A test to measure the heart’s electrical activity with each heart beat. Wires are attached to the skin of the arms, legs and chest, using soft, stickon discs (called ‘electrodes’). A tracing is printed on paper and gives information about the heart rate and regularity, as well as providing data about enlargement of the heart … Read more
An ultrasound scan of the heart. Very high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) are used to create a moving picture of the heart and of blood flowing through it, using a sophisticated computer. This test detects most heart defects and can provide detailed information about the nature and severity of heart problems of many kinds. The … Read more
A method of studying the heart’s structure and function by analyzing sound waves bounced off the heart and recorded by an electronic sensor placed on the chest. A computer processes the information to produce a one-, two- or three-dimensional moving picture that shows how the heart and heart valves are functioning.