Exploring Non-Invasive Procedures in Cardiovascular Diagnosis
The stress or treadmill test evaluates how the heart pumps blood during physical activity.
In the past, when a patient developed a heart condition, professionals would only use incisions and surgical interventions to diagnose the underlying issue. Although this option is effective, it takes time and also exposes the patient to bleeding, infections, and anesthesia-related complications.
Fortunately, technology has introduced non-invasive procedures that don’t require surgery. They assess the heart’s function and structure for an accurate diagnosis in no time. Here are some common non-invasive procedures.
Electrocardiogram procedure
The heart produces electrical signals that oversee the contraction of muscles to keep the blood flowing to and from the body parts. An electrocardiogram procedure, abbreviated as EKG or ECG, picks up these electrical signals to show:
The rate at which the heart is beating
The heartbeat’s rhythm (whether regular or irregular)
The strength and timing of the heart’s signals
Usually, a patient lays down, and ten electrodes or small, sticky patches attached to a computer are placed on the legs, arms, and chest. The computer makes their patterns and graphs as the electrodes record the heart’s electrical movement. The procedure can take approximately 10 minutes.
Stress or treadmill test
The stress or treadmill test evaluates how the heart pumps blood during physical activity. The patient rides a stationary bicycle or walks on a treadmill when carrying out the test. The healthcare provider observes the blood pressure, rhythm, and breathing patterns as the heart rate increases.
In cases where patients cannot engage in physical activity, they take drugs that induce similar effects to those of physical exercise.
Typically, healthcare providers give this test to patients who show signs of coronary artery or heart rhythm disorder.
Carotid ultrasound
As the name suggests, the carotid ultrasound targets the carotid arteries. These blood vessels originate from the upper chest and supply oxygen-rich blood to the neck, face, head, and brain. The procedure uses sound waves to assess how blood flows in these areas. It seeks to identify whether there’s any blockage or narrowing that can result in a stroke.
The doctor moves a small portable device called a transducer along the right and left side of the neck. The device sends high-frequency sound waves and records the echoes as the waves hit and bounce off the blood vessels and head tissues. A computer then converts the sound waves into internal images of carotid arteries.
Tilt table test
The tilt table test is common when someone regularly experiences dizziness and passes out. It shows how the heart rate, blood pressure, and heart rhythm change depending on position.
During the procedure, a patient lies on a table that a physician can tilt at different angles with the head above the heart. The physician also attaches electrodes to the patient’s chest and puts a cuff on their arm for testing blood pressure. If there are any abnormal changes, the professional can recommend the right drugs and lifestyle changes.
Go for a heart check-up
Gone are the days when examining the heart’s functions and structure involved risky surgical procedures. With non-invasive tests, healthcare providers can regularly assess heart conditions and detect problems early on. If a heart diagnosis is in order, contact a cardiovascular imaging specialist for more information about these non-invasive procedures.
Cardiovascular Speciality Imaging offers various ultrasound services and mobile Ultrasound Services to physicians, imaging centers, hospitals, and nursing facilities throughout Northwest Florida. Call us at (844)EZSCANS.
