Diagnostic services are the backbone of a heart foundation hospital, providing the critical data needed to identify cardiovascular issues before they become life-threatening. These services range from routine screenings to advanced invasive imaging.
1. Non-Invasive Cardiac Investigations
These tests are painless and do not involve breaking the skin. They are usually the first step in a cardiac evaluation.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): Records the electrical activity of the heart to detect rhythm abnormalities or signs of a past heart attack.
- Echocardiography (Echo): An ultrasound of the heart that provides real-time images of the heart chambers, valves, and pumping capacity.
- Exercise Stress Test (ETT/EST): Monitors heart performance while the patient walks on a treadmill to identify coronary artery disease that might not show up at rest.
- Holter Monitoring: A portable device worn for 24–48 hours to record heart rhythms during daily activities.
2. Advanced Imaging Services
For complex cases, hospitals use high-tech equipment to see the heart in three dimensions.
- Cardiac CT Scan: A specialized X-ray that can detect calcium buildup or blockages in the coronary arteries.
- Cardiac MRI: Uses magnetic fields to create highly detailed images of the heart’s structure and muscle tissue, often used to diagnose rare heart conditions.
3. Invasive Diagnostic Procedures
Performed in a specialized Cath Lab (Catheterization Laboratory), these procedures provide the most definitive look at the heart’s internal health.
- Coronary Angiography: A thin tube (catheter) is guided to the heart, and dye is injected to highlight blockages in the arteries on an X-ray.
- Electrophysiological (EP) Study: An invasive test used to map the heart’s electrical system and pinpoint the exact origin of an irregular heartbeat.
4. Pathology & Laboratory Investigations
A heart foundation hospital typically maintains a 24/7 laboratory to analyze blood markers that indicate heart health.
- Lipid Profile: Measures cholesterol (HDL, LDL) and triglycerides.
- Cardiac Biomarkers (e.g., Troponin): Blood tests used to confirm if a patient is currently having or has recently had a heart attack.
- Blood Sugar & Kidney Function: Vital for managing diabetic patients or those undergoing procedures that require contrast dye.
Typical Cost Range (Example: Bangladesh)
| Test Name | Estimated Cost (BDT) |
| ECG | 500 – 1,000 |
| Echocardiogram | 2,000 – 6,000 |
| ETT / Stress Test | 3,000 – 4,000 |
| Angiogram | 25,000 – 50,000 |