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Cardiac evaluation begins with a review of the clinical history up to that point.  Next, each patient receives a careful cardiac auscultation and physical exam. 

Based on these findings a diagnostic plan is made.  This often includes echocardiography which is an examination of the heart using ultrasound and Doppler (shown in the top and bottom images at right).  This exam is neither invasive nor traumatic.  The patient simply lays on their side and the images are attained via a small device placed against the chest.  Other common diagnostic tests used in cardiology include ECG, blood pressure, radiographs (X-rays) and Holter monitoring.  These tests are also non-invasive and the tests used in a particular patient depend upon the details of the case and the information that is needed.