Cardiac catheterization
A heart cath is a minimally invasive procedure that gives doctors a better understanding of how each unique heart works by visualizing the heart chambers, arteries and veins. Children’s Colorado performs diagnostic and procedural heart catheterizations for patients as young as 3 days old all the way through adulthood for patients with adult congenital heart disease. Read more about cardiac catheterization.
Cardiac MRI and CT scan
A cardiac MRI is a test that uses a magnet to produce signals from the atoms within the body and then turns these signals into pictures of the body. A CT scan is a painless test that shows detailed images of the heart’s internal structures. Learn more about how these tests help diagnose and monitor heart problems for kids at Children’s Colorado.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram (ECHO) is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart. This test helps doctors learn about the structure and blood flow of the heart, and it can show critical heart defects and structural or valve abnormalities in children of all ages. Our team of heart imaging specialists can find out more about your child’s heart by using tests like ECHO, fetal echocardiogram (fetal ECHO), three-dimensional imaging (3D ECHO) and transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). Read more about heart ECHOs.
Electrocardiogram (EKG), Holter monitor and Zio monitor
A pediatric electrocardiogram (EKG), Holter monitor, Zio monitor and event recorder are tests that record the heart’s electrical activity in or out of the hospital. Read more about how we monitor heart activity with EKGs and Holter and Zio monitors.
Electrophysiology study
An electrophysiology (EP) study is done in the Electrophysiology Lab to give more detailed information about the heart's electrical activity. Performed by specialists called cardiac electrophysiologists, an EP study allows them to see the electrical activity in the heart and treat problems called cardiac arrhythmias. Read more about EP studies.
Exercise test
Exercise testing is an important evaluation to understand the limitations of patients with congenital or acquired heart or lung disease. The laboratory also tests young athletes who may have problems during exercise to better understand any heart or lung conditions they might have. Cardiologists perform other tests when the patient is not moving, while exercise testing can help predict how a child will respond to the demands of exercise.
Exercise testing can be used to evaluate:
- Effects of surgery, catheterization or other treatments on your child’s heart function
- Capacity of the heart and lungs
- Symptoms your child might have during exercise, such as chest pain, fainting or asthma