Diagnosing Heart Disease

Experts at the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center use a range of sophisticated technologies to precisely diagnose problems affecting the heart – and to help determine appropriate treatments.

Our services range from state-of-the-art procedures such as angioplasty and electrophysiology studies to stress tests and EKGs. Most tests are performed on an outpatient basis. All services available at the UConn Health Center in Farmington. For the convenience of those who live or work east of the river, some of the more common diagnostic tests are also available at the East Hartford office of UConn Health Partners.

Here is a look at the diagnostic services available at the Heart Station in the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center.

Exercise Stress Tests

Exercise Stress Tests measure the effect of exercise on the heart. They are performed to determine the causes of chest pain, the effects of exercise on the heart and to identify rhythm disturbances during exercise.

Nuclear Imaging

Nuclear Imaging uses radiopharmaceuticals and sensitive equipment that enable doctors to “see” inside the body. A variety of assessments are performed with nuclear imaging including exercise stress, persantine stress and dobutamine stress testing.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Multi-slice CT of Coronaries

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Multi-slice CT of Coronaries are non-invasive, advanced imaging tests to determine the structure and function of the heart’s muscles and valves, as well as the presence of coronary artery blockage and heart disease.

Echocardiography

Echocardiography uses high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create a moving picture of the heart to evaluate the blood flow through the valves and chambers.

A stress echocardiogram (stress echo) looks at the heart before and after exercise. This technique is very useful in screening patients with coronary artery disease.

Transesophageal Echocardiology (TEE)

Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) is a relatively new ultrasonic imaging technique. The TEE probe is passed into the esophagus and manipulated to provide clear ultrasonic pictures of the heart and thoracic aorta.

Electrocardiology (EKG)

Electrocardiography (EKG) is an electrical monitoring of the heart’s rhythm. Board-certified cardiologists interpret all electrocardiograms.

Holter Monitor

Holter Monitor is a tool allowing for 24-hour heart monitoring via telephone service.

Electrophysiology Studies (EP)

Electrophysiology Studies (EP) allow experts to accurately pinpoint the source of electrical problems within the heart, using electrode catheters. Studies are done to diagnose heart rhythm abnormalities or to access the heart for treatments such as pacemaker implantation, implantable cardiac defibrillators or cardiac ablation.

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring is used to improve the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. A small monitor is worn to record blood pressure readings every 15 to 30 minutes as patients go about their regular activities. UConn specialists are experts in the analysis and interpretation of ambulatory blood pressure data.