 |
 |
|
|
|
Clinical Services |
|
|
 |
Coumadin Clinic
Some of our patients are on a medication called Coumadin (generic Warfarin). Coumadin is an anti-coagulant (blood thinner) which is prescribed to prevent and treat clotting of the blood. It is prescribed for various conditions such as atrial fibrillation, strokes and artificial heart valves. Patients taking Coumadin need their "protime" or clotting time checked once per month or sometimes as frequently as one to two times per week.
Hunterdon Cardiovascular Associates will perform "protime checks" for patients using a simple finger stick test. Here is how it works: the patient makes an appointment for our Coumadin Clinic (if their insurance covers the service in our office). When the patient arrives, the patient will be taken to our lab. The patient will complete a History and Evaluation form which will be reviewed with our nurse, the finger stick will be performed, the results will be given to the physician to determine whether the patient will continue present dose or whether a change in dose is required. The patient will then be instructed on the dose to be taken, their diet and any other health issues and when to make their next "protime" appointment. |
|
|
|
Pacemakers and Pacemaker Telephone Analysis
 There are many reasons why a patient is given a pacemaker. The most common reasons are the heart beats too slowly, the heart skips beats or the heart rhythm is too fast. A pacemaker will correct these irregularities.
Once a pacemaker has been implanted, it needs to be analyzed several times a year. Depending on different circumstances, the pacemaker needs to be analyzed by the physician or the physician assistant in the office once or twice yearly. The patient needs to have the pacemaker checked over the telephone every month or every other month depending on the age of the pacemaker.
The telephone checks are to evaluate two basic parameters:
- The status of the battery
- The competence of the connections from the pacemaker to the heart
If a problem is found, the patient will be advised to come to the office for further evaluation.
|
|
|
|
Cardiac Diagnostic Services
Our physicians read and provide a written interpretation of each diagnostic study mentioned below:
Echocardiogram with Doppler and Color Flow
Echocardiogram with Color
Echocardiogram
Stress Echocardiogram
Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram
Contrast Echocardiogram
Holter Monitor
Exercise Stress Test
Nuclear Stress Test with
Wall Motion and Ejection Fraction
Adenosine Nuclear Stress Test
Dobutamine Nuclear Stress Test
Viability Study
Diagnostic Peripheral Ultrasound
Brief descriptions of the most common cardiovascular tests:
Carotid Doppler Test
A carotid doppler is a non-invasive ultrasound procedure performed by a cardiac sonographer. The sonographer scans each side of the neck using an ultrasound probe and gel to obtain images of the carotid arteries. This test is used to determine if there is any plaque or blockage of the carotid arteries.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a non-invasive, diagnostic cardiac exam, which uses ultrasound to show the anatomical structures of the heart. The test enables the Cardiologist to assess the overall function of the heart and to identify cardiac abnormalities.
24 Hour Holter Monitor
A Holter Monitor records your heart rhythm during daily activities for 24 hours. This test is ordered to help detect cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heart beats) to help evaluate chest pain and to help discover the cause of certain symptoms such as dizziness, fainting and shortness of breath. The patient will keep a diary of activities and symptoms in order to correlate any abnormal heart rhythms during the 24 hour period.
Event Recorder
A 30 day Event Recorder is a non-invasive, portable method for diagnosing cardiac arrhythmias. The unit allows the patient to record an electrocardiogram at the onset of symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath and dizziness. The device makes it possible to capture and record the event when it happens. The patient then transmits the vital information over the telephone to the interpreting facility.
Exercise Stress Test
The exercise stress test evaluates cardiovascular response to physical stress. This test provides information on myocardial response to increased oxygen demands and coronary blood flow.
Nuclear Stress Test
A nuclear stress test is a diagnostic test used to determine if the heart muscle is getting the blood supply it needs.
Duplex Scan of Aorta
Duplex Scan of the Aorta is a non-invasive ultrasound that is used to visualize and measure the major artery (aorta) in the abdominal cavity. This is used to look for an enlarged artery (aneurysm).
Diagnostic Peripheral Ultrasound
Peripheral Ultrasound is a non-invasive ultrasound that is used to visualize and measure the blood flow in the blood vessels from the pelvis to the ankles. It locates and measures blockages (stenosis).
|
|
|
 |
|