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H&D Cardiology performs Heart Diagnostics Tests for patients living in the Tavares, Mount Dora, Leesburg, Eustis and other surrounding Lake County, FL areas. Heart diagnostics tests are important for the detection, and treatment, of cardiovascular disease. Below is a list of the Heart Diagnostics Tests we perform, along with a little bit of information about each.
CVI occurs when leg veins don't allow blood to flow back up to the heart. Normally, the valves in the leg veins ensure that blood flows toward the heart. However, blood can also flow backward when these valves don't work well.This can result in blood pooling in the legs.This condition, left untreated, may cause pain, swelling, cramps, varicose veins, leg ulcers and skin changes.
SYMPTOMS of CVI may include swelling of legs or ankles, varicose veins, brown-colored skin near the ankles, tight calves or itchy, painful legs and restless leg syndrome. Painful leg cramps, muscle spasms and leg ulcers are also symptomatic of CVI.
DIAGNOSIS of CVI likely will consist of an exam, medical history,and a Duplex ultrasound, an imaging test that examines the blood flow and structure of veins in the legs, as well as the direction and speed of blood flow in the vessels.
TREATMENT for CVI may include medicines in combination with compression therapy, improving blood flow in legs through elevation to reduce swelling, regular exercise and the following procedures:
Endovenous Ablation
Is a minimally invasive procedure in which a catheter directs heat into the affected vein, which closes the vein. This leads to less pooling and improved blood flow.
The Electrocardiogram collects and records information about the electrical activity of the heart through electrodes that are placed on the chest wall. They are connected to a machine that measures electrical activity all over the heart. Results appear as a printed graph of activity on a computer screen.This diagnostic tool can detect areas of the heart that are deprived of oxygen, as well as dead tissue. The electrocardiogram is a simple, non-invasive procedure that can be done in our office.
Echocardiography uses ultrasound waves to make images of the heart chambers, valves and structures around the heart for the purpose of detecting abnormalities, infections and fluid build-up.The echocardiogram is an evaluation of the heart and all its parts and surrounding structures, using ultrasound technology.
A Holter Monitor is a battery-operated portable device that measures and records the heart's activity continuously for 24 to 48 hours, usually. It is the size of a small camera and has wires with electrodes that attach to the skin. This portable ECG can detect abnormal heart rhythms, as well as see how well medicines are working to control such problems.Whereas regular electrocardiograms record heart activity at one point in time, the Holter Monitor records activity over the course of a few days during normal daily activities.
This procedure measures the length of time it takes for blood to clot, which helps determine if medications like Coumadin or Warfarin need adjustments. The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is the calculation used to to quantify the results gathered from a test strip and read by a meter.
An Implantable Loop Recorder (ILR) is a heart recording device that works as an electrocardiogram. It is implanted underneath the skin of the chest and continuously records electrical signals from the heart. The ILR is commonly used to detect causes of fainting, palpitations, irregular heartbeats and hidden rhythms. that undetected, can cause serious problems.
This is a medical assessment performed before a patient has surgery. The goal is to assess the patient's general medical condition and possibly identify any conditions that could cause problems during surgery.In addition to a thorough physical exam and medical history, cardiac risk assessment may include an ECG and / or stress testing. Cardiac clearance for surgery may also include a chest x-ray to examine the lungs, a CBC and testing of kidney and liver function, as well as blood sugar. Pre-operative clearance can provide peace of mind to the patient that the risk for complications during surgery will be low.
During a cardiac stress test, a patient walks on a treadmill, working the heart progressively harder, monitored by an ECG, in a controlled, clinical environment., The doctor also monitors blood pressure and symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain. The worsening of symptoms could indicate Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), fatty deposits called plaque, that interfere with the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. If a patient is unable to walk on the treadmill a chemical stress test is performed. This will simulate walking on the treadmill allowing us to visualize blood flow to the heart muscle.
In cardiology, noninvasive ultrasound technology can be used in many ways, provided in the comfort of the doctor's office.
Cardiac Ultrasounds
Are used to analyze the blood flow and function of the heart.
Echocardiograms (ECHOS)
Use 2-D and 3-D ultrasound to create an image of the heart. Doppler is used to examine blood flow through the heart and vessels.
Stress Echos
Use ultrasound to analyze blood flow during periods of rest and exercise-induced stress. The doctor looks to see how well the heart muscles are working and whether or not there is decrease in blood flow to the heart. For patients who are unable to exercise due to certain conditions, a PHARMACEUTICAL STRESS ECHO is an alternative to the treadmill or exercise bike. This procedure uses medicine that is injected intravenously to stimulate the heart as if the patient were exercising.
Vascular Ultrasounds
Are used to analyze blood flow through arteries and veins.
Vein Mapping
Provides information for the treatment of varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, leg swelling and other conditions.
Carotid Ultrasound
Is a non-invasive procedure that examines the blood flow and structure of the carotid arteries in the neck to detect any buildup of plaque within the arteries.
Upper and Lower Extremity Ultrasound
Is used for examination and diagnosis of peripheral vascular disease.
Abdominal Vasculature Ultrasound
Is used to analyze the function of the blood vessels and the flow of blood in the abdominal aorta, renal artery and mesenteric arteries.