Springfield Clinic's Cardiology team offers a wide variety of tests and procedures that help diagnose and treat heart disease. The election of which and how many of these tests to perform is dependent on several criteria, including:
Each patient is carefully assessed to determine the potential problem and a set of tests is custom designed to meet the needs of each patient. Our cardiology team utilizes a full range of diagnostic tools, typically beginning with simpler, less invasive techniques, then progressing to more complex, invasive technology when warranted.
Examples of noninvasive tests include:
- Resting electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- Chest X-ray
- Holter monitor (ambulatory electrocardiogram)
- Echocardiogram
- Exercise stress test
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Examples of nuclear imaging tests include:
- MUGA scan
- Thallium stress test
- Pharmacologic stress test
- Stress echocardiography
Examples of other imaging tests include:
- Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
- Cardiac catheterization (cath) - also known as coronary angiography
Your cardiologist may choose non-invasive testing that can be performed in the office which can demonstrate abnormalities in the shape, function or electrical system of your heart. More invasive testing may be performed if a problem is identified, and your cardiologist will discuss this with you in depth.
Springfield Clinic Cardiology offers emergent treatment to patients with symptoms of an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) that have an abnormal EKG. By utilizing rapid response protocols in local emergency rooms, patients can be stabilized, transported to Springfield hospitals and treated by a Springfield Clinic Cardiologist in less than 90 minutes.
Cardiology services provided in the office include: - Echocardiogram: (ultrasound of the heart) an image of a beating heart to assess structure and function.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): a recording of the electrical activity of the heart.
- Holter/Event Monitoring: continuous/manual recording of the heart’s rhythm and rate.
- Pre-operative Clearance: an assessment of a patient’s risk for surgery.
- Nuclear Imaging: an imaging study combined with stress testing to assess the blood flow to the heart.
- PPM/AICD CLINIC: (Pacemaker/Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) a routine check of a patient pacemaker/defibrillator device for capability and battery life.
- Treadmill Stress Test: a walking test with monitoring of EKG and blood pressure.
- Stress Echocardiogram: a test combining walking on a treadmill and images of the heart at rest and during stress.
Cardiology services provided in the hospital (Memorial Medical Center or St. John's Hospital): Note: A cardiac clearance is a pre-operative assessment of the patient's risk for surgery.