Cardiology Procedures and Services
Early diagnosis of heart disease is essential. People who do not know they have heart disease have a 30 percent chance that their first symptom will be an actual heart attack. That is why discovering what is wrong with a patient’s heart quickly is the critical first step in creating a treatment plan. Atrium Medical Center uses a variety of tools and procedures to diagnose and treat heart disease.
Diagnosis
Noninvasive cardiac imaging is used to diagnose and assess patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Diagnostic imaging services available at Atrium are described below.
Our Diagnostic Tools
Noninvasive cardiac imaging diagnoses and assesses patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD).
Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG)
An electrocardiograph is the most common form of noninvasive cardiac testing for patients with suspected coronary artery disease. Electrodes, which are placed on the chest, wrist, and ankles of the patient, are connected to a recording machine that displays the electrical activity of the heart. The test reveals any abnormal heart activity.
Stress Electrocardiography
When undergoing stress electrocardiography, patients increase their heart rate through exercise (such as on a treadmill) or medication while they are connected to electrocardiography equipment. This enhances the accuracy of the electrocardiograph and helps physicians confirm a possible diagnosis.
Echocardiography
Echocardiography provides three-dimensional images of the heart and its vessels and also assesses ventricle function. Atrium is the only cardiac care center in the area that provides three-dimensional heart images with echocardiography.
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Stress Echocardiography
When undergoing stress echocardiography, patients increase their heart rate through exercise (such as on a treadmill) or medication while they undergo the echocardiogram procedure. This enhances the accuracy of detecting coronary artery disease.
Noninvasive, 64-slice Computed Tomography (CT)
Our CT scanners use high-resolution three-dimensional imaging that virtually freezes the heart in motion, showing a detailed picture of the heart. We have two 64-slice multi-detector CT scanners that provide the optimum technology to perform cardiac CT. These scanners have a greater sensitivity than other CT scanners.
The 64-slice CT scanner allows technologists to take high-quality images of the heart as it is beating, which is difficult to achieve with scanners with fewer slices per revolution (such as 4, 8, or 16 slices). The higher number of slices per revolution of the x-ray tube, the less motion artifact acquired, which provides a more accurate and clear picture of the heart.
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Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Provided by JCAHO-Accredited Mobile Service
Our PET-/CT scanner provides doctors with highly defined three-dimensional images of the heart. Our scanner is provided by a mobile service that is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.
High-Field (1.5 T) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
High-field MRI is performed at Atrium with equipment with an open architecture thanks to Siemens’ new Espree short and extra-wide-bore scanners. It is more comfortable for our patients and helps doctors get a detailed picture of the heart.
Coronary Angiography (Angiogram) and Peripheral Angiography (Angiogram)
Coronary angiography and peripheral angiography involve an x-ray examination of the coronary blood vessels to detect dangerous narrowing. A catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, and a special dye that is visible by x-ray is injected.
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Cardiac Catheterization
Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure in which a catheter is used to access coronary circulation and blood-filled chambers of the heart. A thin plastic tube is inserted into an artery or vein in the arm or leg and advanced into the chambers of the heart or coronary arteries. This procedure is used to help cardiologists determine what treatment path will be used for the cardiac patient.
Holter Monitor
Holter monitors, also called ambulatory electrocardiography devices, are portable devices that continuously monitor the electrical activity of the heart for a 24-hour period. They are used to observe cardiac rhythms and identify arrhythmias.
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Nuclear Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
Nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging involves injecting a small amount of radioactive material into the blood stream intravenously to show if the heart is receiving an adequate blood supply. This test is combined with a stress test to provide a comprehensive exam. It is recommended for patients with risk factors or symptoms showing a high likelihood of coronary artery disease. At Atrium, our cardiologists not only perform this procedure, they also interpret the results, giving the quickest, most comprehensive evaluation possible.
Metabolic Exercise Stress Test (Cardiopulmonary Stress Test)
A Metabolic Stress Test is used to measure the performance of the heart and lungs while they are under physical stress. The test involves walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bike at increasing levels of difficulty and breathing into a face mask while being closely monitored. Cardiologists use the test to determine how fit a person’s heart and lungs are to determine if symptoms of shortness of breath or chronic fatigue are due to a medical problem (such as heart or lung disease) or due to poor fitness. They also use the test to measure a patient’s heart’s ability to do work (functional capacity) and to determine if certain surgical treatments are appropriate. Cardiologists are then able to evaluate the effectiveness of the patient’s cardiac treatment plan and help develop a safe and effective exercise program.
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Patient Evaluation and Treatment Options
Patient assessment includes a physical examination, medical history, family history, laboratory tests, blood tests, and diagnostic imaging results. At Atrium, this comprehensive evaluation involves the referring physician, Cardiologists, Radiology Technologists, Nuclear Medicine Technologists, Registered Nurses, and other clinical caregivers, as well as the patient and the patient’s family.
Cardiology treatment plans can consist of simple lifestyle changes and/or the use of medications. They can also include interventional procedures or open heart surgery.
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