Diagnosing heart or vascular problems starts with taking your detailed medical history, family history, and reviewing your known risk factors. Once we have the information we need, we will perform diagnostic testing in our office to help us identify or diagnose cardiovascular conditions to help determine the best course of treatment for you.
We utilize the following diagnostic services:
- Lexican Nuclear Scan: We perform this test to see how well the patient’s blood flows to the heart muscle by injecting an IV medication that makes the heart respond as though you are exercising. The test is used to evaluate the condition of your coronary arteries.
- Doppler Studies: We perform ultrasound studies that assess blood flow in the major arteries, which are the blood vessels carrying oxygenated blood away from the heart. These include studies of the carotid artery, aorta, peripheral arteries, and peripheral vascular systems.
- Segmental ankle-brachial index (ABI test): The ABI test is done by comparing the blood pressure in the ankles versus the upper arms. If the blood pressure in the legs is lower than that arms, it can signal narrowing or blockages in the peripheral arteries. This indicates the patient may have peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): This highly advanced, non-invasive test is performed in our clinic and only takes about 5 to 10 minutes. The test measures the electrical activity of your heart, which can help diagnose numerous cardiac conditions. Your cardiologist can learn a lot about your heart from the results of an EKG, including heart attack, arrhythmias, and atrial fibrillation, pulmonary embolism, structural heart disease, and valvular heart disease. Electrocardiogram
- Event and Holter Monitoring: Patients who may have heart rhythm abnormalities are prescribed a Holter Monitoring to evaluate any irregularities, called arrhythmias. This small, portable record is attached to the chest via several electrodes and records activity for 24 hours, and you will be asked to keep a log of your activities and any cardiac symptoms you experience while wearing the monitor. Once the Holter monitor is removed, a computer analyzes the data.
- Echocardiogram: This test can be performed while resting, during a “stress” test on a treadmill, or in other ways. It measures your heart rate and blood pressure and can measure how your heart muscle responds both at rest and immediately after exercise.
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