Heart Tech and Tests: Advanced Screenings that Help Protect Your Heart

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, which makes early detection – and prevention – critical to long-term health.

At Beaufort Memorial, a team of board-certified cardiologists uses advanced diagnostic technology and cardiovascular screenings to evaluate heart health, identify any potential problems early and create personalized treatment plans for patients across the Lowcountry.

“Whether you’re experiencing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations or fatigue – or, if you simply want to better understand your heart disease risk – today’s heart health tests can provide valuable insights into how your heart and blood vessels are functioning,” says board-certified, fellowship-trained interventional cardiologist Dr. Paul Slota, who sees patients with Beaufort Memorial Heart Specialists in Beaufort and Okatie.

Tests Cardiologists Use to Assess Heart Health

From routine screenings to advanced imaging, these diagnostic tools help physicians detect heart disease, vascular disease and other cardiovascular conditions before they become serious.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

An electrocardiogram records the electrical activity of your heart using small adhesive electrodes placed on your chest.

This quick, noninvasive test helps identify irregular heart rhythms, skipped beats and any signs of heart damage.

An EKG also can be performed during exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike as part of a cardiac stress test.

“By monitoring your heart while it’s under physical stress, we can evaluate how well it functions during activity and identify potential concerns such as reduced blood flow or previous heart damage,” Dr. Slota says.

Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) Scan

This simple, noninvasive screening compares blood pressure readings in your ankle and arm.

Differences between the measurements can indicate peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that may increase your risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular complications.

Chest X-Ray

A chest X-ray gives physicians a view of both the heart and lungs, helping identify conditions that may affect either organ. It can also help rule out other causes of chest discomfort like rib injuries, which may mimic symptoms of heart disease.

Nuclear Stress Test

When additional information about blood flow to the heart is needed, your cardiologist may recommend a nuclear stress test.

During this procedure, a small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into a vein while you exercise. A special camera then captures images showing how blood moves through your heart both during activity and at rest. Areas with reduced blood flow may signal coronary artery disease or other cardiovascular problems.

Read More: Is It a Heart Attack, or Am I Overreacting?

Carotid Artery Scan

This ultrasound-based test evaluates blood flow through the carotid arteries in the neck, which supply blood to the brain.

“Detecting plaque buildup or narrowing in these arteries can help identify stroke risk before symptoms occur,” explains Dr. Slota.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram uses ultrasound technology to create detailed images of your heart. This test allows cardiologists to evaluate the heart’s structure, pumping strength and valve function. It can also reveal any narrowed or leaky valves, blood clots and evidence of previous heart attacks.

In some cases, a transesophageal echocardiogram may be performed by passing a specialized imaging device into the esophagus to obtain more detailed images of the heart.

Cardiac Catheterization (Coronary Angiogram)

Cardiac catheterization provides a closer look at blood flow through the coronary arteries.

During the procedure, a cardiologist threads a small catheter through an artery in the wrist or leg and guides it to the heart. Contrast dye is then injected to highlight any blockages or abnormalities on X-ray imaging.

If a blockage is discovered, a cardiologist may be able to open the artery during the same procedure using a balloon angioplasty and stent placement.

Read More: Women's Heart Attack Symptoms

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Scan

This ultrasound screening examines the aorta (the body’s largest blood vessel) for signs of bulging or enlargement, known as an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Early detection can help prevent potentially life-threatening complications.

Coronary CT Scan

A coronary computed tomography (CT) scan uses advanced X-ray imaging to evaluate the coronary arteries and identify plaque buildup or blockages that may increase the risk of heart attack or coronary artery disease.

Because this scan is noninvasive, it can provide important cardiac information without the need for a catheter-based procedure.

Holter Monitoring

Not all heart rhythm abnormalities occur during a short office visit with your cardiologist.

Holter monitoring allows your physician to track your heart’s activity continuously over a period of 24 hours typically, but sometimes a period of weeks or even months. This can help diagnose irregular heart rhythms that happen intermittently and may be difficult to capture during a standard EKG.

Read More: What Your Irregular Heartbeat May Be Telling You

When Should You Consider Heart Testing?

Talk to your healthcare provider about cardiovascular screening if you:

• Have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes
• Have a family history of heart disease
• Smoke or have a history of smoking
• Experience chest pain, shortness of breath or heart palpitations
• Want to better understand your cardiovascular risk factors
• Are interested in preventive heart health screening

Early detection saves lives. By combining advanced heart testing with expert cardiovascular care, Beaufort Memorial cardiologists can help patients throughout the Lowcountry take control of their heart health and reduce their risk of heart disease.

A Proactive Approach to Heart Disease Prevention

Many forms of heart and vascular disease and may not cause symptoms until significant damage has occurred – that’s why preventive screening plays such and important role in protecting your health.

1. Testing helps detect problems early. Cardiologists use advanced diagnostic tools – including EKGs, echocardiograms, stress tests and CT scans – to identify heart disease, circulation issues and other conditions before they become serious.
2. Different tests provide different insights. Some tests evaluate heart rhythm and function, while others examine blood flow, artery blockages, valve health and stroke risk, helping providers create personalized treatment and prevention plans.
3. Preventive screenings can save lives. Noninvasive screenings like carotid artery scans, ankle-brachial index testing and abdominal aortic aneurysm scans can uncover hidden cardiovascular risks, even before symptoms appear.

Are you ready to start putting your heart first? Find a Beaufort Memorial cardiologist who can help you make a plan to prevent or manage heart disease.