Heart Testing and Diagnosis

Heart & Vascular

The first step toward successful treatment is a fast, accurate and complete diagnosis. We offer the latest advances in cardiac imaging and diagnostic tests. We’re here to provide the answers and the support you need for better heart health.

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Advanced cardiovascular testing: Why choose us?

BJC HealthCare works with Washington University physicians, BJC Medical Group, and providers across the region to deliver extraordinary care. We partner with Washington University School of Medicine who participates in studies to develop new tests for heart diseases. As our patient, you may be eligible to participate in a clinical trial. Our cardiologists take time to explain your test results and diagnosis so you fully understand the condition and our recommendations.

At our hospitals you’ll find: 

  • State-of-the-art technology: We offer the most sophisticated imaging equipment available for diagnosing heart disease. Our services include 3D echocardiography, structural heart imaging and diagnostic cardiac catheterization. These capabilities allow us to assess the most challenging and complex heart diseases. 
  • Experienced team: We perform and interpret a high volume of cardiac tests each year. Our cardiac sonographers (heart ultrasound specialists) and cardiologists have a depth of experience that’s hard to find elsewhere. 
  • Research and clinical trials: We partner with heart specialists who participate in studies to develop new tests for heart diseases. As our patient, you may be eligible to participate in our clinical trials. These trials offer access to promising new treatments and diagnostic methods before they’re available to the public. 
Diagnosing heart disease

We use minimally invasive catheterization to diagnose many heart diseases. In this procedure, your doctor inserts a catheter (long, thin tube) with a camera on the tip into a blood vessel. We guide the catheter to the area of your heart or blood vessels that needs evaluation. In many cases, we can treat a condition during the same catheterization procedure. Learn more about cardiac catheterization and interventional cardiology. 

 Additional diagnostic tests we perform include:

  • Angiogram

  • Cardiac biopsy

  • Electrophysiology (E.P.) study

  • Intravascular ultrasound

  • Blood tests

  • Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)

  • Holter monitor

  • Stress test

  • Event Monitor

  • Stress echocardiogram

  • Nuclear stress test

What heart imaging tests are offered? 

Our cardiac imaging doctors and technologists specialize in performing and interpreting diagnostic imaging studies. Most cardiac imaging tests are painless and noninvasive.

  • Echocardiogram (echo)
    An echo, or heart ultrasound, uses sound waves to create 2D and 3D images of your heart and blood vessels. An echo evaluates your heart’s structure to see if it is working as expected.
  • Computed tomography angiogram (CTA)
    A CTA uses X-rays to create 3D images of your heart. We use this test to check blood vessels for blockages, damage or blood clots.
  • Cardiac MRI
    A cardiac MRI uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to produce images of the heart's chambers, walls and valves.
  • Cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) scan
    This test uses a radioactive tracer and special camera to show blood flow to your heart muscle and tissue damage.
  • Cardiac PET/MRI scan
    This test combines blood flow imaging from a PET scan with structural details from an MRI. You have the scans at the same time.
Heart Testing and Diagnosis News & Resources

Schedule your appointment

Call  (314) 362-9355  or  (800) 392-0936  to schedule your appointment with a specialist.

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