Cardiac Test List: A Complete Reference

For patients and family caregivers, the array of cardiac tests can feel overwhelming. This reference list groups the major tests by category and explains what each measures.

Electrical Tests (Rhythm)

• Resting 12-lead ECG: standard rhythm and conduction baseline
• Holter monitor (24-48 hours): continuous rhythm recording at home
• Event monitor (weeks): patient-triggered rhythm capture
• Implantable loop recorder (months-years): for unexplained syncope or rare arrhythmia
• Tilt table test: for syncope workup
• Electrophysiology study: invasive, for complex arrhythmia

Structural Tests (Anatomy)

• Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE): standard ultrasound through chest wall
• Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE): probe through esophagus; better resolution for atria, valves, intracardiac masses
• Cardiac MRI: tissue characterization (fibrosis, edema, infiltration), chamber sizes, function
• Cardiac CT: structure, coronary anatomy

Functional Tests (Stress)

• Exercise treadmill test (ETT): ECG during graded exercise
• Stress echocardiogram: echo during/after exercise or pharmacologic stress
• Stress nuclear (SPECT): Tc-99m sestamibi imaging at rest and stress
• Stress cardiac MRI: vasodilator-induced flow imaging
• Stress PET: Rb-82 perfusion at rest and stress

Coronary Anatomy Tests

• Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score: non-contrast cardiac CT showing calcified plaque
• Coronary CT angiography (CCTA): contrast CT showing coronary lumen
• Invasive coronary angiography: gold standard; catheter-based contrast injection
• OCT/IVUS: intravascular imaging during angiography

Biomarker Tests

• BNP / NT-proBNP: heart failure assessment
• Troponin (high-sensitivity): acute injury, MI workup
• CRP (high-sensitivity): inflammation contribution
• Lipid panel + advanced: cardiovascular risk
• Homocysteine: in selected high-risk patients
• Lp(a): hereditary lipid risk factor

For ordering the right cardiac test for your symptom or risk profile, our team can help.

When Each Test Is Right

Clinical question	Best test
Chest pain (acute)	ECG + troponin (rapid)
Chest pain (chronic, suspect angina)	Stress test or CCTA
Palpitations	Holter or event monitor
Heart failure workup	Echo + BNP
Asymptomatic risk stratification	CAC score
Syncope (unclear)	Holter, tilt table, possibly loop recorder
Suspected cardiomyopathy	Cardiac MRI
Suspected sarcoidosis	Cardiac MRI + FDG PET
Murmur evaluation	Echo (TTE first, TEE if needed)

Cost Comparison

Approximate cash prices:

Test	US (cash)	UK (private)	Mainland China
ECG	$50-200	£30-100	¥50-150
Echo TTE	$400-1,000	£250-500	¥500-1,200
Echo TEE	$1,500-3,500	£800-1,500	¥1,500-3,500
Stress test	$300-1,500	£200-600	¥500-1,500
Stress echo	$800-2,000	£400-900	¥800-2,000
Stress nuclear	$1,500-3,500	£800-1,500	¥1,500-3,500
CAC score	$100-400	£150-300	¥500-1,500
CCTA	$500-1,800	£400-800	¥1,500-3,500
Cardiac MRI	$3,500-7,500	£900-1,800	¥3,000-6,500
Holter	$200-800	£100-400	¥300-1,500

Mainland China consistently offers the lowest cost for sophisticated cardiac imaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there no "best" cardiac test?
Each test answers a different question. The right test depends on the clinical question, patient risk profile, and available alternatives.

Should I get a CAC score if I'm asymptomatic?
For asymptomatic risk stratification over age 40 with cardiovascular risk factors, yes. CAC score is one of the most useful single tests for asymptomatic patients.

Will US insurance cover all these tests?
Most are covered when clinically indicated. Screening tests (CAC, advanced lipids) sometimes self-pay.

Are Chinese cardiac tests comparable to US?
At top tier-1 cardiovascular centers (Fuwai Beijing, Zhongshan Cardiovascular Shanghai, Anzhen, West China), yes. Same equipment, modern protocols.

Need Help Booking?

SinoCareLink can pre-book any cardiac test at a top Chinese cardiovascular center, coordinate consultations, translate reports into English, and arrange airport pickup. Contact us for a free consultation.