Cardiac testing
Highly trained doctors focused on your needs
A precise diagnosis starts with reliable test results. Penn Medicine performs tens of thousands of heart tests a year for heart screening, diagnosis, and treatment planning. Our team includes nationally and internationally recognized providers who have experience in every type of cardiac test, including echocardiograms, Holter and event monitors, stress tests, imaging, and others.
Using the most current technology, our team takes every step to make you feel comfortable while you receive safe, specialized care. Once you have your test results, you have access to our leading providers who can work with you on strategies to prevent heart disease or develop an effective treatment plan if you’ve been diagnosed with a heart condition. Our world-class general cardiology specialists provide exceptional follow-up care.
A wide variety of innovative heart testing services
Our full range of cardiac tests for heart disease use technology that can measure your heart’s electrical activity or monitor your heart function while exercising or doing daily activities. We also use ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to view your heart, often providing 3D images. With locations across southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, you won’t need to travel far to get these important tests.
Cardiac catheterization
Cardiac catheterization uses flexible catheters to diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel problems.
Coronary angiography
Coronary angiography uses flexible catheters and contrast dye to evaluate the heart and blood vessels.
CT scan
A CT scan helps diagnose traumatic injuries, cancer, vascular diseases, and many other conditions.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart. The picture and information it produces is more detailed than a standard x-ray image. An echocardiogram does not expose you to radiation. x-ray
Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.
Endomyocardial biopsy (heart biopsy)
An endomyocardial biopsy (heart biopsy) is a test to evaluate heart tissue.
Exercise stress test
An exercise stress test is used to measure the effect of exercise on your heart.
Holter monitor (24h)
A Holter monitor is a machine that continuously records the heart's rhythms. The monitor is worn for 24 to 48 hours during normal activity.
MRI
An MRI provides high-resolution images of the brain, spine, and many other structures in the body.
Nuclear medicine scan
Nuclear medicine scans help us diagnose cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders.
Stress echocardiography
Stress echocardiography is a test that uses ultrasound imaging to show how well your heart muscle is working to pump blood to your body while you exercise in a controlled setting. It is most often used to detect a decrease in blood flow to the heart muscle due to narrowing in the coronary arteries. narrowing in the coronary arteries
Cardiothoracic imaging
Cardiothoracic imaging screens for heart, lung, and breathing disorders using sophisticated technology to take a detailed look at the structure of your heart, your heart tissue, your blood vessels, your blood flow, and other features. Experts in radiology, oncology, cardiology, vascular medicine, and other areas work together to conduct these cardiovascular tests.
Specialized cardiovascular diagnostics at Penn Medicine
For specialized branches of heart care, our doctors are experienced in minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. We also have the expertise to evaluate you for inherited and congenital diseases.
Interventional cardiology experts use minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel conditions. These procedures are an alternative to open heart surgery and involve threading a flexible tube called a catheter through your arteries to reach your heart. This allows your doctor to perform cardiovascular testing and treat heart problems, like clearing blocked arteries or repairing heart valves.
If you are at risk for genetic heart disease, specialists at our Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease can evaluate you and your family members using genetic testing and diagnostic tools. You’ll get an accurate diagnosis that can help you prevent future complications.
Many congenital heart diseases may go undiagnosed until adulthood. If your doctor suspects you have heart disease that has been present since birth, you’ll see a team of Penn Medicine specialists who have advanced expertise in cardiovascular care, like structural heart disease or heart rhythm problems. Part of your care will involve cardiac tests to monitor you for changes in your condition and offer therapies when treatment is most effective.
Locations
Our hospitals, multispecialty medical centers, pharmacies, labs and more offer outstanding, personalized care for patients all across the region.