Here at Carolina Cardiology Associates we provide a wide variety of testing to our patients, in order to give them the quality care they deserve. Below are the names of tests, and a brief description of each, so that you may become more aware of our services.
Electrocardiogram: (EKG or ECG)
This is a simple test regularly performed in the office wherein electrodes are placed on the patient's arms, legs and chest to record the heart's electrical activity. This test will record the rate and regularity of heartbeats as well as the size and position of the chambers, the presence of any damage to the heart, and the effects of drugs or devices used to regulate the heart (such as a pacemaker).
For more information: www.cardiosmart.org/HeartDisease/CTT.aspx
Holter Monitor: (ambulatory electrocardiography device)
This is a portable monitor placed on the patient to continuously scan the electrical activity of the heart for a period of 24 to 48 hours. Its extended recording period is sometimes useful for observing occasional cardiac arrhythmias that would be difficult to identify in a shorter period of time. In addition to wearing the monitor, the patients are asked to keep a diary of activities such as what activities they have been involved in, symptoms they have experienced, along with times and dates.
For more information: www.cardiosmart.org/HeartDisease/CTT.aspx
Event Monitor: (ambulatory electrocardiography device)
This is a portable monitor placed on the patient for a period of up to thirty days. The electrical activity of the heart is recorded only when a patient experiences an episode and presses the record button. These recordings are called in and downloaded to a Carolina Cardiology employee during working hours or an outside service after hours, to be reviewed by our cardiologist.
Echocardiogram: (echo)
An echo is an ultrasound of the heart. In addition to creating two dimensional pictures of the cardiovascular system, the echocardiogram allows for assessment of cardiac valve areas and function. It may be obtained while the patient is resting or a stress echo may be obtained after a treadmill, or a medication induced stress.
For more information: www.cardiosmart.org/HeartDisease/CTT.aspx
Treadmill:
A treadmill stress test is performed by having the patient walk on a treadmill to increase the heart rate, at which time an EKG is performed to record the heart's electrical activity. The treadmill stress test can also be performed in conjunction with a stress echo, or a nuclear study.
For more information: www.cardiosmart.org/HeartDisease/CTT.aspx
Nuclear Study:
These tests are performed in our High Point office and both Asheboro office locations. Our doctors also supervise and read some nuclears in the hospital settings. During the test, patients have a small catheter placed in an arm vein for injection of an isotope. The isotope is injected during the resting and exercise portion of the test. The exercise portion of the test is usually with the use of a treadmill stress test, or medication. A gamma camera is used to obtain pictures to evaluate blood flow, and measure ejection fraction, stoke volume and cardiac output. The entire test usually takes at least four hours.
For more information: www.cardiosmart.org/HeartDisease/CTT.aspx
Peripheral Vascular Studies:
Peripheral vascular studies are performed to identify disease in the carotid arteries (neck), abdomen, or down the legs. The same probe used to perform electrocardiograms is used on peripheral studies. This test is used to evaluate for coronary artery disease, aneurysm, blood flow, etc.
Cardiac Catherization: (cath)
This test is performed in a hospital outpatient setting. An incision is made into the patient's groin where a wire is placed and moved up to the heart. Dye is injected into the patient's heart so that the physician can see the heart's function. In some cases where a blockage is identified, a balloon is inserted to open the vessel, and a stent placed to increase blood flow.
For more information: www.cardiosmart.org/HeartDisease/CTT.aspx
Electrophysiology Studies: (EP studies)
This is a type of cardiac mapping and performed to diagnose arrhythmias or abnormal heart rates, by locating small areas of abnormal heart tissue that interrupts the heart's normal electrical system. During an EP study, the physician will place a long flexible tube with wires called electrode catheters into the heart to record a path of electrical signals. This will help the physician determine if the arrhythmia should be treated with medication, an implantable defibrillator (ICD), a pacemaker, or a cardiac ablation procedure. If the physician decides to implant a device or perform an ablation, it may be performed while still in the EP lab.
For more information: www.cardiosmart.org/HeartDisease/CTT.aspx
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