Hattiesburg Clinic is focused on providing comprehensive diagnostic services related to cardiac and vascular conditions of patients. Depending on the patient and their unique situation, a variety of testing services may be recommended, including:
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a computer, radio waves and a magnetic field to take detailed pictures of a patient’s heart and the structures within. A cardiac MRI is not a suitable option for patients with particular implants (such as defibrillators and pacemakers).
A cardiac MRI can be used to:
Coronary Computed Tomography Angiogram (Coronary CTA) allows doctors to obtain high-resolution, 3D images of the heart through CT technology and may use a contrast liquid, or dye, that is inserted into the patient intravenously (IV). The CTA is used to identify any plaque, or fatty deposits, located on the arteries or valves of the heart and provide an opportunity for the doctor to better provide a plan of care.
An echocardiogram may be ordered to diagnose specific heart issues. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound that uses sound waves to provide a visual of the patient’s heart on a screen. There are several specific types of echocardiogram, including:
Echocardiograms can be used to:
A hemodynamic assessment monitors how well the heart is working and measures the blood pressure inside the heart, veins and arteries. It can also show how much oxygen is in the blood and how well the blood flows. A catheter is inserted into an artery, vein or heart chamber and sends electrical signals to a recorder to monitor pressure.
A Holter monitor may be recommended for a patient whose heart condition or symptoms come and go. A Holter monitor is a portable device that records the heart’s activity for 24-48 hours. A Holter monitor can be useful for patients experiencing slow or fast heartbeats or arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats). Electrodes are placed on the patient’s chest and the small monitoring device can be carried in a pocket or a pouch.
LINQ is an insertable cardiac monitor for patients who experience infrequent symptoms or that require long-term monitoring or ongoing management. LINQ may help your provider diagnose and treat irregular heartbeats that may be related to unexplained fainting. LINQ is placed under the skin of your chest via an outpatient procedure.
A single photo emission computer tomography (SPECT) and cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) scan uses radioactive tracers to produce images of the heart. While SPECT scans measure gamma rays, the decay of the radiotracers used with PET scans produce small particles called positrons. Also, SPECT tracers generally last longer in the patient.
Patients are given a radioactive tracer intravenously (inserted in the blood stream). The tracers are detected by the imaging machine to provide three-dimensional images of the heart.
A cardiac SPECT and PET scan can be used to:
For patients who often faint or feel lightheaded, a tilt-table test may be administered. Patients will lie on a table with straps at their waist and knees. An intravenous line (or IV) will be inserted in the arm, and electrodes will be connected to the chest to track the heartbeat. The nurse will slowly tilt the table and monitor blood pressure. A second phase of the test will see how the patient responds when given a medicine that causes an elevated heart rate. The test may take between 30 and 90 minutes to complete. If a patient’s blood pressure does not fall during a test, then the results are typically normal, or negative.