Cardiovascular Diagnostics
Heart and vascular diagnostic tests help detect heart disease early and guide treatment at VHC Health in Arlington and the DC metro area. These tests give doctors clear, accurate results about how your heart and blood vessels work.
Why Diagnostic Tests Matter
Early detection leads to better outcomes and fewer complications. Diagnostic tests help your provider:
- Confirm or rule out heart disease
- Measure blood flow
- Check for heart rhythm problems like arrhythmia
Most Common Heart & Vascular Diagnostic Tests
Take advantage of the most accurate cardiac testing options and our team's expertise to analyze the results.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram uses sound waves (ultrasound) to create moving pictures of your heart. These tests show how well your heart pumps and how your valves work. Types of echocardiograms include:
- Stress echocardiogram – Takes pictures to see how your heart handles activity
- Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) – Places a thin, flexible tube into your esophagus to get clear and detailed images
- Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) – Uses ultrasound to create images of your heart's structure and movement
Stress Tests
Stress tests show how your heart performs under strain. These tests help find blocked arteries and guide treatment. Your doctor may recommend:
- Exercise stress test – Monitors heart activity during exercise on a treadmill to track:
- Heart rhythm
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Oxygen levels
- Nuclear stress test – Uses a small, safe amount of radioactive material to show blood flow to your heart muscle to check for blocked or narrowed arteries.
- SmartScore™ – Uses computed tomography (CT) scan imaging technology to look for calcium buildup in your heart's ateries.
Heart Rhythm Tests
Heart rhythm tests help find the cause of an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). These tests measure how your heart's electrical system works.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG) – Detects abnormal heart rhythms and signs of heart disease
- Electrophysiology (EP) study – Helps locate the cause of abnormal heart rhythms and guides treatment
- Heart monitoring – Tracks your heart’s activity through a wearable device such as a Loop recorder or Holter monitor
- Tilt-table testing – Checks for causes of fainting or a fast heartbeat by changing your body position while monitoring your heart rate and blood pressure.
Heart Failure Monitor
Your cardiologist might recommend an implantable monitor placed in an artery if you have congestive heart failure. This small device tracks pressure changes inside the heart and sends the results directly to your care team. At VHC Health, specialists place the CardioMEMS® device to help manage symptoms, reduce complications, and lower the risk of emergency hospital visits.
Vascular Tests
Vascular tests check the health of blood vessels, including arteries and veins. These tests measure blood flow and look for blocked or narrowed arteries. Your provider may recommend:
- Ankle-brachial index – Compares blood pressure in the arm and ankle to detect peripheral artery disease (PAD)
- Doppler ultrasound – Measures blood flow through the veins or arteries using ultrasound
- Arterial Doppler – Evaluates arterial blood flow to the arms and legs
- Carotid Doppler – Checks the carotid arteries in the neck and looks for plaque buildup or clots that may increase your stroke risk
- Venous Doppler – Looks for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), blood clots, vein inflammation, and venous insufficiency
- Pulse volume recording – Detects possible blockages by measuring the blood folow in the arteries
What to Expect During Testing
Most tests are noninvasive, comfortable, and completed during a short appointment. Preparation varies by test. Your VHC Health care team will provide clear instructions in advance to help you prepare.
Late Cancellation & No-Show
VHC Health values your time and works hard to provide prompt, efficient care. Advance notice of appointment changes helps keep the schedule running smoothly and allows other patients to be seen sooner.
Cardiovascular Diagnostics requires at least 48 business hours’ notice to change or cancel an appointment. This policy helps reduce schedule gaps and improve access to care.
If notice is not given at least 48 business hours before the scheduled appointment, or if you do not attend, a $100 late-cancellation or no-show fee may apply.
Your Personal Treatment Plan
Heart and vascular diagnostic information helps you have better care and long-term health:
