At Decatur County Hospital, we’re committed to providing comprehensive cardiac care close to home. This includes advanced tests and screenings that help detect heart disease early, monitor existing conditions, and guide personalized care plans. Our cardiology team, led by board-certified cardiologist Dr. Steven Mehta, works with you every step of the way to keep your heart strong and healthy.

Why Heart Health Testing Matters

Heart disease often develops silently, with few obvious symptoms until it’s advanced. Regular heart health tests can:

• Detect problems early when they’re more treatable
• Monitor heart function over time
• Help you and your care team make informed decisions about treatment and lifestyle
• Provide peace of mind and a roadmap for preventive health care

Common Heart Health Tests & Screenings

Decatur County Hospital offers a range of heart health tests you don’t have to travel far for high-quality cardiology services.

Stress Test

A stress test evaluates how well your heart performs under physical demand by monitoring your heart rate, rhythm, and blood pressure during controlled exercise. This test can help identify coronary artery disease and assess safe exercise levels after a cardiac event.

Electrocardiogram (ECG / EKG)

This quick and painless test records the electrical activity of your heart. It helps detect irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), rapid or slow heart rate, and other electrical abnormalities.

If your heartbeat irregularities aren’t captured during a standard EKG, a Holter monitor, portable device you wear, records continuous heart activity over 24 hours or more, helping identify intermittent issues.

Cardiac Blood Tests

These tests measure cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, and other biomarkers that influence heart disease risk. Cholesterol and blood glucose levels are key indicators of cardiovascular health and future risk.

Preventive Screenings: What to Expect

In addition to specialized cardiology tests, basic heart health screenings are an essential part of preventive care. These may include:

• Blood pressure measurement: High blood pressure is a major risk factor with few symptoms.
• Cholesterol panel: Assesses levels of LDL (“bad”) and HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
• Blood glucose checks: Helps identify diabetes or prediabetes.
• Family health history review & lifestyle assessment: Helps personalize your risk profile.

Support & Follow-Up Care

Once tests are complete, our cardiology providers review and explain your results in plain language. If any concerns are found, we’ll help you understand your options ranging from lifestyle strategies to medications, monitoring, or specialized procedures.

Many tests can be coordinated right here at DCH, keeping care local and convenient.

Schedule Your Heart Health Evaluation

Heart disease is treatable and often preventable, especially when detected early.
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Call the DCH Outpatient Clinic at 641-446-2285 to discuss your heart health and schedule necessary testing today.