7/30/2019 Cardiology Center at Beloit

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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/cardiology