Stress Test
Used to evaluate heart function; a stress test requires that a patient exercise while his or her heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, EKG,and general health are monitored. Nuclear images of the heart are taken before and after exercise.
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Dr. Wazir talks to patient, William Ross during stress test
Some of the reasons why your doctor may order this test are chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, passing out, lack of energy, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure
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The stress test helps doctors determine how well the heart handles increased demands imposed by physical activity. When the body is active, it requires more oxygen than before and the heart has to pump more blood. A stress test can reveal a deficiency in coronary artery flow to the heart and heart function that is not apparent when the heart is at rest .
Some of the reasons why your doctor may order this test: chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, passing out, lack of energy, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure.
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Nuclear Images of the Heart
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Ultrasound
A diagnostic exam using sound waves to image various organs and structures in the body to aid with the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
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This ultrasound of the liver and gallbladder reveals gallstones
Typical “bulging” appearance of an abdominal aortic aneurysm
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An ultrasound transducer is placed on the skin. A gel is applied to the skin which allows sound waves to travel from the transducer into the body. The transducer sends and receives sound waves to create an image of internal organs and structures.
Some reasons why your doctor may order an abdominal ultrasound: abdominal pain, chest pain, back pain, digestive problems,abnormal blood work, abnormal sound
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Cardiac Catheterization
This procedure is performed by a Cardiologist to assess blood flow through the coronary arteries and evaluate the function of the heart. It is a sterile procedure that is done in a cardiac catherization suite.
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Special equipment is available to monitor the patient and image the heart and arteries. Images from this procedure provide the physician with a detailed “roadmap” of the arteries so the proper diagnosis and treatment can be determined. This test is often ordered following an abnormal stress test.
Dr. Yousaf studying images
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Dr. Yousaf inserting catheter.
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Nuclear Imaging
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A combination of technology that includes an imaging device with sophisticated measuring equipment that has been interfaced with a computer.
Registered Nuclear Technologist, Heather,
adjusts nuclear camera for images.
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A SPECT exam uses a dual-head camera that rotates 180 degrees around the patient’s body.The data collected is reconstructed as a 3-D representation.
This provides excellent images of the heart in various angles and slices so that abnormalities can be visualized.
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Carotid Artery Duplex
Normal carotid artery with color flow imaging
NOTE: The ICA is the internal carotid artery.
It is the main supply of blood to the brain.
Internal carotid artery that is severely blocked
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A Carotid Artery Duplex is an ultrasound with blood flow measurements of the carotid arteries.
Purpose: The carotid arteries are the primary source of blood flow to the brain. The brain, like any other organ, requires a certain amount of oxygenated blood flow to keep it functioning properly. A significant reduction in internal carotid artery flow can result in a stroke.
Preparation: None required
Gray scale image of the carotid artery showing
plaque formation which can cause a blockage.
Some of the reasons why your doctor may order this test: numbness or weakness on one side of the body, dizziness, headaches, abnormal sound in the artery, vision changes
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Transesophageal Echocardiography
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A diagnostic test also called a TEE; a small ultrasound transducer is placed in the mouth and esophagus for a close-up view inside of the heart
Dr. Devono guiding the transducer
during a TEE exam.
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The TEE is performed by a specially trained physician. Medication and patient monitoring are provided for patient comfort and care. The procedure usually takes less than an hour and does not require an overnight stay.
TEE showing a defect or “hole” in the atrial
septum(membrane) separating the right and
left atria of the heart
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Pacemaker
A small device that uses batteries to help your heart beat more regularly with electrical stimulations. Controls the rhythm of the heart beat when the body cannot do it on it’s own.
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Pacemaker function is checked on a monthly basis by telephone. A yearly in-house visit is performed with special equipment to ensure that the pacemaker is still working properly. The pacemaker is battery-operated which sometimes requires replacement.
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If you have a pacemaker you should always carry your pacemaker ID card. This is especially important when traveling by air because metal detection devices in airports may detect the metal in your pacemaker, while it won’t damage the pacemaker, it may save you some time and inconvenience.
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Electrocardiogram (EKG)
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Also known as an EKG; a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. With each heartbeat, an electrical impulse travels through the heart which causes the heart muscle to squeeze and pump blood.
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An abnormal EKG, like this one, can lead to
additional diagnostic exams to determine the cause.
An EKG is a simple test that only takes a few minutes. Electrodes are placed on the chest and waveforms are recorded. No needles or dyes are necessary.
Your doctor may order this test if you are experiencing: chest pains, palpitations, blackout spells, dizziness, or as a general health evaluation.
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Renal Artery Duplex
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Computed Tomography
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The new 64 slice CT scanner produces as many as 192 images per second. These new scan speeds have proven adequate enough to image moving structures. Therefore, the heart and coronary arteries can now be visualized in intricate detail. This is monumental because previously the only way to image coronary arteries directly was through invasive cardiac catheterization.
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