Noninvasive procedures A treadmill stress test precisely measures your body‘s reaction to physical activity in a safe and controlled environment. An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) monitors electrical activity of the heart, picking up potentially dangerous abnormalities. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound test that identifies problems of the heart valves and muscle function. Ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring (Holter monitoring) is a 24-hour, carry-along heart monitoring system, capable of pinpointing previously difficult-to-detect heart rhythm problems. Nuclear imaging uses a special camera to scan the heart muscle so we can visualize the heart‘s structure and analyze its blood flow. Carotid ultrasound may help detect plaque build-up in the neck's carotid arteries that can lead to a stroke. Breakthrough heart medications now save thousands of lives each year, without surgery. Invasive procedures Diagnostic cardiac catheterization utilizes a flexible, narrow tube (catheter) which is inserted into an artery to determine the extent of the blockage in the arteries of the heart. Interventional procedures Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), more commonly known as “balloon angioplasty,” is a method of treating the narrowing of a coronary artery by inserting a specialized catheter with a balloon attachment. By inflating the balloon, the blockage is reduced, resulting in improved blood flow to the heart. Intracoronary stent deployment is an implantation technique used to reinforce the wall of a vein or artery to ensure it remains open. Intravascular ultrasound imaging is used to evaluate any potential heart disease or plaque buildup. Endomyocardial biopsy is used to remove some of the heart‘s tissue for microscopic evaluation. Temporary and permanent pacemaker insertion is used to treat a slow-beating heart, by electrically stimulating the heart to contract properly. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting are used to treat circulation problems, often avoiding the need for surgery and restoring normal blood flow to the extremity or organ involved. Cholesterol program Our Cholesterol Management Program is directed by a physician and nurse practitioner who have been through advanced training in cholesterol management. We will develop a personalized treatment program that may include diet, exercise and medications. Transesophageal echocardiography ONE OF THE ONLY PRACTICES IN TOWN OFFERING THIS TEST This ultrasound procedure allows the cardiologist to evaluate if there are any defects, heart valve disease or heart muscle disease, if an artificial valve is functioning properly or if there are any blood clots within the heart. ECP ONE OF THE ONLY PRACTICES IN TOWN OFFERING THIS THERAPY External counter pulsation is a nonsurgical outpatient treatment that may relieve or eliminate angina. The procedure carries little or no risk and is very comfortable. Implantable loop recorder A SIMPLE, LIFESAVING DEVICE: A tiny recorder is placed under the skin to monitor and record your heart rhythm 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If anything happens, the cardiologist can analyze exactly what happened.