Congenital Heart Disease Diagnostic Services for Adults

Advances in diagnosis and treatment have allowed babies with congenital heart disease to survive well into adulthood, with some CHD conditions remaining undetected beyond adolescents.

Our cardiac imaging and radiology experts know that the best treatment for congenital heart disease (CHD) begins with an accurate diagnosis. We perform a series of tests in order to properly evaluate your heart to give you a definitive result. Our diagnostic services include:

Echocardiography

Echocardiograms are tests that use sound waves to study the anatomy and function of the heart and its valves.

Intracardiac Echocardiography (ICE)

ICE studies are echocardiograms that are performed inside the heart through the use of thin tubes (catheters). These tests show the internal structure of the heart and vessels.

Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG)

Electrocardiograms are noninvasive tests that study the electrical function of the heart. We offer all types of ECGs, including exercise stress tests and 24-hour Holter monitoring.

Coronary Angiography

Angiograms are commonly used to assess blood flow in and around the heart and through blood vessels. The test involves the use of thin tubes (catheters) to inject a safe substance into the heart. This dye can be seen with an x-ray.

Nuclear Imaging Tests

Nuclear tests involve the use of a small amount of safe dye that is injected into a vein. A special camera is used to detect the dye and record any damage to the heart’s muscle.

Electrophysiology/Cardiac Catheterization Tests

Electrophysiology tests are used to evaluate the heart for heart rhythm problems, called arrhythmias.

Testing for Inherited Cardiovascular Diseases

Our Cardiovascular Genetics Clinic provides comprehensive diagnostic, treatment and genetic counseling services for families that may have or be at risk for inherited cardiovascular disease. Some congenital heart defects are caused by gene mutations that may present a risk to other relatives, including children.

Advanced Imaging with Cardiac MRI and CT Ccan

At UChicago Medicine Heart and Vascular Imaging Center, our patients have access to the latest cardiac CT and MRI technology and the advanced expertise of our cardiologists and radiologists who interpret the those results.