handheld ultrasound probe which is applied to
your chest to make pictures of the heart valves
and chambers, identifying abnormal structures
and function. We offer the very best equipment,
skilled technologists, and expert physician readers
who have access to your chart and are therefore
looking for the special details that are important
in your case.
Stress Testing.
We offer a variety of stress tests. The specific
type ordered for you will depend on your physical
condition and a number of other medical factors.
The EKG monitored treadmill test
("standard EKG stress test")-
In this test you will walk on a treadmill with
gradually increasing speed and elevation until
you want to stop or we find a reason to stop you.
We look at how far you can go, whether you develop
any discomfort, what happens to your heart rate,
rhythm, and blood pressure, and whether there
are any abnormalities on the electrocardiogram.
The test, including set up and cool down, usually
takes about 45 minutes. There is a copy of our
consent form listed under the heading of "Download
Forms for Patients".
Nuclear Cardiology - Our Nuclear
Laboratory is nationally accredited by ICANL.
Our patients benefit from state-of the-art equipment
equal to top health care centers. The results
meet efficient, high quality standards.
Treadmill Cardiolite Stress Test -
An intravenous line will be placed in the patient
before exercise. The patient will walk on a treadmill
and a tiny amount of radioisotope will be injected
at peak exercise. The patient will be imaged within
the hour.
Persantine Cardiolite Stress Test -
For patients who cannot or should not exercise
a pharmacologic or persantine test is dorie. An
intravenous line will be placed in the patient
before the test and the medicine will be administered
to "stress" the heart. The patient will
then receive the cardiolite injection and will
be imaged within the hour.
With either of the above stress test the patient
returns the next day for "resting pictures".
The doctor will then review both sets of images
and evaluate relative blood flow and global function
of the heart muscle.
Pharmacologic stress testing. -
A pharmacologic, "chemical stress test"
is prescribed for individuals who can't or shouldn't
walk on the treadmill.
Adenosine Nuclear Stress Test -
We obtain nuclear scan images of the heart at
rest and after the infusion of a medication which
mimics exercise. The scans are then compared for
evidence of poor coronary blood flow.
Holter monitor. -
Three EKG leads are placed on your chest and connected
to a small tape recorder which can be carried
with a belt or shoulder strap. Every heart beat
is recorded for 24 hours. If you feel anything
unusual, there is a button that you can push to
mark the time on the recording. We ask you to
keep a diary of your activities while you are
wearing the unit. It is very helpful in determining
the cause for palpitations, lightheadedness, or
fainting spells, and for evaluating response to
medication.
Event Recorder. - We have several
styles of small recorders which can be kept for
up to a month. Recordings can be made at the time
of infrequent spells of lightheadedness, palpitation,
or fainting. You can transmit your EKG by telephone
to our office, or a central monitoring station.
MUGA Scan. - An isotope is injected
and a scan performed which shows how well your
heart muscle is contracting.
Pacemaker monitoring. - For those
who have an implanted pacemaker we offer a convenient
and accurate way to check your pacemaker function
by telephone on a regular basis.
