FOR APPs & PRIMARY CARE CLINICIANS
Cardiac testing explained — Quick reference
First steps, urgent findings, referral guidance, and handoff essentials.
First steps
Define the clinical question, symptoms, risk, prior results, and what action an abnormal result would trigger. Match the modality to the question.
Recognize the urgent patient
Unstable symptoms require acute evaluation, not an elective stress test or routine ambulatory monitor.
When to refer
Coordinate complex selection, major findings, nondiagnostic studies, or clinical-test discordance with cardiology/EP.
What to send with the referral
Question to be answered; symptoms/timeline; EKG; prior complete reports; medications; renal/device/contrast considerations.
Avoid this pitfall
A test answers a defined question. Normal rhythm, EF, or stress perfusion does not mean every cardiac condition has been excluded.
Reviewed October 11, 2026. This quick reference summarizes the linked guide; use the full guide for context and clinical references.