Liberty Hospital’s Echocardiography lab is one of only 1,000 labs in the United States accredited by the Intersocietal Commission of the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories (ICAEL). This certification recognizes Liberty Hospital’s high quality patient care and diagnostic testing.
The hospital offers a variety of diagnostic tests and procedures, including:
Echocardiograms: Echocardiograms are used to detect abnormalities of the chambers and heart valves, murmurs, wall motion of the ventricle and possibly fluid surrounding the heart.
During this test, sound waves are sent through a device called a transducer. Through the transducer, moving images of the heart are then displayed on a TV-like screen and then downloaded to a computer for the physician to view later.
Stress echoes: A stress echocardiogram is usually done to rule out coronary artery disease.
To complete this test, an echocardiogram is conducted before and after the patient’s heart rate is increased by walking vigorously on a treadmill. When performed at Liberty Hospital, the test results are always evaluated by a qualified physician.
Dobutamine stress echo: This test is used to evaluate coronary artery disease in patients who are unable to exercise on a treadmill.
Dobutamine is a medication that increases heart rate and blood pressure similar to the effect of exercise. The rise in heart rate increases the oxygen demand of the heart and helps to determine if the heart muscle is getting enough blood and oxygen. A complete echo is performed prior to the start of the test. An IV is placed in the patient’s arm in order to deliver the dobutamine. The medication is given over a 15 minute period and pictures of the heart are taken every three minutes. At the end of the exam, the IV is removed and heart rate returns to normal. The results are then read by the cardiologist and given to the patient.
Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE): This test is generally ordered for patient with prosthetic valves if there is a question of the valves’ function, or to rule out stroke. In some patients with unexplained fevers, this test would be ordered to visualize the heart valves.
For this test, the patient is sedated and a probe is passed down the patient’s esophagus. TEE shows clearer pictures of the heart, because the probe is located closer to the heart. These images are much more clear and able to visualize three areas of the heart that we are unable to see during a regular echocardiogram.
Nuclear stress testing: This test helps determine how your heart works during physical activity. As your body works during any physical exertion, it requires more oxygen and energy. To meet this demand, the heart beats faster and harder. The stress test shows if your heart receives enough blood from its own arteries to work harder, safely.
EKGs: This test is used as a screening tool in diagnosing cardiac electrical abnormalities, such as a heart attack. An EKG records the electrical activity of the heart over time.
Holter monitors: This is a small portable device the size of an MP3 player, used for continuously monitoring the electrical activity of the heart for 24 hours or more. Its extended recording period is sometime useful for observing occasional cardiac arrhythmias that would be difficult to identify in a shorter period of time. Liberty Hospital offers 24-hour, 48-hour and seven-day Holter monitors.
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