Medical Services Heart & Vascular Diagnostic Services Our doctors use the latest imaging techniques and other exams to diagnose heart and vascular disease. These techniques can help identify disease at the earliest stages, when it can be treated most effectively. Find a Location Find a Doctor Heart & Vascular Menu Advanced Heart Failure Management Center Arrhythmia Center Diagnostic Testing Treatments/Procedures Cardiology Heart Attack Care Minimally Invasive Procedures Cardio-Oncology Cardiac Rehab Clinical Research Diagnostic Services Heart Surgery Patient Success Stories Prevention & Wellness AHA Training Center CardioVascular Mobile Health Unit Hands-only CPR Healing Hearts Women's Support Group Health Disparities and Cardiovascular Disease Heart Healthy Lifestyle Tips My Heart Rocks Take Time For Your Heart Women and Heart Disease Tobacco Cessation Fresh Start Tobacco Cessation Nicotine Medication Nicotine Replacement Nicotine Therapy Success Stories Tobacco Cessation Resources Youth E-cigarette and Vaping Epidemic Valve Center Aortic Valve Replacement Mitral Valve Surgery Your Hospital Stay Care After Heart Surgery Intensive Care for Heart Conditions Nurses with Heart Care Expertise Partners in Heart Care Transitional Care Units Heart and Vascular Disease Diagnosis Doctors at the St. Elizabeth Heart & Vascular Institute use a wide range of diagnostic tests to identify disease and plan treatment. We offer specialized testing for heart arrhythmias, as well as minimally invasive diagnostic exams in our Cardiac Catheterization Labs. Noninvasive Heart and Vascular Testing Your doctor may order one or more of these noninvasive exams to assess your condition and determine the best course of treatment: Blood tests – Can determine cholesterol and fat levels in your blood, check for infection, or search for proteins or other elements that can signal heart disease. Computed tomography (CT) – Uses X-rays to detect calcium deposits found in plaque, which accumulates inside the walls of arteries. Echocardiogram (EKG) – Allows your doctor to see your heart beating, as well as your heart valves and other structures. An EKG uses sound waves, so there’s no exposure to radiation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – Creates detailed, still and moving pictures of your heart and blood vessels from many views. MRI scans use magnetic and radio waves (no radiation), so you can’t have this type of scan if you have a metallic implant. Nuclear medicine test (PET scan) – Determines how much blood your heart pumps with each beat, using a small amount of a radioactive substance (tracer). PET/CT scan – Combines CT and nuclear medicine testing to examine how your blood flows through your heart. A PET/CT also allows your doctor to see inside your arteries to look for plaque formation. Stress test – Allows your doctor to monitor your heart while you exercise. If you can’t exercise, your doctor will give you medicine that simulates exercise by increasing blood flow to your heart. Stress tests can be combined with other exams, such as a stress echocardiogram or a nuclear stress test. Vascular ultrasound – Examines circulation in your blood vessels and can identify peripheral artery disease (PAD). The exam can look at vessels in your neck (carotid), abdomen, arms and legs, or kidneys. We offer diagnostic testing at a variety of locations. Your doctor will discuss which tests are right for you. Schedule Diagnostic Testing You must have a doctor’s order before you schedule diagnostic testing: To schedule an appointment, call (859) 655-7400. For questions about pre-authorization, call (859) 635-0300. Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time, and bring your insurance cards, photo ID and the doctor’s order for each test. Center of Excellence St. Elizabeth Edgewood is Greater Cincinnati’s only Cardiovascular Center of Excellence accredited by the American Heart Association, placing us in an elite group of hospitals that have met high standards to fully address the needs of patients with complex cardiac conditions. The best heart care, right here. Mobile Heart Screenings Are you at risk for heart disease? Find out with convenient, low-cost screenings throughout Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati in our CardioVascular Mobile Health Unit. GET SCREENED