Echocardiogram

A 2-D echocardiogram provides the physicians with information regarding the size of heart chambers, pumping functioning and presence of clot or fluids, as well as heart wall thickness and heart valve structure and function.  Doppler is a special part of the examination that assess blood flow (direction and velocity).  It identifies leakages and/or narrowing across heart valves and evaluates their severity

Exercise (Stress) Echocardiogram

Stress echocardiogram is used to help diagnose coronary artery disease by detecting heart wall motion abnormalities during exercise.  Images are obtained before and after exercise.

Contrast Echocardiogram

A contrast material is injected through a vein to produce and enhance images of the heart.  This is usually used for patients whose hearts are difficult to see using the standard echo technique.

Pacemaker and ICD Clinic

We offer monitoring of patients with pacemakers and ICD's to identify possible problems, optimize device functions and prolong device life.

Electrocardiogram

12 lead EKG's record electrical activity of the heart.  This test is useful in evaluating a patient's cardiac condition.  EKG's can often determine if a patient has experienced a heart attack, and what part of the heart was damaged.  It also records irregular heartbeats or rhythms.

Exercise Stress Testing (sometimes abbreviates as ETT or GXT)

An exercise stress test records the electrical activity of the heart during exercise.  The patient will be asked to walk on a treadmill.  This test us useful to evaluate a decrease in blood and oxygen flow to the heart with exercise, and to evaluate a possible cardiac condition related to irregular heart rhythms; it can sometimes be used to predict an individual's risk of heart attack.

Holter Monitoring

A Holter monitor gives a continuous 24 or 48 hour electrocardiogram (EKG) recording of the heart's rhythm.  This is used to evaluate the type and amount of irregular heartbeats during regular activities, exercise and sleep.

Vascular

Through our affiliation with the Cardiac and Vascular Center the Carolinas we offer Carotid Duplex studies and scanning for peripheral vascular disease.

Cardiac Event Monitoring

During this test, a continuous loop memory recorder is worn for an extended period of time (up to 30 days or more).  This device can document the heart rhythms during any events felt by the patient.  This test is very useful in ruling out heart rhythm disturbances as a possible cause of dizziness or fainting spells.  It is usually not useful in the evaluation of chest pain

Nuclear Medicine Stress Test

This test is similar to the exercise stress test but it provides additional information by using an isotope (Cardiolite or Thallium) to evaluate coronary blood flow.  A special camera is used to take pictures of the heart muscle before and after stress testing.  These pictures help to show specific area(s) of the heart that are not getting enough blood flow and oxygen.

Pharmacologic Stress Test

This test can be performed on patients who are unable to walk on the treadmill.  Intravenous medication is given and nuclear images are obtained.  Drugs used include Adenosine and Dobutamine.

EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation)

EECP therapy is a treatment for patients suffering from angina and some forms of heart failure.  It is most appropriate for patients who cannot undergo PCI or CABG.  Therapy consists of 35 one-hour-a-day treatments

Results of all test will be forward to your referring physician or other health care provider once completed.  Follow up of the final test results should be made through their offices.  If you would like a copy of the test report sent to you separately, please let us know