Angiogram (Heart Catheterization)

Also called an "arteriogram" or "heart catheterization," an angiogram is an x-ray of the arteries and veins to detect blockage or narrowing of the vessels.

Angioplasty (PCTA)

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is performed to open blocked coronary arteries caused by coronary artery disease (CAD) and to restore arterial blood flow to the heart tissue without open-heart surgery. A special catheter (long hollow tube) is inserted into the coronary artery to be treated. This catheter has a tiny balloon at its tip. The balloon is inflated once the catheter has been placed into the narrowed area of the coronary artery. The inflation of the balloon compresses the fatty tissue in the artery and makes a larger opening inside the artery for improved blood flow.

Ankle Brachial Index

This test is done by measuring blood pressure at the ankle and in the arm while a person is at rest. Measurements are usually repeated at both sites after five minutes of walking on a treadmill. The ankle brachial index (ABI) result is used to predict the severity of peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Arrhythmia Event Monitoring

Uses various monitoring devices to evaluate and monitor abnormal heart rhythms.

Biplane Angiography

Used for diagnostic and interventional procedures primarily in the brain and neck, biplane angiography allows physicians to view complex vessel structures, make them transparent and visualize what lies behind them.

Cardiac and Vascular Clinical Research Trials

We participate in numerous cardiac and vascular research trials. The list is constantly rotating because national trials open and close due to a number of reasons such as having enrolled enough participants.

Cardiac MRI

Cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses special magnets and a computer to create images of the heart as it is beating, producing both still and moving pictures of the heart and major blood vessels. Doctors use cardiac MRI to get images of the beating heart and to look at the structure and function of the heart. These images can help them decide how best to treat patients with heart problems.

Cardiac Scoring (Coronary CT)

Cardiac scoring is a simple test that determines your risk for developing coronary artery disease long before any signs or symptoms are visible. Using a high-speed CT scanner, physicians can detect calcium deposits in the coronary artery and then assess your chances of developing heart disease.

The high-tech scanning equipment makes the test quick, easy and completely noninvasive. The entire exam takes about 10 minutes.

Cardiovascular Research

Clinical research in the field of cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology.

Cardioverter Defibrillator Implantation

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) insertion is the implantation of an electronic device (just below the collarbone) used to help regulate electrical problems with the heart. An ICD monitors the heart's electrical activity and responds with either anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) or shock therapy to prevent sudden cardiac arrest. An ICD can also record and store information about your heart rhythm and therapies delivered by the ICD for your physician to review.

Cholesterol Testing

Cholesterol screening is performed by a blood test. Persons with high cholesterol measurements from a blood sample tend to have a higher risk for coronary heart disease than those with cholesterol in the normal range. Studies have demonstrated that persons with high cholesterol can reduce their risk for heart disease by lowering their cholesterol. It is important to understand, however, that people can still have heart disease even with cholesterol levels in the normal range.

Coronary CT Angiography

Coronary CT Angiography uses a 64-slice CT scanner to produce detailed pictures of the heart in a few seconds and provide sharp, clear, three-dimensional images.

The 64-slice scanner allows doctors to evaluate the most common causes of acute chest pain with a single scan. It may also permit some patients to avoid surgical procedures, such as cardiac catheterization.

Echocardiogram (Echo)

An echocardiogram (also known as an Echo) is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to assess the heart's function and structures. During the procedure, a transducer (like a microphone) sends out ultrasonic sound waves at a frequency too high to be heard. When the transducer is placed on the chest at certain locations and angles, the ultrasonic sound waves move through the skin and other body tissues to the heart tissues, where the waves echo off of the heart structures. The transducer picks up the reflected waves and sends them to a computer. The computer interprets the echoes into an image of the heart walls and valves.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is one of the simplest and fastest procedures used to evaluate the heart. Electrodes (small, plastic patches) are placed at certain locations on the chest, arms and legs. When the electrodes are connected to an ECG machine by lead wires, the electrical activity of the heart is measured, interpreted and printed out for the physician's information and further interpretation.

Electrophysiology Studies (EP Studies)

An electrophysiology study (EP study) is a cardiac catheterization to study electrical currents in patients who have arrhythmias.

Event/Loop Recorders

Portable event/loop recorders can monitor heart activity for weeks to months, while the device is worn by the individual at home. A permanent record is kept only when the patient activates the recorder during periods when symptoms are felt.

Heart Attack Care

Care for those suffering from a heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, which occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart is interrupted.

Heart Catheterization

A doctor inserts a thin plastic tube (catheter) into an artery or vein in the arm or leg. From there it can be advanced into the chambers of the heart or into the coronary arteries.

Heart Failure Treatment

Heart failure is a serious form of heart disease, but it can be monitored and treated in an attempt to improve heart function and reduce symptoms. The proper treatment for heart failure depends on what area of your heart is affected, and can include medicine and/or surgery.

Heart Risk Assessment

An important first step in preventing cardiovascular disease and stroke is determining your level of risk. We offer one-on-one cardiovascular risk assessments, which include cholesterol level and blood pressure checks as well as personal consultations on how to reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Holter Monitoring

The Holter monitor is a portable device for continuously monitoring the electrical activity of the heart for 24 hours or more. Its extended recording period is sometimes useful for observing occasional cardiac arrhythmias that would be difficult to identify in a shorter period of time.

Nuclear Medicine

A branch of medicine and medical imaging that uses the nuclear properties of matter in diagnosis and therapy. More specifically, nuclear medicine is a part of molecular imaging because it produces images that reflect biological processes that take place at the cellular and subcellular level.

Peripheral Artery Disease Treatment

Treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) focuses on reducing symptoms and preventing further progression of the disease. In most cases, lifestyle changes, exercise and claudication medications are enough to slow the progression or even reverse the symptoms of PAD.

Stenting

Stenting places a tiny, expandable coil (stent) inside a blood vessel at the site of a blockage. The stent is expanded to open up the blockage.

Stress Testing

Stress testing (usually with ECG; also called treadmill or exercise ECG) is a test that is given while a patient walks on a treadmill or pedals a stationary bike to monitor the heart during exercise. Breathing and blood pressure rates are also monitored. A stress test may be used to detect coronary artery disease, and/or to determine safe levels of exercise following a heart attack or heart surgery.

Tilt Table Testing

A tilt table procedure is a diagnostic procedure that may be used to evaluate a person who has symptoms of syncope (fainting). When a person has a complaint of syncope, the physician will carefully evaluate the person's past medical history and perform a physical examination. If basic components of the examination or history do not reveal a potential cause for the syncope, and the person has no history of heart disease, then further diagnostic procedures will be scheduled.