Programs & Services
Diagnostic Tests
If you think you have a cardiac problem, please consult your doctor right away. If your physician agrees, you may be asked to have a cardiac stress test, cardiac catheterization, or any number of examinations that we can perform here at Mercy-Dubuque... the only hospital in the region that can perform all of these state-of-the-art tests.
Diagnostic Tests Available at Mercy Medical Center - Dubuque
Cardiac Catheterization
Catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure that involves a long, thin, flexible tube that is threaded to your heart.
Cardiac Imaging Studies
These non-invasive procedures study cardiac function and blood flow while the heart beats.
Chest X-Ray
X-rays are non-invasive radiograph projections and are among the most common tests taken.
Echocardiogram
A non-invasive, non-radiation procedure using sound waves to create a very detailed, moving picture of the heart.
EKG
Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG) is a non-invasive recording of your heart. The test reports the electrical activity of your heart through electrodes that are placed on various parts on your body.
Electrophysiology Test
This non-invasive test records the electrical activity and pathways of your heart by safely reproducing its abnormal rhythm.
Graded Exercise Testing
This non-invasive test evaluates heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen consumption during exercise.
Heart MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is non-invasive and uses large magnets and radio-frequency waves to create images of the heart's pumping cycle. No X-ray exposure is involved.
Myocardial Biopsy
This test is done during invasive cardiac catheterization or similar procedures. It is used to remove small pieces of tissue from the heart muscle which are then sent off for testing.
Pericardiocentesis
Also called a pericardial tap, this invasive procedure involves a needle and catheter to remove fluid from the sac around the heart. The fluid is then sent to a lab for tests.
Stress Echo
This test involves exercising on a treadmill or stationary cycle while being monitored.
Stress Radionuclide
This procedure involves injecting a radioactive isotope that is absorbed by the heart. Images are then obtained during rest and exercise.
Stress Test
Sometimes called a treadmill test or exercise test, stress tests are a non-invasive procedure that show if the blood supply is reduced during exercise.
Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE)
An invasive procedure, TEE uses sound waves to produce an image of the heart. These waves travel through a tube-like device put in the mouth and passed down the throat into the esophagus.
