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Utilizing the Most Advanced Technologies to Provide the Most Accurate Diagnoses
Using state-of-the-art techniques such as cardiac catheterization, angiography, electrophysiology studies and cardiac imaging, heart specialists may diagnose cardiovascular conditions with impressive precision and accuracy, which results in fewer complications, faster recovery and improved long term outcomes. In collaboration with your primary care physician, your heart specialists will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your condition using state-of-the-art diagnostic technologies available at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center and Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center before recommending a medical, interventional or surgical treatment tailored to your needs, preferences and lifestyle.
Non-Invasive Cardiology and Nuclear Medicine Tests to Evaluate Heart Disease:
Electrocardiographic Tests. Using non-invasive equipment and technologies, electrocardiographic tests evaluate the electrical activity generated by the heart. Available technologies include —
- Ambulatory Monitors (holter monitors, loop recorders, mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry and transtelephonic transmitters), which assess the heart rhythm over time, correlate symptoms with the heart rhythm, diagnose abnormal heart rhythms, and guide treatment options.
- Electrocardiograms (ECG or EKG), which assess the heart rhythm and diagnose ischemia, heart attack heart chamber enlargement, arrhythmias and other abnormalities.
- Exercise Stress Tests, which assess adequacy of blood flow to the heart during increasing levels of activity and evaluate the effectiveness of a cardiac treatment plan.
- Tilt Table Tests, which determine the cause of fainting spells and evaluate heart rhythm, blood pressure and other symptoms as the position of the body changes.
- Metabolic Exercise Stress Tests, which evaluate the fitness of the heart and lungs, determine the nature of symptoms such as shortness of breath or chronic fatigue, measure the functional capacity of the heart, assess the appropriateness of certain surgical treatments, evaluate the effectiveness of cardiac treatment plans, and help patients and physicians develop safe and effective exercise programs.
Cardiac Ultrasound. Ultrasound technology incorporates advanced Doppler technology to provide graphic outlines of the heart's movement, enabling specialists to evaluate the pumping action of the heart and evaluate blood flow across the heart’s valves. Available technologies include—
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Echocardiograms or Transesophageal Echocardiograms(TEEs), which assess the heart’s function; identify the presence of disease of the heart muscle, valves and pericardium, heart tumors, and congenital heart disease; evaluate treatment effectiveness; and monitor valve disease.
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Dobutamine or Exercise Stress Echocardiograms, which assess stress and activity tolerance; evaluate heart and valve function; evaluate treatment effectiveness; and determine the need for further testing.
Advanced Imaging Technologies. State-of-the-art imaging technologies enable cardiac specialists to effectively evaluate the function and viability of the heart, including the pumping function of the ventricles; adequacy of blood flow to the heart; and damage to the heart following a heart attack. Available technologies include—
In addition, unique software enables specialists to blend images from MRI, CT, PET and SPECT to enhance diagnostic capabilities and improve the ability to analyze and measure changes in multiple images over time. Furthermore, physicians affiliated with Providence Holy Cross Medical Center and Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center have access to real-time viewing of CT, MRI and PET images and patient reports through a picture archiving and communication system (PACS). This system dramatically enhances physician-to-physician communication, and even provides opportunities for online consults for examinations in progress.
Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease
For more information about our programs and services, awards and recognitions, or our nationally recognized heart specialists, contact our Health Resource Center at 1-888-HEALING (1-888-432-5464). Or you may find a heart specialist by searching our online physician directory.
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