Heart Screening and Diagnostic Tests

How do I know if I have a heart problem? 

Regular heart screenings and diagnostic tests are an important part of protecting your heart health. These tests can detect heart problems early  -  sometimes before symptoms appear -  so you can get the right care as soon as possible. 

Your doctor may recommend screenings such as blood tests, a coronary calcium scan, chemical stress testing, genetic tests for heart disease risk and other heart health screenings. The results give your doctor a clear picture of your heart and overall health, helping them choose the best treatment plan for you. 

At Banner Health, our heart and vascular specialists use the latest diagnostic and screening tools to help identify heart conditions and guide your care. 

Heart imaging services 

If your doctor suspects there may be a problem with your heart, you may be referred to one of our imaging centers for a cardiac imaging test. These tests create pictures or videos of your heart to help your care team evaluate its structure and function. 

Common imaging tests include: 

• Echocardiogram (echo) – Uses ultrasound to show your heart’s movement, valves, and pumping strength. 
• Cardiac CT or MRI – Creates detailed images of your heart and blood vessels. 
• Nuclear cardiac imaging – Uses a small amount of radioactive material to show blood flow through your heart. 

Learn more about heart imaging. 

Heart physical tests 

Physical or functional tests check how well your heart is working without creating traditional images. These tests can detect heart rhythm problems, assess exercise tolerance and evaluate your heart’s electrical activity. 

Common physical tests include: 

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) – Records the electrical activity of your heart to identify irregular rhythms or signs of damage. 
• Stress test – Measures how your heart responds to physical activity or medication that simulates exercise. 
• Holter monitor – A portable device worn for 24–48 hours to track heart rhythms over time. 

Learn about physical heart tests. 

Take the next step for your heart health 

If you’re experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or unexplained fatigue  -  or if you have risk factors for heart disease -  it’s time to talk to a specialist. 

Schedule an appointment with a Banner Health heart and vascular specialist today to find out which screenings are right for you.