Services Cardiology Cardiology Diagnostics

Cardiovascular Diagnostic Services

Hattiesburg Clinic offers patients access to a full spectrum of cardiovascular diagnostic services to support the early detection and treatment of heart and vascular disease.

Cardiovascular Diagnostic Services Overview

The expert cardiology team at Hattiesburg Clinic offers patients access to comprehensive heart and vascular diagnostic services. As the leading cause of death in the United States for men and women, the early detection of heart disease could be lifesaving. A trusted diagnosis is an essential component of effectively treating heart disease. It can help reduce the risk of further complications and improve patients’ overall health outcomes.

The diagnostic services provided at Hattiesburg Clinic involve a full spectrum of tests, imaging and monitoring that inform cardiologists of the health of your heart and blood vessels. They allow our team of specialists to view the heart in action and accurately assess your heart’s structure, functionality and blood flow. Our team utilizes advanced technology to provide the highest level of precision and detail during diagnosis.

What do Cardiovascular Tests & Screenings Diagnose?
Echocardiography
Cardiovascular Monitoring
Tests & Screenings
Advanced Cardiac Imaging
Choose Hattiesburg Clinic

What do Cardiovascular Tests & Screenings Diagnose?

Cardiovascular diagnostic tests and screenings are performed to provide cardiologists with detailed information and imaging of the heart and vascular system’s condition. It allows specialists to gain an understanding of the heart’s structure and electrical activity in order to formulate an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Diagnostic services are used to detect the following:

Identify abnormal heartbeats (arrhythmia)
Monitor the performance of the heart’s chambers and valves
Measure the size of the heart and the thickness of the heart walls and valves
Evaluate the heart’s ability to properly pump blood
Assess the blood flow through the coronary arteries
Identify congenital heart defects and the presence of other heart diseases
Detect for blood clots
Monitor the performance of implanted cardiac devices

Echocardiography

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 different types of echocardiogram tests, including:

Transesophageal echocardiogram – Similar to a transthoracic echocardiogram but the transducer device is placed in the esophagus
Transthoracic echocardiogram – A transducer, a device that sends sound waves to capture images of the heart through the chest or abdominal wall

Cardiovascular Monitoring

Hemodynamic Assessment

During a hemodynamic assessment, a catheter is inserted into an artery, vein or heart chamber. The test monitors how well the heart is functioning and measures the pressure inside the heart, veins and arteries. It can also show how much oxygen is in the blood and how well the blood flows.

Event Monitor

An event monitor may be recommended for a patient whose heart condition or symptoms are not persistent. Event monitors are portable devices that record the heart’s activity for 24 to 48 hours as symptoms likely come and go. This provides an informative assessment for patients experiencing slow or fast heartbeats or arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats).

Loop Recorder

A loop recorder is an insertable cardiac monitor for patients who experience infrequent symptoms or who require long-term monitoring or ongoing management. Loop recorders may help your provider diagnose and treat irregular heartbeats that may be related to unexplained fainting. A loop recorder is placed under the skin of your chest during an outpatient procedure.

Tests & Screenings

Cardiac Calcium Scoring

A cardiac calcium score test is a non-invasive, cardiovascular scan of the heart. The scan takes images of the coronary arteries to help identify heart health risks before patients start to develop symptoms. The test takes 10 to 15 minutes and is fundamental in reducing risk of developing heart disease or having a heart attack.

Tilt-Table Testing

For patients who often faint or feel lightheaded, a tilt-table test may be recommended. 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 your heartbeat. A 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 medication that triggers 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.

Advanced Cardiac Imaging

Nuclear SPECT & Cardiac PET

A single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) and cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) scan uses radioactive tracers to produce images of the heart and assess for blocked heart arteries. Patients are given a radioactive tracer intravenously (inserted through an IV). The tracers are detected by the imaging machine to provide information about how much blood is getting to the heart muscle through the coronary arteries.

Cardiac MRI

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a computer, radio waves and a magnetic field to capture detailed pictures of a patient’s heart and the structures within. A cardiac MRI is not a suitable option for patients with certain implants (such as defibrillators and pacemakers).

Coronary CT Angiogram

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 the presence of 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.

Choose Hattiesburg Clinic

The cardiologists at Hattiesburg Clinic are proactive in their approach to delivering the highest quality cardiovascular care across Mississippi. We understand that early detection and treatment of cardiac disease is vital to supporting life-long heart and vascular health. Our multidisciplinary team specializes in using sophisticated diagnostic technology to provide precise imaging, accurate diagnosis and exceptional patient care.