Testing Procedures

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram (“echo”) is an ultrasound test that uses non- radioactive, high-frequency sound waves to view the heart. It is a non- invasive test (no probes or needles), and everything is done from the outside of the body.

Why is it done?

It is a safe and painless procedure that helps doctors diagnose heart problems. Pictures of the child’s heart are viewed on a screen during the procedure.

How long does it normally take?

The echocardiogram is usually performed without medicine that helps your child stay calm, and it takes about one hour. If your child is given calming medicine for the study, they will need to stay in the hospital until the nurse or doctor feels that they are ready to leave.

What is a fetal echocardiogram?

A fetal echo is an ultrasound test done before your baby is born. It allows the cardiologist to see your baby’s developing heart structure and function. This often allows for an accurate diagnosis before your baby is born.

What is an electrocardiogram?

“ECG,” “EKG,” or “electrocardiogram” all refer to the same test, which is a quick and painless test that records the electrical activity of the heart on graph paper.

Why is it done?

An electrocardiogram helps to identify heart rhythm abnormalities. It can also provide information about the size or thickness of the heart chambers and the relative position of the heart in the chest.

How long does it normally take?

The EKG usually takes about five minutes.

What is a Holter monitor?

A Holter is a heart rate and rhythm monitor that is worn for 24 hours in a row. It is typically worn outside of the hospital during normal activities.

What is a chest x-ray?

The chest X-ray is the most common radiologic procedure.

What it the process?

The chest X-ray technique in young children involves two views. The first view is from the front, and the second is a side view.

Why is it done?

The X-ray is projected toward the chest to show the heart, lungs, bones, and soft tissues. The actual time of the average Xray exposure is very short-usually less than one-half second. Some of the radiation goes through the part of the body being tested and creates the X-ray image.

What is a cardiac catheterization?

Cardiac catheterization is a procedure where an artery or vein, usually in the groin, is punctured and a small flexible tube is guided into the heart and major blood vessels around the heart. The catheter is moved through the heart with the aid of fluoroscopy (X-ray machine).

Why is it done?

This is usually done to help make a diagnosis of heart problems.

Anything else?

Interventional catheterization is a type of cardiac catheterization where actual treatments are performed. These specialized catheters include balloon catheters that can open up narrowed valves or arteries. There are also catheters where devices are used to close extra vessels or certain “holes” in the heart.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT (computerized tomography) are both scans that can take pictures of any part of the body, including the heart. However, because MRI uses a powerful magnet and radio waves (instead of the series of x-rays used by CT scans), MRI scans are free from radiation. The advantage of a CT scan is that it is much faster and can be performed without medicine to keep children calm during the scan.

The exercise (stress) test is used to study how well the heart is working, and how the body adjusts to different levels of activity. It is usually performed on a treadmill or a stationary bicycle. The heart is monitored by EKG. The test is typically only performed on children 5 years of age or older.