At Corrielus Cardiology, we value the importance of providing an accurate diagnosis of your heart condition so that the most appropriate treatment plan can be put in place. In doing so, we have equipped our Philadelphia wellness center with comprehensive cardiac testing services. Our state-of-the-art medical technology allows us to evaluate the heart’s strength and function using non-invasive testing procedures.
Depending on your specific heart-related symptoms or risk factors, Dr. Corrielus may use one or more of the following testing methods to assess your heart health and identify areas of concern:
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor
A device that is worn throughout the day to measure blood pressure fluctuations and/or diagnose high blood pressure. It is similar to a blood pressure cuff that automatically inflates at set intervals to provide multiple blood pressure readings over a 24-hour period.
Atheroslerosis Screening (IMT)
A safe, non-invasive scan to measure the health of the arteries. IMT ultrasounds are specifically used to evaluate the artery wall thickness or presence of plaque buildup (atherosclerosis), which ultimately aids in heart attack prevention when detected early.
Ultrasound of the heart to evaluate structural and functional cardiac components. High frequency sound waves are used to produce images of the heart’s structures and blood flow. Echocardiography can include a transthoracic echocardiogram, a transesophageal echocardiogram or echocardiogram stress testing.
Myocardial Perfusion Test (Nuclear Stress Test)
A testing procedure that uses a small amount of radioactive substance (tracer) to assess the flow of blood to the heart muscle. Images of the heart muscle are captured during periods of exercise (stress) and at rest.
Exercise Stress Echocardiogram
A test that evaluates cardiac function before, during and after exercise. An echo stress test uses echocardiography and continuous EKG monitoring to unmask areas of blockage within the coronary arteries that may be asymptomatic at rest.
Also called a treadmill test or graded exercise test, a method of measuring how the heart handles exertion or stress. EKG monitors are used while a patient performs light activity such as walking on a treadmill. This can show whether or not blood supply is reduced in the arteries that go to the heart.
A quick, simple and non-invasive testing method that measures the heart’s electrical activity. An electrocardiogram can determine if the heart’s natural electrical impulses are signaling proper blood flow through the heart.
A monitor or device that evaluates symptomatic arrhythmias that may occur at infrequent times. Patients can activate the device when they feel a characteristic symptom and the monitor records and saves information about the heart’s rhythms during these episodes.
A portable device worn by a patient over a period of 1-2 days (or longer) to detect arrhythmias. Holter monitors assess every heartbeat during the time it is worn while the patient carries out their normal, everyday activities.
A non-invasive procedure to study blood flow through the arteries and veins by using ultrasonic sound waves and advanced computer technology. Doppler ultrasounds can help detect blockages in the vessels caused by inflammation, plaque or blood clots.
Blood tests can be used to help determine a patient’s risk for cardiovascular disease. Examples include C-reactive proteins, lipids, cardiac biomarkers and blood sugar tests.
Implantable cardiac devices that can regulate serious arrhythmias. A pacemaker can speed up or regulate an abnormal heartbeat. A defibrillator can shock the heart when dangerous arrhythmias are detected and help patients avoid sudden cardiac arrest.
Peripheral Vascular Doppler Ultrasound
A non-invasive scan that uses Doppler ultrasound to study blood flow in the arteries and veins. This is commonly performed on the legs or lower extremities to diagnose symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PAD).
To learn more about our integrative cardiovascular care or to schedule a cardiac testing service, please contact Corrielus Cardiology today. We welcome the opportunity to help you detect heart disease at its earliest, most treatable stage.
