Nuclear stress testing uses a machine and a radioactive tracer to evaluate blood flow to your heart. Pictures are taken both at rest and exertion, which can show areas of decreased blood flow or damage.  This is one of several types of stress tests that can be used to determine risk of heart attack or damage caused by previous heart attack.

A nuclear stress test may be used when an exercise stress test does not determine a cause for symptoms, such as chest pain or shortness of breath. It can also be used if you are unable to tolerate exercise.

An exercise stress test is used to determine how your heart responds when it is working hardest.

You will be asked to exercise on a treadmill while hooked to an electrocardiogram (EKG). Your heart and blood pressure are monitored throughout the test.

The test can be used to determine how well your heart is receiving blood flow while it is working hard, evaluate symptoms, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, monitor for arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) or to determine safe exercise levels.

An echocardiogram or, ultrasound of your heart, uses sound waves to view the structure of your heart.

An echocardiogram is used to:

·         Determine the size and shape of the heart

·         Monitor the thickness and movement of the heart walls

·         Evaluate the heart valves

An ABI or, ankle-brachial index, is used to assess for peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Blood pressures are taking in both the arms and legs and compared. Normally, the pressure in the legs should be the same or higher than the arms. If they are not, this is a sign of poor blood flow and you may need follow-up testing.

An ABI may be ordered to evaluate certain symptoms, such as leg pain or wounds that will not heal.

A carotid doppler is an ultrasound picture of the large arteries traveling from your heart to your brain. This test can be used to evaluate the flow of blood through the arteries and assess for any atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup. If there is significant narrowing noted, you may need further testing.

ECP or external counterpulsation is an FDA approved device that aims to enhance blood flow to reduce symptoms of chronic stable angina.

ECP works by using inflatable cuffs around your calves, thighs and hips designed to inflate and deflate between heartbeats. This promotes increased blood flow to and from the heart. This increased blood flow provides a decrease in chronic angina symptoms such as, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, chest pain as well as others.

Therapy is 35 days long for 1 hour each day.

If you are taking a medication called Coumadin or warfarin, you will need to have your INR checked regularly. Your INR tells you how thick or thin your blood is. Your INR can change based on foods you take or other medications, particularly antibiotics. Our medical assistants can check your INR for you and assist you with dosing changes based on the result.

We have a full-time lab technician in the office available to draw lab work daily. With 14 years experience at this clinic and over 18 years total, you will be in good hands.