Heart and vascular screening and diagnosis

Look to the experts at Spectrum Health to detect and accurately diagnose cardiovascular conditions—so you can get the right care for your needs. Spectrum Health is the only place in West Michigan to find a full range of advanced cardiovascular imaging technology.

Your Spectrum Health heart and vascular care team includes physicians with advanced training in cardiovascular imaging. We stay up to date on the latest advances in diagnostic technology so you get more efficient personalized care.

Feel confident you’ll receive high-quality care because Spectrum Health facilities hold accreditation from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) in:

• Echocardiography
• Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Nuclear cardiology
• Vascular testing
• Vein center

Get timely access to cardiovascular imaging tests. With 14 locations across West Michigan, it’s easy to get the tests you need.

Screening tests detect disease before you have symptoms. They help you find disease in its earliest stages—when it’s easier to treat and manage.

To monitor your cardiovascular health, your primary care provider or cardiologist may recommend: 

• Blood pressure readings 
• Blood tests to check cholesterol and blood glucose 
• Coronary calcium scan (heart screening) 
• Vascular screening

Diagnostic tests help doctors investigate concerning findings on a screening test or figure out why you are experiencing certain symptoms.

At Spectrum Health, you have access to a full range of cardiovascular imaging tests, including: 

• Cardiac MRI – Creates detailed pictures of your heart using magnets and radio waves 
• Cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) – Uses a special camera and small amounts of radioactive material to create detailed pictures of your heart and how well it’s working 
• Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) – Examines the blood vessels that supply blood to your heart 
• Nuclear stress test and stress echocardiogram – Take pictures of your heart before and after you walk on a treadmill or take medicine that simulates the effects of exercise 
• Ultrasound tests, including echocardiograms – Use high-frequency sound waves to create moving pictures of your heart and blood vessels

Your doctor may also recommend diagnostic tests that don’t use imaging technology, such as: 

• Blood tests – Measure substances in your blood 
• Cardiac event monitoring – Records your heart’s activity when you need to monitor symptoms over a longer period 
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Shows when and how strongly your heart is beating 
• Stress test – Uses an ECG to monitor your heart while you walk on a treadmill or take medicine that simulates the effects of exercise 
• Tilt table test – Monitors your heart rate and blood pressure while a motorized table gently moves you into various positions

During cardiac catheterization, your doctor places a thin, flexible tube (catheter) into a blood vessel in your arm or leg. Then, he or she guides the catheter through the blood vessel to your heart. Your doctor may use special instruments to take measurements, get blood samples or take pictures. 

Doctors can also perform some treatments, such as angioplasty to clear a narrowed or blocked artery, during cardiac catheterization.

Test results will be available within 24 to 48 hours. We’ll share your results with your ordering provider and add them to your Spectrum Health MyChart account. Talk to your provider about your results and next steps.