Procedures
Noninvasive proceduresAn electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) monitors electrical activity of the heart, picking up potentially dangerous abnormalities.
An exercise stress test precisely measures your body‘s reaction to physical activity in a safe and controlled environment. An ECG is attached to your chest while you exercise on a treadmill.
Nuclear Stress Test uses a special camera to scan the heart muscle so we can visualize the heart‘s structure and analyze its blood flow. A treadmill exam or one with medication is part of this exam.
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound test from the outside of your chest that identifies problems of the heart valves and muscle function.
Transesophageal echocardiography uses an ultrasound probe that is placed down the esophagus by the physician. This ultrasound procedure allows the cardiologist to evaluate if there are any defects, heart valve disease or heart muscle disease, if an artificial valve is functioning properly or if there are any blood clots within the heart. (Performed at St. Joseph’s Hospital)
Carotid ultrasound uses ultrasound to analyze blood flow through the arteries in the neck (carotids). This helps to detect plaque build-up in the neck's carotid arteries that may lead to a stroke.
Ankle Brachial Index checks blood pressure in the arms and legs. This provides information of blood flow to the legs and feet.
Ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring (Holter monitoring) is a 24-hour, carry-along heart monitoring system, capable of pinpointing previously difficult-to-detect heart rhythm problems.
Event Monitor is a device which you activate by pressing a button and holding the monitor to your chest when you feel a symptom. It can be utilized as needed during your daily activities for a period longer than 24 hours. It detects or monitors electrical abnormalities of the heart.
Tilt Table Testing is a procedure performed at St. Joseph’s Hospital. It is utilized to detect abnormal decreases in blood pressure, or heart rate, while elevating and lowering the upper and lower extremities of the body.
Cardioversion is a procedure to restore the heart’s normal rhythm. It is performed at St. Joseph’s Hospital, and may be performed on an outpatient basis.
Invasive proceduresDiagnostic cardiac catheterization utilizes a flexible, narrow tube (catheter) which is inserted into an artery to determine the extent of the blockage in the arteries of the heart. (Performed at St. Joseph’s Hospital)
Pacemaker Implantation and Battery Changes are both performed at St. Joseph’s Hospital. A pacemaker is a device that is placed in the body to keep the pulse normal (keeps your pulse from beating too slowly.)
Interventional procedures
(performed at St. Joseph’s Hospital)Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), more commonly known as “balloon angioplasty,” is a method of treating the narrowing of a coronary artery by inserting a specialized catheter with a balloon attachment. By inflating the balloon, the blockage is reduced, resulting in improved blood flow to the heart. This is usually determined and performed during a cardiac catherization.
Intracoronary stent deployment is an implantation technique used to reinforce the wall of a vein or artery to ensure it remains open.
An exercise stress test precisely measures your body‘s reaction to physical activity in a safe and controlled environment. An ECG is attached to your chest while you exercise on a treadmill.
Nuclear Stress Test uses a special camera to scan the heart muscle so we can visualize the heart‘s structure and analyze its blood flow. A treadmill exam or one with medication is part of this exam.
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound test from the outside of your chest that identifies problems of the heart valves and muscle function.
Transesophageal echocardiography uses an ultrasound probe that is placed down the esophagus by the physician. This ultrasound procedure allows the cardiologist to evaluate if there are any defects, heart valve disease or heart muscle disease, if an artificial valve is functioning properly or if there are any blood clots within the heart. (Performed at St. Joseph’s Hospital)
Carotid ultrasound uses ultrasound to analyze blood flow through the arteries in the neck (carotids). This helps to detect plaque build-up in the neck's carotid arteries that may lead to a stroke.
Ankle Brachial Index checks blood pressure in the arms and legs. This provides information of blood flow to the legs and feet.
Ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring (Holter monitoring) is a 24-hour, carry-along heart monitoring system, capable of pinpointing previously difficult-to-detect heart rhythm problems.
Event Monitor is a device which you activate by pressing a button and holding the monitor to your chest when you feel a symptom. It can be utilized as needed during your daily activities for a period longer than 24 hours. It detects or monitors electrical abnormalities of the heart.
Tilt Table Testing is a procedure performed at St. Joseph’s Hospital. It is utilized to detect abnormal decreases in blood pressure, or heart rate, while elevating and lowering the upper and lower extremities of the body.
Cardioversion is a procedure to restore the heart’s normal rhythm. It is performed at St. Joseph’s Hospital, and may be performed on an outpatient basis.
Invasive proceduresDiagnostic cardiac catheterization utilizes a flexible, narrow tube (catheter) which is inserted into an artery to determine the extent of the blockage in the arteries of the heart. (Performed at St. Joseph’s Hospital)
Pacemaker Implantation and Battery Changes are both performed at St. Joseph’s Hospital. A pacemaker is a device that is placed in the body to keep the pulse normal (keeps your pulse from beating too slowly.)
Interventional procedures
(performed at St. Joseph’s Hospital)Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), more commonly known as “balloon angioplasty,” is a method of treating the narrowing of a coronary artery by inserting a specialized catheter with a balloon attachment. By inflating the balloon, the blockage is reduced, resulting in improved blood flow to the heart. This is usually determined and performed during a cardiac catherization.
Intracoronary stent deployment is an implantation technique used to reinforce the wall of a vein or artery to ensure it remains open.