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Patient Guide To Testing and Procedures
When it comes to medical testing and procedures, knowing what to expect can relieve some of the anxiety you may be feeling. At the Minnesota Heart Clinic, we understand and we are happy to answer any questions you may have. Listed here is more information about some of the tests and procedures you may be
undergoing.
Please feel free to contact us if you need more information.
CT Imaging
Using computed tomography (“CAT scan”) and advanced computer software, we can now obtain an image of the beating heart. This allows your physician to obtain detailed information about the structure of your heart and coronary arteries, which until recently, was only available by cardiac angiogram. The extent of arterial calcification can also be determined using this procedure and is an important early indicator of the presence of arterial disease. This discovery may lead to treatment that will prevent a heart attack.
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Stress testing
Stress Testing is designed to give your doctor information about the health of the heart and help diagnose rhythm problems, artery blockage and prior damage. During stress testing, we conduct an electrocardiogram (ECG) while the patient exercises on the treadmill. The exercise difficulty and duration increase during the test so that the doctor can obtain more information about how the heart performs. In some cases, we may combine imaging of the heart with the ECG to gain additional information (see echocardiography and nuclear cardiology). We also provide non-exercise protocols for patients who cannot adequately walk on a treadmill.
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Echocardiography
Echocardiography or an “echo” uses sound waves to create images of the heart. During this procedure, a technologist uses a hand-held scanning device that creates digital images for a cardiologist to review. These images help the cardiologist to learn more about your heart size and function, including the chambers and valves. Sometimes this is performed both prior to and after stress testing to improve detection of coronary artery blockage.
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Nuclear Cardiology
Sometimes called a “nuclear stress test” or “stress thallium” study, nuclear cardiac imaging is used in conjunction with stress testing to improve the detection of coronary artery blockage. Patients undergo an injection of a short-acting radioactive substance prior to and during treadmill exercise. The patient then lies under a “gamma camera” while a computer collects information and creates a detailed image of the heart muscle. This image allows the cardiologist to detect artery blockage or heart muscle damage. A medication called adenosine can be substituted for exercise for those patients who cannot walk on a
treadmill.
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Cardiac Catheterization/Coronary Angiogram
During this procedure, a long, narrow, plastic tube called a catheter is inserted through a small hole in an artery of the top of the leg. The catheter is advanced through the artery to the heart and is used to inject x-ray dye into the heart and coronary arteries and to measure pressure inside the heart. This procedure is performed at Fairview Southdale Hospital under light sedation. The results may indicate to your doctor the presence of artery blockage, heart damage, and valve disease.
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Cardiac Rhythm Management / Electrophysiology
Electrophysiology testing is actually a variety of different procedures performed using long wire electrodes inserted into a vein in the top of the leg and advanced to the heart. These electrodes allow the cardiologist to learn more about the electrical system of your heart and possibly correct abnormal rhythms. To correct or prevent heart rhythm problems, a cardiologist may choose to implant a pacemaker or defibrillator.
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Vascular/Peripheral Testing
Vascular imaging tests are a noninvasive way to document the presence, location, and severity of arterial and venous vessel disease. Imaging the body’s veins and arteries can help in early identification of clots in veins and plaque in arteries. Depending on your symptoms there are multiple ways to image your vessels. The vascular system can be imaged either by ultrasound or by applying blood pressure cuffs to the arms and legs before and after treadmill exercise.
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Laboratory Blood Test Evaluation
Minnesota Heart Clinic offers a full spectrum of cardiology-related laboratory tests in our office. Most results are available within 24 hours.
For your convenience, cholesterol panel and INR results are available within minutes so they can be accessible for consultation with your doctor or nurse at a same-day visit.
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Enhanced Extracorporeal Counterpulsation (EECP)
Patients with heart disease may experience chest pains that angioplasty, surgery, and medications cannot alleviate. In many cases, EECP may help to reduce those symptoms. EECP utilizes large inflatable cuffs that wrap around the legs and pump up in a synchronized rhythm with the patient’s heartbeat. After weeks of daily sessions, patients often report that their chest pain has lessened and their exercise capacity has improved.
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Calcium Scoring Exam
This simple, painless 15 minutes screening, using the latest 64-slice CT scanning equipment, offers a cost-effective way for patients and our cardiologists to evaluate heart health. This screening, when used in conjunction with other exams and consultation with a cardiologist can help detect heart disease early—when it is most treatable. You may be an ideal candidate for this screening if you have family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity or smoking.
The Calcium Scoring Exam
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