Northeast
Cardiology Associates (NECA) provides
a full complement of services featuring
state-of-the-art equipment and expert
staff. What follows is a description
of the most common diagnostic tests
and treatments we provide for patients.
If
you or a loved one has more questions
about these or other procedures you
may be scheduled to receive, please
call our offices. We will do all we
can to help you understand and feel
comfortable with the process.
For scheduling call 262-0108.
Referring physicians are encouraged to contact
Northeast Cardiology Associates at
947-4940 for a comprehensive
description of our services.
Echocardiogram
(Ultrasound or Echo): This
is a non-surgical procedure using
sound waves passed through the chest
to measure the shape of the heart’s
chambers, the health of its valves,
and its pumping action.
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Electrocardiogram
(ECG or EKG): In this procedure,
electrodes on the legs and chest measure
the electrical activity of the heart
in order to determine whether a heart
attack has taken place, or to detect
any heart rhythm disturbances.
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Event
Monitoring: For patients
with infrequent symptoms, these lightweight
ECG systems allow patients to record
cardiac "events" causing
them distress. The data can then be
transmitted over the phone line, where
physicians can review and interpret
the patient’s symptoms.
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Exercise
Stress Test: While being
monitored by an ECG, the patient exercises
on a treadmill to determine how the heart handles
increased demands.
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Holter
Monitoring: This 24-48 hour
ECG uses a small portable recorder
that monitors heart activity throughout
a person’s day. The device is
worn on a belt with adhesive electrode
patches on the chest. With Holter
monitoring, episodes of arrhythmias
that may occur outside the physician’s
office are recorded and studied.
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Nuclear
Heart Testing (Mibi): Non-toxic
radioactive material, called a "tracer,"
is injected into a vein through which
it flows to the heart. A special camera
scans the heart and records the blood
flow immediately after exercise on
a treadmill, and after a period of
rest.
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Pacemaker
Programming: Utilizing
computer technology, NECA physicians
can externally check a pacemaker system
and, if necessary, adjust the pacing
therapy.
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Stress
Echocardiogram: A Stress
Echo is a non-invasive test that combines
two tests, a treadmill exercise stress
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Cardiac Catheterization
(Angiogram or Cath): This non-surgical procedure
involves using a catheter probe and dye to help provide
precise diagnostics of the heart and its arteries. The physician
inserts a special catheter through a vein or artery and
guides it gently to the heart. Except for soreness at the
point of entry and a temporary flushing of the skin from
the dye, the procedure is painless.
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Cardiac Computer Tomography Angiography (CCTA):
A non-invasive imaging heart test that uses contrast materials
in the arteries and a high-resolution CT scanner to obtain detailed
images of blood vessels and the heart to identify possible blockages
or structural problems.
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Catheter Ablation:
A
non-surgical technique uses a catheter
and radio frequencies to cauterize
abnormal cells in order to restore
the heart’s natural rhythms.
Catheter ablation is used to treat
certain rapid heart rhythms that have
not responded adequately to medication.
It is similar to an
electrophysiological study.
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Defibrillator
Implant (AICD or ICD):
A defibrillator implant, also known
as an automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator,
continuously monitors heart rhythms
by a tiny electronic sensor placed
under the skin. Attached to the heart
by electrode leads, the device is
ready to deliver a shock to the heart
when needed to restore a normal heartbeat.
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Electrophysiological
Study: An electrophysiology
(EP) study uses electrode catheters
to assess the heart’s electrical
function by stimulating different
parts of the heart in order to help
physicians discover sites in the heart
that may be causing abnormal symptoms.
Though similar to a cardiac catheterization,
an EP is longer in duration and does
not involve injecting dye into the
arteries.
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Enzyme
Testing: When cells are
damaged by a heart attack, they release
enzymes into the blood which can
be measured in a blood test. Blood
testing to determine presence and
amount of these enzymes in the blood
can indicate that a heart attack has
occurred.
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Pacemaker
Implantation: During a pacemaker implantation, a housing device is inserted below the skin in the shoulder area. Thin wire leads are then threaded from the housing device through a vein to the heart. The pacemaker is programmed to analyze the heartbeat and electrically stimulate the heart as needed.
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Pharmacological
Stress Testing: If a patient
is unable to exercise, then medications
are given that mimic the effects of
exertion on the heart. An ECG monitors
these effects.
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Tilt
Table Testing: For patients
experiencing syncope (fainting spells),
this procedure monitors a patient's
symptoms, blood pressure, heart rate,
and rhythm abnormalities while moving
from a lying position to an upright
position on an adjustable table.
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ECP (Enhanced External Counter Pulsation):
A non-invasive outpatient treatment, ECP is designed for patients with angina.
ECP works to stimulate the opening of new, natural pathways around narrowed or blocked arteries. The treatment is conducted for an hour each weekday over a seven-week period.
During the procedure, the patient lies on a bed attached to an electrocardiographic monitor with cuffs (resembling large blood pressure cuffs) applied
to the legs that assist in delivering increased blood flow to the heart at precise intervals.
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Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE):
TEE is a test used to obtain very clear images of the heart from inside the esophagus. The test is performed with the patient awake but sedated.
During the procedure, a long flexible probe with an ultrasound transducer is inserted through the mouth into the esophagus just behind the heart. The transducer sends high frequency sound waves into the heart, which are converted into a real time image of the beating heart and blood flow.
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Percutaneous Catheter Intervention (PCI):
A catheter with a balloon or stent at the tip is positioned in narrowed portions of a
coronary artery to relieve the obstruction.
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