Other Services
There are a few important cardiac diagnostic tests that we do not offer in our office. However, we work closely with hospitals and radiology departments in the area to get these tests conveniently scheduled for our patients.
Cardioversion
A procedure that restores your heart’s normal rhythm when experiencing arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat).
How it happens: You’ll receive mild sedation to ensure comfort for electrical cardioversion. Small patches are placed on your chest to deliver a controlled electrical shock to reset your heart’s rhythm. The procedure takes just seconds, though you’ll spend about an hour in recovery as the sedation wears off. Pharmacological cardioversion uses medications to restore normal rhythm without the use of an electrical shock to the heart.
When it’s necessary: We may recommend this procedure if you have atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, or certain types of tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) that aren’t responding to medication.
Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty (aka Coronary Catheterization)
A minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment procedure that examines blood flow through your coronary arteries and can restore normal flow when blockages are found.
How it happens: A cardiac catheterization happens in a hospital setting. Our interventional cardiologists insert a thin, flexible tube (catheter) through a blood vessel in your wrist or groin and guide it to your heart. A special dye is injected to make your arteries visible on X-ray screens. If blockages are found, tiny balloons can inflate to widen the artery, and mesh tubes called stents may be placed to keep the artery open.
When it’s necessary: We may recommend this procedure if you have symptoms of coronary artery disease, abnormal stress test results, or to evaluate chest pain that could indicate blocked arteries.
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
A surgical procedure that improves blood flow to your heart by creating new pathways around blocked coronary arteries.
How it happens: During surgery, your cardiac surgeon takes blood vessels from another part of your body — typically your leg, arm, or chest — and connects them to create detours around blocked portions of your coronary arteries. This reroutes blood flow around the blockage, ensuring your heart muscle receives adequate oxygen and nutrients.
When it’s necessary: We may recommend CABG when you have severe coronary artery disease affecting multiple vessels, or when angioplasty and stenting are not suitable options due to the location or extent of blockages.
Coronary Artery CT Angiogram
This non-invasive imaging test uses computed tomography (CT) technology to visualize the coronary arteries.
How it happens: You’ll lie on a table that slides into a donut-shaped scanner. A contrast dye is injected into your arm through an IV line to highlight your blood vessels. The scanner rapidly takes multiple X-ray images from different angles, creating detailed 3D pictures of your heart and coronary arteries. The procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes.
When it’s necessary: This test may be recommended to evaluate chest pain, assess coronary artery disease risk, or check previously placed stents or bypass grafts.
Coronary Calcium Score
A specialized CT scan that measures calcium deposits in your coronary arteries.
How it happens: You’ll lie on a table that moves through a CT scanner. The machine takes multiple images of your heart without using contrast dye. These images reveal calcium deposits in your coronary arteries, which indicate the presence of atherosclerotic plaque. The process takes just minutes and requires no special preparation.
When it’s necessary: This screening test benefits patients with intermediate risk factors for heart disease, helping to guide preventive treatment decisions.
Cardiac MRI
A highly detailed imaging test that uses magnetic resonance technology to create precise pictures of your heart’s structure and function.
How it happens: You’ll lie comfortably inside an MRI scanner while the machine creates detailed images of your heart. The procedure is painless and typically takes 30-90 minutes. Unlike standard X-rays or CT scans, no radiation is used.
When it’s necessary: A cardiac MRI may be recommended to evaluate heart muscle damage, inflammatory conditions, congenital defects, heart tumors, or to assess the severity of heart disease.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
This specialized ultrasound procedure provides detailed images of your heart’s structure and function inside the esophagus.
How it happens: A TEE occurs in a hospital setting. You’ll receive sedation to ensure comfort. A small, flexible probe with an ultrasound transducer is gently guided down your throat into your esophagus (the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach). Since the esophagus passes behind the heart, this positioning allows for clear, detailed images of your heart chambers and valves without interference from the ribs or lungs.
When it’s necessary: A TEE may be suitable to look for blood clots before cardioversion, evaluate heart valve problems, detect infections of the heart valves, or assess congenital heart defects.
Electrophysiology (EP) Study
This specialized procedure examines your heart’s electrical system to diagnose and treat irregular heart rhythms.
How it happens: This procedure happens in a hospital setting. You’ll receive sedation for comfort while thin, flexible wires (catheters) are guided through blood vessels into your heart. These catheters record your heart’s electrical signals and can pinpoint areas causing rhythm problems. If an abnormality is identified, the physician can often perform ablation therapy to destroy the small area of tissue causing the problem.
When it’s necessary: We may recommend an EP study if you have unexplained fainting, palpitations, or arrhythmias that haven’t responded to medication.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)
A small electronic device implanted under your skin monitors heart rhythm and delivers electrical shocks when dangerous rhythms are detected.
How it happens: This procedure happens in a hospital setting. During a minor surgical procedure under local anesthesia, a small pocket is created under the skin of your chest or abdomen. The ICD device is placed in this pocket, and thin wires (leads) are guided through a vein into your heart. The device monitors your heart’s electrical activity, pacing it if needed and delivering life-saving shocks if dangerous rhythms occur.
When it’s necessary: Our team may recommend an ICD if you’ve survived cardiac arrest, have a history of ventricular arrhythmias, or have certain types of heart failure or genetic heart conditions that increase your risk of sudden cardiac death.
Permanent Pacemaker
This is a small electronic device implanted under your skin or directly in your heart, helping to maintain a regular heartbeat.
How it happens: Pacemaker placement happens in a hospital setting. During a minor surgical procedure under local anesthesia, a small pocket is created under the skin of your chest. The pacemaker device is placed in this pocket, and thin wires (leads) are guided through a vein into your heart. Alternatively, a leadless pacemaker may be placed directly into your heart muscle. The pacemaker continuously monitors your heart rhythm and sends electrical impulses when needed to maintain a healthy heart rate.
When it’s necessary: The pacemaker may be needed if you have bradycardia (slow heartbeat), heart block (disruption of electrical signals), or certain types of heart failure.
Why Choose CardioCare for Cardiac Services?
At CardioCare, we’re committed to providing exceptional cardiac care with a patient-centered approach. Here’s what you can expect from us:
- Comprehensive expertise: Our board-certified cardiologists have advanced training in all aspects of cardiovascular medicine.
- Personalized care: We take time to understand your unique health concerns and develop individualized treatment plans.
- Cutting-edge technology: Access the latest diagnostic equipment and treatment options.
- Collaborative approach: We work closely with top specialists and facilities to coordinate your complete cardiac care.
To make things even easier, we also provide flexible scheduling options and assistance coordinating specialized tests. We seamlessly coordinate between our office and any hospital services you need.
