Expert Diagnosis of Heart and Vascular Disease

Swedish Hospital's Heart and Lung Center offers a range of heart tests in one convenient location. If you need more than one test or if your test or screenings results show you are at risk for complications, we coordinate same-day scheduling so you can get the answers you need.  

For advanced testing, our cardiologists and specialists may also utilize the cardiac catheterization lab, where they can examine your heart in greater detail using catheters and advanced internal imaging technology.

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Heart tests available at the Heart and Lung Center include:

• 3D Echocardiography (Echo)

  Using state-of-the-art 3D imaging technology, our experts can view your heart chambers, valves and surrounding structures in real time to show your heart in motion, measure heart output and detect inflammation with greater accuracy. Our echo program is accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories (ICAEL).

• 3D Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)

  After inserting a thin, flexible ultrasound probe into to your esophagus (throat), our experts use ultrasound waves to capture fine details of your heart and blood vessels with greater detail than traditional echocardiogram studies using 3D imaging. 

• Cardiac MRI

  Using advanced imaging equipment, our specialists utilize a controlled magnetic field and radio waves to take precise and accurate images of your heart to diagnose and monitor a variety of cardiovascular diseases. 

• Cardiopulmonary Stress Test (Vo2 Max)

  Evaluates your heart and lung function while riding a stationary bicycle.

• Coronary Computed Tomography Angiogram (CTA)

  Advanced imaging technology produces three-dimensional, high-resolution images of your heart, offering greater details than traditional X-rays, particularly of soft tissues and blood vessels.

• Electrocardiogram (EKG)

  A common test for diagnosing heart rhythm problems, an EKG machine translates the electrical activity in your heart into a paper reading, which our experts examine for abnormalities.

• Event Monitoring

  Diagnoses arrhythmias and assesses whether treatments are working using a small device to record heart activity for up to one month. 

• Holter Monitoring

  Similar to event monitoring, Holter monitoring uses a device to record electrical activity in your heart for a short period of time, typically 24 or 48 hours. 

• Nuclear Stress Test

  An advanced imaging study that examines whether your heart is getting enough blood and oxygen. Uses a safe amount of radioactive material to produce images of your heart before and after a stress test, which may be performed on a treadmill or with an injection of medication (Lexiscan).

• Pediatric Echo

  Uses ultrasound waves to examine heart chambers, valves and surrounding structures in children and adolescents up to age 18. 

• Pediatric EKG

  Uses an EKG machine to translate the electrical activity in your child’s heart onto a paper reading, which a pediatric cardiologist examines for abnormalities.

• Stress Testing

  Determines the amount of stress your heart can manage before you start experiencing symptoms of heart disease. Exercise stress tests are most common type of stress test; however, if you cannot exercise, we may use medication to simulate the effects of exercise on your heart. 

• Tilt Table Testing

  Explores possible causes for light-headedness and fainting by monitoring your blood pressure and heart rate while you are lie on a table that tilts 80 degrees.

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Advanced Heart Tests in Our Cardiac Catheterization Lab

To deliver the most accurate diagnosis, cardiovascular specialists may examine your heart and its internal structures using catheters and advanced imaging equipment. These experts practice minimally invasive techniques, so patients can leave the hospital the same day. 

Tests available in our cardiac catheterization lab include: 

• Cardiac Catheterization

  This advanced X-ray examination of your heart uses catheters to examine your heart chambers, valves and coronary arteries. Cardiac catheterization is also a technique we use to access your heart during certain heart disease treatments, such as valvuloplasty. 

• Coronary Angiogram

  Uses a special dye to make coronary arteries visible on X-ray to help determine artery blockages. We usually perform this test during a catheterization procedure, such as ablation, to make sure we are delivering treatments exactly where they are needed. 

• Electrophysiology (EP) Study

  This advanced test uses special equipment to help our experts test electrical activity in your heart and locate the source an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). You may also need an EP study to see how well treatments are working. 

• Intravascular Ultrasound

  Using sound waves to produce images of your arteries from the inside out, we usually perform this test during a procedure, such as stenting, to make sure the stent is sized correctly and in the right place. 

• Fractional Flow Reserve

  This test measures blood flow through the main artery supplying your heart (coronary artery), allowing our experts to examine blockages very closely. We use this information to determine the best treatment for your condition.  

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Pacemaker and Defibrillator Clinic

With a team of specially trained nurses, our Pacemaker and Defibrillator Clinic in the Heart and Lung Center helps patients with pacemakers and internal cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) stay healthy and avoid complications. The Pacemaker and Defibrillator Clinic is open on Wednesday’s from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is available to all patients with existing or newly implanted devices.

Services available through the Pacemaker and Defibrillator Clinic include:

• Follow-up Care for Patients With Newly Implanted Devices

  Within two weeks of your procedure, we make sure your incision is healing properly and check your device’s settings. 

• Ongoing Care for Patients With Existing Devices Every Three to Six Months

  During these visits, we download information from your device, check the battery and adjust settings, if necessary. We can perform some tests over the phone, so you may not even need to visit the clinic.

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Community Heart Screenings

Swedish Hospital offers community heart screenings to assist in detecting heart disease risk factors early, helping you avoid having a heart attack or other health problems before you feel symptoms.

Register for a heart screening>>   

FIND A CARDIOLOGIST TODAY!
Meet our team or call 773-878-6888 to make an appointment with a cardiovascular specialist.