Tests
ECG
The 12-lead ECG is an electronic recording of the heart electrical activity. It provides an insight into the heart rhythm, blood flow to the heart muscle and structural issues. It is commonly used to diagnose cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias, heart attacks, cardiomyopathies and other heart conditions. The procedure is quick, painless and often a key part of routine heart health checks.
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I perform this test within the clinical environment in all of my clinical locations.
Echocardiography
Echocardiography, often referred to as an "echo," is a safe, non-invasive test that uses ultrasound waves to create detailed images of the heart. This allows doctors to assess the structure and function of the heart, including its chambers, valves, and blood flow. An echocardiogram can help identify issues such as heart valve problems, heart muscle weakness, or abnormal blood flow. The procedure is painless and typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes, with patients lying down comfortably while a small device called a transducer is moved over the chest to capture images.
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I perform this test within the clinical environment in all of my clinical locations.
Cardiac MRI:
Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is an advanced, non-invasive test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the heart. This test allows doctors to assess the heart's structure, function, and blood flow without the need for radiation. It provides a clear view of the heart's muscles, valves, and blood vessels, helping diagnose conditions like heart muscle disease, scarring, or inflammation. The procedure usually takes 30 to 90 minutes, during which patients lie still in an MRI machine while the heart is scanned. It’s painless and does not require recovery time.
Cardiac CT:
Cardiac CT (Computed Tomography) is a specialized imaging test that uses X-rays to create highly detailed cross-sectional images of the heart and its blood vessels. It is often used to check for blockages or narrowing in the coronary arteries, assess the heart’s anatomy, or detect calcium deposits in the arteries. The procedure is quick, usually lasting around 10 to 15 minutes. Patients lie on a table that slides through a CT scanner, while the machine takes images. A contrast dye is often used to highlight the blood vessels, making it easier for doctors to see any abnormalities.
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Stress MRI:
Stress MRI is a specialized form of cardiac MRI that assesses how well the heart performs under stress, either through exercise or medication that increases heart rate. This test helps doctors identify areas of the heart that may not be receiving enough blood flow during activity, which could indicate blockages in the coronary arteries. The procedure is similar to a standard MRI but includes periods where the heart is placed under controlled stress. This test provides valuable information about the heart’s ability to handle physical exertion and is used to diagnose and assessing angina.
Stress Echo:
A stress echocardiogram, or stress echo, combines ultrasound imaging with a physical or medication-induced stress test to evaluate how the heart works under pressure. During the test, ultrasound images of the heart are taken before, during and after stress, such as treadmill exercise or a drug that stimulates the heart. This allows doctors to see if the heart pumps effectively when it's working harder. It’s commonly used to detect blockages in the coronary arteries or assess overall heart function. The test typically lasts about an hour and provides real-time insight into heart performance under stress.
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This is performed exclusively at Venturi Cardiology (link to VC homepage)
Exercise Treadmill Test (ETT):
The Exercise Treadmill Test (ETT) is a straightforward test that monitors how your heart responds to physical exertion. While walking or running on a treadmill, your heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG (electrocardiogram) are closely observed. This test helps doctors assess the heart’s ability to handle increased activity and detect potential problems such as reduced blood flow to the heart muscles, which could indicate coronary artery disease. ETT is simple, taking about 30 to 40 minutes, and is often one of the first steps in evaluating heart health.
This is performed exclusively at Venturi Cardiology (link to VC homepage)
