An ECG, or cardiogram, is a simple test that records a "snapshot" of the electrical activity of your heart. From this recording, a cardiologist can determine the rhythm your heart is in as well as whether or not there has been any injury to your heart muscle.

A Stress Test records how well the heart functions when it is made to work harder. For patients who can safely exercise, walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bicycle will produce the desired effect. For patients unable to exercise adequately, certain medications that mimic the effect of exercise on the heart may be given. The information gained from a stress test is used to diagnose coronary artery disease

An Echocardiogram or "echo" is a test that uses sound waves to examine the heart. The echo provides pictures of the heart's size, motion and valve function. From these pictures, a cardiologist can determine the many types of heart disease. All of the Heart Center's echocardiographers are registered with the Association of Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and the echo lab is one of only a few in the country accredited by The Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditations of Echocardiographic Laboratories.

Holter Monitoring also records the electrical activity of your heart, but it records over a continuous 24-hour record while you go about your usual daily activities. The information obtained from the recording is useful in diagnosing any abnormal hear rhythms.

Event Recording is a method of recording the heart rhythm during symptoms or an "event." A small portable monitor is worn over a period of days and, when symptoms are present the wearer presses a button and the device records and stores the heart's electrical activity during the event. It is designed to aid physicians uncover the cause of difficult to diagnose symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, dizziness and syncope.