Stress Testing

An Exercise Stress Echocardiogram is a non-invasive test that evaluates how your heart functions during physical activity. It combines treadmill exercise with ultrasound imaging to assess heart muscle movement and blood flow. The test helps detect blocked arteries, evaluate symptoms like chest pain, and guide treatment decisions. It’s safe, takes under an hour, and provides real-time insight into your heart’s performance under stress.

A Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram is a non-invasive test used when a patient is unable to exercise. Instead of physical activity, the drug dobutamine is administered to make the heart beat faster, simulating the effects of exercise. Ultrasound images are taken to assess how the heart muscle responds to stress. This test helps detect reduced blood flow, evaluate heart function, and diagnose coronary artery disease. It’s safe, typically completed within an hour, and provides important insight into how well the heart performs under stress without the need for physical exertion.

An Exercise Stress Cardiolite test is a nuclear imaging procedure that evaluates blood flow to the heart during rest and exercise. After walking on a treadmill, a small amount of a radioactive tracer (Cardiolite) is injected into the bloodstream. A special camera then captures images showing how well blood reaches different areas of the heart muscle. This test helps detect coronary artery disease, assess damage from prior heart attacks, and guide treatment decisions. It’s safe, effective, and typically completed in a few hours, providing detailed insight into your heart’s blood flow and overall function under stress.

A Lexiscan Cardiolite test is a nuclear stress test used to evaluate heart blood flow in patients unable to exercise. Instead of using a treadmill, Lexiscan—a medication that increases blood flow to the heart—is administered to mimic the effects of physical activity. A small amount of radioactive tracer (Cardiolite) is then injected, and a special camera captures images of the heart. This test helps detect blocked arteries, assess prior heart damage, and guide treatment. It’s safe, non-invasive, and typically completed within a few hours, providing clear insight into your heart’s function under stress without exercise.

A Dobutamine Cardiolite stress test is a non-invasive nuclear imaging exam used to evaluate heart function in patients unable to exercise. Dobutamine is given to stimulate the heart, mimicking the effects of physical activity. A small amount of radioactive tracer (Cardiolite) is then injected into the bloodstream. A special camera captures images showing blood flow to the heart muscle at rest and under stress. This test helps detect coronary artery disease, assess damage from previous heart attacks, and guide treatment decisions. It is safe, effective, and usually completed within a few hours.

A Cardiac PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography) is an advanced, non-invasive imaging test that evaluates blood flow to the heart and detects areas of damaged or scarred heart muscle. It uses a small amount of radioactive tracer and a special camera to produce highly detailed 3D images of the heart. Often used to diagnose coronary artery disease, assess heart function, and evaluate the effects of previous heart attacks, this test offers superior accuracy compared to other imaging methods. Safe and painless, a cardiac PET scan typically takes about 1–2 hours and provides critical insights for guiding treatment.

A Heart Catheterization (Cardiac Cath) is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat certain heart conditions. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel—usually in the wrist or groin—and guided to the heart. Contrast dye is then injected to visualize the coronary arteries, heart chambers, and valves on X-ray. This test helps identify blockages, assess heart function, and determine the need for treatments like stents or surgery. It’s typically done under local anesthesia, takes about 30–60 minutes, and is a vital tool for accurate heart diagnosis and care planning.

Cardioversion is a medical procedure used to restore a normal heart rhythm in people with certain types of abnormal heartbeats, such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. It can be performed electrically, using a controlled shock to the heart, or with medications. Electrical cardioversion is quick and typically done under light sedation to ensure comfort. The goal is to reset the heart’s rhythm and improve symptoms like palpitations, fatigue, or shortness of breath. It’s a safe, effective procedure that’s often done on an outpatient basis, helping patients return to a more stable and efficient heart rhythm.

Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) is a specialized ultrasound test that provides detailed images of the heart by inserting a small probe into the esophagus. Because the esophagus is close to the heart, TEE delivers clearer, more precise visuals than a standard echocardiogram, making it especially useful for evaluating heart valves, detecting blood clots, or assessing infections.

TEE with Cardioversion is performed when patients have abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation. TEE is used first to ensure there are no clots in the heart before safely delivering a controlled electrical shock (cardioversion) to restore normal rhythm. Both are typically done under sedation and are safe, effective procedures.

A Pacemaker or ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) Implant is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat abnormal heart rhythms. A pacemaker helps regulate slow or irregular heartbeats, while an ICD monitors for dangerously fast rhythms and delivers a shock if needed to restore a normal rhythm. Both devices are implanted under the skin, usually near the collarbone, and connected to the heart with thin wires (leads). The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia with mild sedation and takes about 1–2 hours. These devices help prevent symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or fainting and reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.