- Electrocardiogram (EKG): A recording of the electrical activity in all areas of your heart. EKG’s help to determine heart rate and rhythm, abnormalities in heart structure, inadequate blood and oxygen supply to the heart, and damage after a heart attack
- 24 Hours Holter Monitor: The Holter monitor is an electrocardiogram (EKG) device that continuously records the heart rhythm for 24 hours. Electrode patches are placed on the chest or abdomen and connect to the wires from the monitoring device. The electrical activity of the heart is calculated and interpreted. This test is primarily used to ascertain the presence of an abnormal heart rhythm.
- Echocardiogram: A non-invasive ultrasound test that allows the heart to be viewed without the use of X-rays. Sound waves are directed through the chest wall and the organs deflect the sound waves to create images. These images can be used to check for muscle strength, heart disease, rhythm disorders, and heart and valve issues.
Stress Testing: Tests to check the heart’s ability to respond to external stress in a controlled, clinical environment.
- Electrocardiogram Stress Test: A measurement of the electrical activity of the heart. Electrodes are placed on specific body locations (arms, legs, chest) and the patient walks/runs on a treadmill. As the patient moves, the oxygen demand of the heart increases as their heart rate and blood pressure elevates. The electrical activity of the heart is recorded. Changes found between the resting EKG and the electrocardiogram stress test may indicate the presence of heart-related conditions.
- Exercise Echocardiography: A procedure in which ultrasound is used to asses the heart’s response to stress or exercise.
Vascular Testing: Tests to check for peripheral arterial diseases.
- ABI (Ankle Brachial Index) Test: Physical evaluation of vascular blood flow to peripheral arteries
- Carotid Doppler: An ultrasound test for carotid artery disease, a major cause of stroke. Used to check or monitor blood flow in the vessels in the neck that supply blood to the brain.
- Abdominal Aorta Ultrasound: Ultrasound to check the abdominal aorta which supplies blood to the lower part of the body and the legs
- Lower Extremity Venous Doppler: A common test used to diagnosis DVT (deep vein thrombosis), the veins of the affected limb are viewed and compressed with an ultrasound transducer. This is done to check for the presence of flow and compressibility.
- Lower Extremity Arterial Doppler: A test for detection of peripheral arterial disease (blockage in the arteries to the leg)
Tests performed by our physicians that must be done at hospital or radiology facility:
- Exercise Nuclear Test/Thallium Stress Test: A small amount of tracer is injected into a vein. A special camera detects the radiation released by the tracer to produce computer images of the heart. For a Thallium Stress Test, Thallium (a radioactive isotope) is injected during peak exercise. The injection is absorbed through the heart and creates images of the heart that can be viewed by a computer. This test gives information about circulation from the coronary arteries in the heart muscle. This test takes approximately 3 hours.
- Lexiscan Nuclear Test: Lexiscan, a prescription medication is used to increase blood flow in the coronary arteries. This test is done for patients that cannot exercise or for those with a pacemaker. This replaces the exercise portion of the stress test. This is done at Fairfax Hospital.
Typical patient instructions for Nuclear Tests are as follows:
- FASTING: Nothing to eat or drink after midnight except all of the water you desire
- STOP: All products containing caffein, which includes coffee, tea, sodas, (caffeine free and decaffeinated drinks as well),
- Bring a list of all medications, prescription as well as over-the-counter
- Bring photo ID, insurance card(s) and doctor’s order for the test
- For exercise study, please be sure to bring or wear comfortable clothing and shoes
- Allow 3-4 hours to complete this exam
- You will not feel ill after this study and will not need anyone to drive you
- If you do not speak English, please bring an interpreter with you
- STOP: all nicotine products for 12 hours prior to test
- Diabetic Patient Instructions: Patients do not take diabetic medication (i.e. insulin nor pills) the morning of the test but bring diabetic meds with you along with a light snack.
- All other medications should be taken as directed by Dr. Haddad
- Angiogram/Arteriogram (Cardiac Catheterization): A type of X-ray study used to view inside and check the arteries and veins to diagnose blockages and other blood vessel problems. X-rays and a contrast agent (or x-ray dye) are used. A small catheter is inserted into the arm or groin. The catheter is threaded over a small wire and a contrast agent is introduced so that the interior of the blood vessel and its branches are visible with X-rays. This test is used to check for blockage or aneurism formation.
- Computed Tomographic Angiography (CTA): An X-ray imaging test that provides a cross-section of the body’s internal tissues. An Iodine-based contrast is administered through an IV into the arm to make the arteries and veins appear more visible. CTA tests are usually done at a radiology facility. This is done to check for cholesterol plaque, aneurism, clot, and varicose veins.
- Cardiac MR: This imaging tool provides anatomic and functional information of the heart and offers the ability to image the heart in any view. Cardiac MR does not use radiation and it can help to detect and manage coronary heart disease and other cardiac issues, detect plaque buildup and blockages, and aid in determining a patient’s cardiovascular treatment and monitor their progress. It can also help detect diseases of the heart muscle.
- Multigated Acquisition (MUGA): Through a computer, MUGA scans the heart and is useful to determine its size and function while at rest and during physical exertion. Images of the heart chambers and blood vessels are captured to check the pumping function of the ventricles
- Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE): A very efficient ultrasound test that allows a clear view of the heart through a small tube passed into the esophagus. A transducer sends out ultrasonic sound waves, and when the transducer is placed on the chest at certain angles and locations, the ultrasonic sound waves travel through the skin to the heart tissues, where the waves echo off of the heart structures. The reflected waves are picked up by the transducer and are sent to a computer for interpretation. The computer creates an image of the heart walls and valves.