for about 10 seconds. If there are any irregular heartbeats
it can help determine the cause. An EKG can also give us
information about the thickness and size of the heart.
An echocardiogram is a non-invasive ultrasound test useful to
visualize the anatomy and function of the heart. The test is
performed with the child lying on an exam table or in the
parent’s arms. An echocardiogram machine is a computer
that uses a hand-held probe (transducer) placed over the
patient’s heart. The transducer sends and receives sound
waves creating a moving picture of the heart which is
viewed on a television screen. This enables us to look
at the actual structure of the heart and identify any holes
or valvar abnormalities and assess how well the heart is
actually working.
Optimally performed after 18
weeks of gestation, a detailed ultrasound of the fetus’
heart performed while the mother is pregnant. Some
heart problems may require immediate attention before
or after delivery. Information obtained from the fetal
echocardiogram can influence where your baby is
delivered. Knowing about a potential heart problem
prior to delivery gives the family a chance to prepare
for the challenges they may face.
A Holter monitor is a 24-hour electrocardiographic (EKG)
recording of the heartbeat. Four electrodes are placed
on the chest and attached to a pager-sized monitor
that records the heartbeat on a computer chip. This is
very helpful for patients with chest pain, palpitations,
irregular heartbeats or dizziness. After the recording
is complete, the device is returned to the office where
a computer scans it and a report is printed.
Event monitors are similar to a holter monitor except
that they only record an electrocardiogram for about 60
seconds, when required. These tests are used when patients
have infrequent symptoms that are not likely to be seen on a
24-hour recording. These monitors come in several varieties.
Your cardiologist will recommend the best monitor for you.
These devices are usually prescribed for a one-month period.
A Stress Test, also referred to as an exercise test, is
used to assess cardiac performance during exercise.
The information obtained from this test allows the
physician to evaluate the heart under stress and use
that information for medical therapy, a guideline
for exercise, or to illustrate the need for
surgical intervention.
An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a recording of the electrical
activity of the heart muscle. This is a painless test where
electrodes are placed on the chest to record the heartbeat
for about 10 seconds. If there are any irregular heartbeats
it can help determine the cause. An EKG can also give us
information about the thickness and size of the heart.
An echocardiogram is a non-invasive ultrasound test useful to
visualize the anatomy and function of the heart. The test is
performed with the child lying on an exam table or in the
parent’s arms. An echocardiogram machine is a computer
that uses a hand-held probe (transducer) placed over the
patient’s heart. The transducer sends and receives sound
waves creating a moving picture of the heart which is
viewed on a television screen. This enables us to look
at the actual structure of the heart and identify any holes
or valvar abnormalities and assess how well the heart is
actually working.
Optimally performed after 18
weeks of gestation, a detailed ultrasound of the fetus’
heart performed while the mother is pregnant. Some
heart problems may require immediate attention before
or after delivery. Information obtained from the fetal
echocardiogram can influence where your baby is
delivered. Knowing about a potential heart problem
prior to delivery gives the family a chance to prepare
for the challenges they may face.
A Holter monitor is a 24-hour electrocardiographic (EKG)
recording of the heartbeat. Four electrodes are placed
on the chest and attached to a pager-sized monitor
that records the heartbeat on a computer chip. This is
very helpful for patients with chest pain, palpitations,
irregular heartbeats or dizziness. After the recording
is complete, the device is returned to the office where
a computer scans it and a report is printed.
Event monitors are similar to a holter monitor except
that they only record an electrocardiogram for about 60
seconds, when required. These tests are used when patients
have infrequent symptoms that are not likely to be seen on a
24-hour recording. These monitors come in several varieties.
Your cardiologist will recommend the best monitor for you.
These devices are usually prescribed for a one-month period.
A Stress Test, also referred to as an exercise test, is
used to assess cardiac performance during exercise.
The information obtained from this test allows the
physician to evaluate the heart under stress and use
that information for medical therapy, a guideline
for exercise, or to illustrate the need for
surgical intervention.
