Boca Raton cardiologists perform many specialized tests. These help the doctor find abnormal conditions such as an irregular heart rhythm, blocked arteries, or a poor functioning heart. This article will briefly review a few of the tests and procedures used to diagnose various cardiac conditions.
Since cardiologists are doctors that prevent and treat various diseases of the heart and blood vessels, the tests they use focus on identifying abnormalities in those areas. People are generally referred to cardiologists when their primary care physician feels they are in need of a cardiac workup to identify any problems. Symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizzy spells need to be evaluated to find the cause.
An electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG) is a common test that is done to assess the electrical activity of the heart. It usually is one of the first tests done. Sticky electrode patches are placed on the chest, arms, and legs, and then connected to an EKG machine with wires. This test is painless, and will provide a printout of the rhythm. The doctor can then use the information to determine if there is an abnormal rhythm, poor blood flow through the heart (ischemia), evaluate for an enlarged heart, and even diagnose a heart attack (myocardial infarction, MI).
Echocardiograms (ECHO) will assess the heart's movement. It uses ultrasound that will form pictures of the chambers and valves. With this information, the cardiologist can evaluate the overall function, assess for disease, and determine if the valves are operating effectively. There is no pain associated with this test.
A transesophageal echo (TEE) is a variation of the ECHO. The doctor will numb the throat and then pass a transducer to the level of the myocardium. This test gives very clear pictures and is used when the ECHO gives inconclusive results.
Cardiac catheterization (Cath) is an invasive test that gives the cardiologist clear pictures of the arteries and will show if there are any blockages. A small catheter, or tube, is inserted into the groin or arm, and then guided along until it reaches the myocardium. Contrast dye can be used to help make the x-ray pictures of the arteries clear. If narrowing or a blockage is seen in one of the coronary arteries, the doctor may insert a stent to keep it open.
These are just a few of the many specialized procedures that may be performed by Boca Raton cardiologists. It is comforting to know these doctors are highly skilled and will help reduce the risk of myocardial infarctions and stroke in their patients.
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