Cardiac Testing

There are a whole host of diagnostic tests for children with known or suspected congenital heart defects. These are probably best categorized into invasive and non-invasive test (see table below).

Some things to remember when your child gets tested, is that no question is too small or unimportant. Almost all institutions and health care personnel want the testing experience to be accurate, informative, and comfortable. This can really only be achieved through a close cooperation between the family and the people doing the testing.

The following list is designed to give you an overview of the various cardiac tests, and what to expect. Of course, every medical center will vary, and you should direct specific questions to your cardiologist or nurse clinician.