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7/30/2019 Cardiology Center at Beloit
1/1
SUMMER/FALL 2012 7
Just as auto mechanics use diagnostic
tools to find and fix problems with engines,
doctors today rely on a variety of tests
to help diagnose and treat heart disease.
The cardiologists at Beloit Health System
recommend you talk to your doctor about
your risk factors for heart disease. Your
doctor or cardiologist might recommend anyof the following tests.
Blood pressure reading: An estimated
one in three adult Americans has high
blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart
disease that has no symptoms. Getting your
blood pressure tested is simple and fast. A
blood pressure cuff inflated over your upper
arm is used to measure the force of blood
in your arteries as your heart beats (systolicpressure) and relaxes between beats
(diastolic pressure).
Cholesterol screening: High cholesterol
is another major risk factor for heart disease
that shows no warning signs, so it is
important to get a cholesterol screening.
A lipid profile is a blood test that generally
requires fasting for 12 hours before the test.
The results show your total cholesterol,high-density lipoprotein (HDL or good
cholesterol), low-density lipoprotein (LDL or
bad cholesterol) and triglyceride levels.
These levels help predict your risk of having
plaque buildup that may narrow or block
your arteries.
Electrocardiogram (also called an EKG
or ECG): An EKG uses electrodes (small
adhesive patches) placed on your arms, legsand chest to monitor the hearts electrical
activity. An EKG displays the hearts
electrical signals and can reveal irregular
heartbeats, heart muscle damage and blood
flow problems.
Echocardiogram: This ultrasound test
changes sound waves into images, allowing
doctors to view the heart and examine how
well it is pumping, as well as look for valveproblems and signs of heart failure.
Holter monitor: If your doctor needs to
monitor your heart over a longer span
than with a regular EKG, you may need to
wear a Holter monitor around your neck or
waist. This small, battery-operated device
works much like a regular EKG machine,
but is portable and can monitor the hearts
electrical activity for 24 hours (or longer timeperiods) while you go about your normal
daily activities.
Stress test: To find out how well your
heart performs under physical stress or
exertion, you may be given an EKG while
exercising on a treadmill. Or you may be
given medication that causes the heart to
work harder and beat faster. This is called a
stress test, and it can help doctors discoverwhether your arteries are supplying enough
blood to your heart
Coronary catheterization (angiogram,
angiography or arteriography): During
these types of tests, a thin, flexible tube is
threaded through a blood vessel in your
groin or arm to your heart. Fluid injected
through the tube allows any possible blood
flow problems and/or blockages to beviewed on an X-ray.
Electrophysiology study (also called an
EPS): During an EPS, wires or electrodes
are inserted in the groin and guided through
a catheter to the heart, where they can
monitor the hearts electrical activity. This
can help determine what may be causing an
abnormal heart rhythm.
Peripheral arterial studies:A peripheral
arterial study is an ultrasound study
assessing the flow of blood into your legs
and is very accurate.
Venous studies and mapping: Using
ultrasound, we can map and diagram
venous clots in the upper and lower
extremities. This study evaluates the veins
for the presence or absence of deep vein
thrombosis, and provides information
regarding superficial veins.
KNOWLEDGE AND ACTION ARE
POWERFUL TOOLS
Knowing your risk factors and following a
heart-healthy lifestyle can help keep your
heart running at its best. To learn more
about your heart health, talk to your primary
care provider or a cardiologist at Beloit
Health System or NorthPointe.
TOOLS OF THE TRADE
Diagnosing
Heart Disease
Beloit Health Systems Heart and Vascular CenterCardiologist Team
From prevention and screenings to diagnosis and treatment, our expert cardiologist teamat Beloit Health System cares for your heart. For more information, call (608) 364-5205.
Dr. Maria Taveras Dr. Nadine Thomas Dr. Robert HarnerDr. Leo Egbujiobi
http://beloithealthsystem.org/cardiologyhttp://beloithealthsystem.org/http://beloithealthsystem.org/cardiologyRecommended