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Diagnostic Services

 

The latest technology, tests and procedures are available right here at the Heart & Vascular Center to quickly and accurately diagnose any cardiac or vascular problem you may experience. From a basic electrocardiogram to sophisticated CT scans, you can rest assured that our highly trained team has the tests needed to get to the bottom of the problem without delay.

 

Electrocardiogram

Often called an EKG or ECG, this simple test detects and records the electrical activity of your heart and it used to detect and locate the source the problem.

 

Holter Monitor

This is an outpatient device that records your heartbeat for 24 hours. It is used to diagnose any potential heartbeat irregularities.

 

Event Monitor

This is a type of Holter monitor that is worn for 30 days to capture any potential heartbeat irregularities.

 

Tilt Table Test

This test is used to diagnose people with unexplained fainting spells or syncope. The person lies on a special table and vital signs are monitored while the table is tilted to simulate different positions from lying down to standing.

 

Ultrasound Imaging

This noninvasive test uses ultrasound to create pictures of how well the blood is flowing through various vessels in your body, for example in your legs, abdomen or heart.

 

Echocardiogram (Echo)

An Echo uses ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves) to take pictures of your heart’s chambers and valves. The sound waves bounce back (like an echo) from your heart, producing images that can be used by our physicians to detect any damage and disease.

 

Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)

A TEE, is a different application of an Echo. It sends sound waves to your heart through a small scope. Parts of the heart such as the wall, valves, muscles and blood vessels send echoes back allowing our physicians to see cardiac structures in more detail than a routine echocardiogram.

 

Stress Tests

There are many different types of stress tests. The purpose of each is to evaluate how your heart muscle is functioning, as well as how well blood is flowing to your heart. Stress tests include:

  • Basic Stress Test – Your heartbeat and blood pressure are monitored while you walk on a treadmill at increasing speeds and elevations in order to see how your heart responds to stress.
  • Exercise Tolerance Test (ETT) – This special type of stress test allows our physicians to evaluate whether the blood supply to your heart is sufficient during different levels of exercise. An ETT also helps our physicians determine the type and level of exercise that is right for you.
  • Stress Testing with Exercise and Nuclear (Perfusion) Imaging – This test combines exercise and nuclear imaging to evaluate the blood flow to your heart muscle. A low-level isotope injected via an intravenous line (IV) is used to highlight the heart muscle.
  • Stress (Test) Echocardiogram – This test combines an ultrasound study of the heart and an exercise stress test. During the test harmless sound waves are bounced off the heart and converted into two-dimensional images of the heart and its internal structures. Pictures are taken before you walk on a treadmill and compared to those taken again after you exercise.

 

CT Scan

Computer Tomography (CT) scanning is an imaging technique that uses a computer and X-rays to reveal cross-sections or “slices” of areas of the body. The Dual Source CT scanner at Sacred Heart Hospital takes 128 “slices” or images of the body at once, resulting in crystal clear accuracy. This technology is particularly useful for taking images of the heart. It enables our physicians to conduct a non-invasive study of the coronary arteries without having to give you medication to slow down your heart. 

 

MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce high quality two- or three-dimensional images of the body structures without exposing you to ionizing radiation or X-rays.

 

Angiography

This invasive diagnostic procedure uses an intravenous (IV) contrast agent or dye and X-rays to better visualize how blood is flowing through your blood vessels.

 

Cardiac Catheterization

Also known as coronary angiography. This test is used to visualize the coronary arteries. A fine tube (catheter) is placed into a blood vessel and maneuvered into a coronary artery. A dye is then injected to visualize the vessels. Your heart and blood vessels are then filmed to help diagnose any narrowing or blockage.

 

Electrophysiology Testing

This is an invasive test performed in our Cardiac Catheterization Lab. It is used to assess serious electrical conduction abnormalities (such as irregular heart rhythms) that can become life threatening.