Diagnostic testing provides the information needed to promptly diagnose heart conditions, give parents and patients answers to their concerns, and begin vital treatment. The skilled cardiovascular specialists at Capital Pediatric Cardiology offer extensive diagnostic testing in their offices in Sacramento, Roseville, Modesto, Placerville, Cameron Park, Stockton, Chico, Anderson, and Reading, California. Call the nearest office or request an appointment online today.
The Capital Pediatric Cardiology team reviews each child’s medical history and symptoms and then completes a physical exam. The next step is diagnostic testing if the results indicate a potential heart problem.
In-office diagnostic testing allows parents to get their child’s care in one location. However, it also means that testing is available immediately, and you don’t need to wait long for results, which is vital when you’re worried about your child’s heart.
The in-office diagnostic tests performed at Capital Pediatric Cardiology include:
Electrocardiograms show the heart’s electrical activity, revealing numerous possible heart problems, including:
EKGs are often used to monitor heart conditions.
Echocardiograms use safe ultrasound to create images of the heart. In addition to showing details about structures like heart muscles, blood vessels, and blockages, they also show movement, including blood flow, muscle contractions, and valves opening and closing.
The exercise treadmill is used to perform a stress test, a diagnostic procedure showing how well your child’s heart pumps blood when forced to work harder and beat faster.
During the test, your child walks on the treadmill. It begins slowly, but your provider gradually increases the speed until your child reaches a targeted heart rate or they need to stop.
Their heart’s electrical activity is continuously monitored with an ongoing EKG, and their blood pressure is monitored.
Holter and event monitors are devices your child wears that record their EKG. A Holter monitor continuously records heart activity, while an event monitor records their EKG when they experience symptoms.
Pacemaker interrogation is a procedure to ensure your child’s pacemaker is in good working condition. Your provider places a wand over your child’s chest that communicates with the pacemaker, showing that the battery, wires, and leads are functioning.
The experienced team at Capital Pediatric Cardiology performs several diagnostic procedures in the hospital, including:
After completing a diagnostic cardiac catheterization, your provider may also use the catheter to repair problems in your child’s heart.
To schedule diagnostic testing, call Capital Pediatric Cardiology or request an appointment online today.