Services
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
What is it?
ECG precisely calculates your heart’s electrical signals or the conduction system that communicates with its internal components. It is a basic test that cardiologists employ to measure the heart’s physical condition.
What is it for?
ECG is the first test to ascertain the normal processing of the heart. It quickly interprets if there is any damage to the heart muscles. Any damage to heart tissues – post heart attack or some other reason – disrupt the electric signals of the heart and it can be seen in an ECG. It is also used to diagnose arrhythmia – which is related to the disturbed beating of the heart.
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ECG compounds a plethora of information about the heart’s rhythm, electrical conduction through various chambers past heart attacks, chamber sizes, electrolytic balance, etc. making it a handy test to suggest a comprehensive treatment.
How it’s done?
ECG is a simple process that we can efficiently perform in our facility with state-of-the-art equipment. It is nothing to be concerned about as all you need to do is lie flat on your back and let us do the work. Sticking some electrical wires on the skin of your chest, doctors will record the electrical activity of your heart which will be plotted on graph paper and will be immediately available to the cardiologist who will relay the results to you, if needed.
Echocardiogram
What is it?
In the simplest terms, an Echo test is like an ultrasound or a sonogram that monitors the structure and functionality of the heart and vividly displays the heart activity in motion. Echo test provides certain information to cardiologists which is extremely helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases. It combines 2D/3D ultrasound, color doppler techniques, and contrasts imaging to depict comprehensive graphical imagery of your heart.
What is it for?
Echo test evaluates a number of parameters that help diagnose congenital heart diseases, cardiomyopathy, infective endocarditis, pericardial disease, valve issues, clots, tumors, and aortic aneurysms.
How it’s done?
An echo test is a non-invasive procedure performed by a trained Cardiac Sonographer. It uses Ultrasound waves emanating from a hand-held probe which is lubricated and placed on the surface of the chest to capture your heart’s structure. This helps the provider evaluate the pumping action of your heart. The Doppler ultrasound and color Doppler technique help us evaluate the normalcy of blood streaming in and out of the valves.
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Unlike X-ray testing or CT Scans, Echocardiography doesn’t use any radiation and is completely safe in any condition.
Treadmill Stress Test
What is it?
The treadmill stress test evaluates your heart’s performance at peak exertion time, compared to the standard performance metrics. This is called Functional Capacity and your cardiologist can measure it with a treadmill walk, and the procedure we call: "Bruce Protocol". This tells the physician how much physical effort; can your heart exactly sustain.
What it does?
Stress testing gives us an idea of your heart’s functionality like blood flow, blood pressure, rhythm, and breathing which can be pivotal in diagnosing coronary artery disease which is a condition of arteries being squeezed or blocked and not pumping enough blood.
How it’s done?
Patients are required to walk/run on a treadmill until thoroughly fatigued, or unable to continue for another reason. This rigorous treadmill run pumps up the heart rate, which is monitored along with the BP, electrical activity, oxygen saturation, etc. The treadmill is made more difficult at periodic intervals. The data collected thus interpret how your heart is taking the fatigue.
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When the treadmill halts, you will still be under observation for the recovery path. Please read the complete precautions. Discuss the test with your physician in advance to understand and follow safety protocols.
Nuclear cardiology stress test
What is it?
For those who cannot take the treadmill stress test, this is an imaging test evaluating the blood flow in fatigue and rest. It induces a trace amount of radioactive material called a radiotracer while a machine takes images of its movement through arteries. This helps identify poor blood flow or damaged tissues.
What it does?
The nuclear stress test is designed to diagnose and learn about the extent of coronary artery disease, where arteries are blocked or damaged and hamper blood flow. It also helps in creating an effective treatment strategy for coronary artery disease and measuring the success of the treatment being extended.
How it’s done?
Patients are injected with a radiotracer chemical which is distributed through the heart with the blood flow. The distribution is monitored in proportion with the blood reaching up to every component of the heart and the pictures are taken using a nuclear camera.
CT Coronary Calcium Score
What is it?
Coronary Calcium Score can be a lifesaver in many cases. It is a simple, noninvasive test that measures the amount of calcium buildup or calcified plaque in the blood vessels networking the heart. A high score means higher plaque accumulation which increases the risk of a heart attack. The test takes no more than 10 minutes, without any IV, oral contrast, or pain.
What it diagnoses?
It helps assess the risk factor for CVD, heart attack, or stroke.
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By being aware of your calcium score, your doctor can better plan your BP and Cholesterol medication to minimize the risk.
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It also helps make more informed decisions about cholesterol-controlling elements like statins.
Who is it for?
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Adults, 40 – 60 years, with a moderate risk of CVD
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Those with a family history of CVD
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Adults managing high cholesterol, high BP
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Obese, inactive, and diabetic individuals
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Those not sure whether they need daily preventive medicine or not
CT Coronary Angiogram
What is it?
The computerized tomography coronary angiogram is a non-invasive test that produces images of the arteries to monitor the blood supply to your heart with a powerful X-ray machine. The angiogram report is used to interpret and indicate various heart diseases.
What it does?
The test takes a detailed look at the arteries pumping blood to the heart. It checks for fully or partially blocked arteries, and narrowed or squeezed blood vessels, and other heart conditions.
How it’s done?
The CT coronary angiogram test involves radiation, hence not advised for pregnant women. It also employs contrast imaging with a dye so if you are allergic to contrast dye, you must tell your physician who might suggest a steroid 12 hours prior to the procedure to manage reactionary risk.
Heart Catheterization & high-risk stent placement
What is it?
Cardiac catheterization is suggested for those with CAD i.e., blocked arteries that hamper normal blood supply to the heart. The procedure is invasive and often requires the placement of a stent to treat blocked arteries.
How it’s done?
We perform cardiac catheterization with complete diligence and care. A small plastic tube is inserted into the patient’s leg or wrist, and thread a catheter – which is a flexible plastic tube – is through to the heart under the precise guidance of X-rays.
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Once the catheter is in place, a contrast dye is injected, and monitoring its flow through imaging machines and video helps the cardiologist assess the extent of blockage of the arteries and decide how to treat the condition.
We also equip p
atients with the placement of high-risk stents with complete confidence and extensive care.
Leg Angiogram, balloon angioplasty, and stent placement
UT Clinic Rosenberg specializes in treating blocked vessels and CAD through various interventions. Blocked arteries can be opened using a stent and placing a leg angiogram aka a peripheral angiogram.
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The procedure involves placing a flexible plastic tube through the artery in the patient’s leg. A dye is injected into it and color imaging is screened to monitor blood flow. The sites of blockage are treated by placing balloons and stents, which open up the arteries and restore the normal flow of blood
Transesophageal echocardiography
TEE is an invasive alternative to the Echo test which involves imaging via the esophagus.
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The procedure requires the patient to swallow a probe that travels through the food pipe and captures images of the heart, on the way. since the back of the heart faces the esophagus the tracer is in close vicinity and gives off vivid images.
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The procedure accurately identifies the locations of blood clots in your heart, the structure of valve leaflets, small bacterial growths, and more.
Cardiac event monitor (Long-term Holter)
A long-term Holter is a monitoring device attached to the patient that monitors heart rate and is especially required for arrhythmia patients.
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Event Monitor
This is a patient-induced input monitor which closely monitors your heart rhythm, but requires you to press a button. It is generally attached for 30 days and is more suited to patients with rare rhythm abnormalities.
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Holter Monitor
Holter monitors record a patient’s heart rhythm without requiring human input. These are usually suited for a 24 – 48 hours monitoring period. Our experts will suggest one based on your specific condition and rhythm disturbance or abnormalities.