Non-Invasive Services
• Stress Testing
• Echocardiography
• Stress Echocardiography
• Transesophogeal Echocardiography
• Nuclear Cardiology
• Holter Monitor and Event Recording
• Full Modality Services for the Diagnosis of Peripheral Vascular Disease
• Cardiac Rehabilitation
To learn more about conditions, tests, and treatments of heart disease, access the American College of Cardiology's "CardioSmart" at www.cardiosmart.org.
Exercise Stress Test - A stress test, sometimes called a treadmill test or exercise test, helps physicians determine how well the heart handles work. As the body works harder during the test, it requires more oxygen and the heart has to pump more blood. The test can show if the blood supply is reduced in the arteries that supply the heart. It also helps doctors know the kind and level of exercise appropriate for a patient. Pharmacological or drug stress testing is also available for patients who are unable to exercise.
Echocardiogram - A study using high-frequency sound waves to picture or visualize the heart chambers, the thickness of the muscle wall, the heart valves, and major blood vessels located near the heart. A non-invasive procedure.
Stress Echo - A stress test coupled with an echocardiogram before and after exercise. Your doctor will be able to tell if you have blocked or narrowed heart arteries by viewing how your heart muscle contracts in response to exercise.
Transesophageal Echocardiography
Transesophageal Echocardiogram - A scope with an ultrasound probe mounted on its tip is passed through the mouth into the esophagus just behind the heart. This allows the cardiologist performing the test to obtain very clear pictures of your heart and aorta (the main artery in the chest). This test is often used when clear pictures of the heart cannot be obtained from the outside of the chest during an echo-doppler. You will receive light sedation for this test to assure that you are comfortable.
Nuclear Cardiology Studies - This study provides information on blood flow to the heart muscle and heart muscle function. It is performed by injecting a small amount of radioactive tracer intravenously. When coupled with a treadmill test, this study gives a highly sensitive and specific way of defining the probablility of coronary artery disease. The test is interpreted by nuclear cardiologists.
Holter Monitor and Event Recording
Holter Monitor and Event Recording - Holter Monitor provides a 24-hour recording of heartbeats to help determine if there are abnormalities of rate or rhythm. Event recording provides up to three weeks of recording heart rate and rhythm to detect abnormalities of rate and/or rhythm.
Full Modality Services for the Diagnosis of Peripheral Vascular Disease
ABI: Ankle Brachial Index
A screening test for blockages of the arteries in the legs.
Upper and Lower Extremity Arterial Doppler
Ultrasound Doppler looking for blockages in the arteries of the arms and/or legs.
Upper and Lower Extremity Venous Doppler
Ultrasound Doppler looking for blockages in the veins of the arms and/or legs.
Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound
Ultrasound study of the abdominal aorta evaluating for or measuring an abdominal aortic aneurysm (abnormal dilation of the abdominal aorta)
Carotid Artery Ultrasound
Ultrasound of the arteries in the neck, looking for blockages or severity of blockages. (Blockages of the carotid can lead to stroke).
Cardiac Rehabilitation is a program designed for patients with heart disease to assist in recovering faster, improving quality of life, and returning to a productive, healthier lifestyle. The service provides monitored recovery, increased physical activity and fitness, and reduction of risk for future events. These benefits are accomplished through exercise, education, and risk factor counseling. In addition, patients are instructed about their disease, as well as how to cope with it physically and psychologically.
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MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This site provides materials for information and education only. It is not to be considered medical advice. LVCA encourages you to see your physician for any of the health issues discussed here. The field of medicine changes on a regular basis, therefore we do not guarantee the accuracy of the information provided on this site, nor do we guarantee that the information represents the most currently accepted standards.
Suite 301 • 2649 Schoenersville Road • Bethlehem, PA 18017
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