Cardiac and/or Vascular Consultation: The Heart Center staff recognizes and respects the unique relationship between patient and doctor. We work in complete cooperation with your primary care physician to develop a unified plan for your cardiovascular care.
Cardiac Event Monitoring: We have full capabilities to help monitor symptoms by using a small device that records rhythm disturbances or other cardiac abnormalities.
Carotid & Abdominal Ultrasound: With high-frequency sound waves, we trace blood flow in the carotid arteries or major arteries of the abdomen and test for narrowing or obstruction of blood flow to the brain or other organs.
Cardiac Catheterization: When necessary, we utilize this highly specialized procedure to obtain clear pictures of the coronary arteries through the use of x-rays and the injection of contrast material.
ECG (Electrocardiogram): We analyze electrical activity to provide information about heart rhythm, presence of coronary artery disease, thickening of heart muscle and other kinds of heart abnormalities.
Echocardiography: With high frequency sound waves from a small transducer, we can generate a computer image that shows the heart chamber size, heart wall motion and valve action. We utilize a Doppler device to map the flow of blood through the heart chambers. Transesophageal Echocardiogram (or TEE) is used to view the heart from within the chest. The Heart Center’s Echocardiography and Vascular Labs are fully accredited, ensuring compliance with very strict national standards.
Electrophysiology Studies (EP Studies): This special cardiac catheterization procedure measures the function of the heart's own pacemaker and electrical system to diagnose and treat disorders of the heart’s rhythm.
24 Hour Holter Monitoring: Rhythm disturbances or other abnormalities are analyzed on a computer and are matched to symptoms that the patient has recorded in a log.
MUGA (Multigated Acquisition): A diagnostic nuclear scan creates a moving picture of heart contraction to show areas of muscle damage from a heart attack or otherwise areas of inadequate circulation.
Nuclear Stress Testing: The heart is scanned to map the flow of blood throughout the heart muscle and locate obstructions or areas of disturbed heart contraction.
The Heart Center’s Nuclear Medicine Labs are fully accredited by a nationally recognized body (ICANL) for standardization of high quality.
PVR (Pulse Volume Recording): A series of blood pressure cuffs are used to detect diminished or interrupted blood flow in the extremities, usually signifying Peripheral Vascular Disease (or PVD).
Stress Testing: This important method of screening patients for the presence of coronary artery disease involves walking on a treadmill to create "stress" on the heart. When a patient cannot walk on a treadmill, a similar stress can be created using intravenous medications.
Tilt Table: An examination table can tilt the patient from a near-standing position to a recumbent position to determine if changes in body position produce abnormal heart rhythms responsible for fainting, etc.
Pacemaker / ICD Clinic: We monitor the proper function of implanted pacemakers or defibrillators.
Coumadin Clinic: Patients who have been prescribed anti-blood clotting agents are tracked and tested periodically, in order to maintain a safe, therapeutic level of anti-clotting medications.
Lipid Disorders Center: An organized approach to achieving the best possible state of blood lipids (cholesterol and other fatty elements). Includes genetic testing and careful monitoring by a qualified professional trained in this area.
Peripheral Vascular Angiography: This technology detects obstructions to blood flow, using x-rays and injected contrast material into peripheral arteries.
Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS): High frequency ultrasound is sometimes used to determine the interior condition of blood vessel walls; used during a cardiac catheterization procedure.