Tests
Angiogram
An angiogram -- also called heart catheterization, cardiac catheterization or cardiac angiography -- is a common test used to evaluate heart muscles, valves and coronary arteries. It can provide exact information about the way your heart functions. Learn more.
Angioplasty
Angioplasty is the method used to open a blood vessel to improve blood flow by stretching a vessel from the inside and sometimes placing a stent to help keep it open. Learn more.
Ankle-brachial index (ABI)
The ankle-brachial index, or ABI, is a measurement of blood flow in your leg arteries. Learn more.
Cardiac Device Clinic: Pacemaker and ICD follow up
If a pacemaker or ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator)helps regulate your heartbeat, we can make sure your cardiac device is working properly. Our experts will evaluate your cardiac device and adjust settings so that you benefit the most.
Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create a moving picture of the heart.
Electrophysiology study (EPS)
This detailed study of the heart's electrical system is done to see if you have an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), and if so, where the abnormal rhythm is coming from.
Exercise stress test
An exercise stress test is a screening tool to test the effect of exercise on your heart. It provides an overall look at the health of your heart. Learn more.
Cardiac event monitors
- A Holter monitor records your heart rhythm (EKG) for 24 hours. You will be asked to keep a journal of your symptoms.
- A cardiac event monitor is attached to five stickers placed on your chest. After the designated term, return the monitor and a report will be sent to you doctor.
Heart Score
A heart score is a specific type of CT protocol that detects and measures the amount of calcium in your heart arteries and calculates a individual calcium score for you. Learn more.
The Heart Disease Prevention Clinic
A heart attack and stroke prevention clinic. You will receive a complete picture of your health by meeting with a cardiologist, nutritionist and exercise physiologist. Learn more.
Level One Heart Attack Program
United Hospital is a Level One heart hospital. A Level One hospital takes patients having a heart attack directly to the catheterization lab or surgery, if needed. United Hospital is in the top 10 percent of hospitals in the nation for quickly opening blocked arteries. Learn more.
Percutaneous closure devices
Medical implants are used to treat these heart problems:
- Atrial septal defect (ASD): The atrial septum is the wall between the left and right atria (upper chambers) of the heart. There is a natural opening before birth that usually closes on its own when a baby is born. When the flap does not close, the child has an ASD.
- Patent foremen ovale (PFO)-During normal fetal development, there is a small opening in the wall between the left and right atrium or upper chambers of the heart. This normal opening allows blood to detour from the lungs into the left atrium prior to birth. This opening usually closes naturally soon after birth or within the first or second year of life. If the opening fails to close soon after birth, it is referred to as a patent foremen ovale.
Nuclear cardiology
This test uses safe, radioactive materials called tracers to show the heart chambers.
Peripheral vascular imaging
A peripheral vascular exam measures blood pressure and blood flow using sound waves created by a device called a doppler. You will have a test done while you rest and while you exercise on a treadmill. This test helps tell if there are blockages in the leg arteries. This test takes about 30 minutes when looking at leg veins, and 45 minutes or longer when looking at the leg arteries.
Stress echocardiogram
Stress echocardiography is a test that uses ultrasound imaging to determine how the heart muscles respond to stress. It is mainly used to diagnose and evaluate coronary artery disease.
Valvuloplasty
Valvuloplasty uses a catheter to open a valve that is narrowed. A balloon-tipped catheter is threaded through an artery in the leg and passed to the heart valve. Then the balloon is inflated to separate the valve flaps and reopen it.
Vascular services
Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute - Vascular combines expertise of cardiology, radiology, vascular surgery and vascular medicine and delivers care in one location in downtown St. Paul. The clinic is a partnership between Minnesota Surgical Associates, St. Paul Radiology and Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute.