At Cardiology Southwest, P.C., we provide a full spectrum of services for evaluation, diagnosis, and management of all types of cardiovascular diseases. We specialize in treating diseases that affect the heart and major blood vessels:

Carotid Doppler

The carotid arteries are the two main blood vessels that supply blood to the head and brain. A carotid Doppler exam uses sound waves to produce images of these arteries. The exam identifies any irregularities in the structure or blood flow of these vessels. Please follow the instructions outlined below:

1. If you have problems lying on your back, let the technician know.
2. Wear a shirt or blouse that buttons in the front.
3. Do not wear perfume, cologne, or powder.
4. You may eat, drink, and take medications as before.
5. Bring a current list of medications and dosages.
6. Bring your insurance cards.

Ankle Brachial Index (ABI)

The Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) is a simple noninvasive exam of the lower extremities to evaluate for Peripheral Vascular Disease. The exam consists of taking a series of blood pressures in both your arms and legs. The exam typically takes 30 minutes to complete. Please follow the instructions outlined below:

1. Have your insurance cards with you.
2. Bring a list of your medications and dosages.
3. Let the technician know if you have problems lying down.
4. Tell us of any allergies that you may have.

Echocardiography

An echocardiogram is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create a moving picture of the heart. The high frequency sound waves provide pictures of the valves and chambers, allowing the physician to assess for abnormalities such as leaky valves or stenosis (calcium build up). This exam also measures the size and strength of the heart muscle, which aids the physician in determining appropriate medication dosage for treatment of hypertension, congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy. This exam typically requires one hour to complete. Please follow the directions outlined below:

1. Do not use perfume, cologne, or powder.
2. You may eat, drink, and take medications as normal.
3. Let the technician know if you have trouble lying down.
4. Bring your insurance cards.
5. Tell us about any allergies you have.
6. Bring a current list of medications and dosages.

Holter Monitoring

A Holter monitor is a device that is worn during normal activity that continuously monitors and records heart rhythms. This device is typically worn for one of several reasons such as, irregular heart rate, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting spells, unexplained falls, or questionable pacemaker function. Patients on medication therapy for arrhythmias may wear a Holter monitor to aid the physician in determining an appropriate medication dosage.

Holter monitors are typically worn for a 24 to 48 hour period. When you arrive for your Holter monitor a technician will demonstrate its proper use as well as answer any questions you may have. This will take approximately half an hour, so plan accordingly. Please follow the instructions outlined:

1. While wearing the device, go about your normal activities.
2. Do not bathe or shower during the testing period.
3. A diary will be given to you to document symptoms.
4. Return to the office to have the monitor removed.

Nuclear Stress Testing

The one day nuclear study is a noninvasive exam used to assess coronary artery disease and heart function. 3-D images of the heart are created with the use of special cameras and a radioactive agent known as a tracer. The 3-D images are created when the cameras record the radioactive signature of the tracer moving through the heart. This exam is extremely useful to physicians for determining abnormalities of the heart and the extent of damage caused by disease. Radiation received from the tracer is comparable to that of an x-ray, and will be passed from the body by natural processes.

The one day nuclear study requires that two sets of images be taken. One set while the heart is resting and one while the heart is "stressed". In order to place a stress on the heart, the patient is asked to exercise by walking on a treadmill. If a patient is unable to exercise a medication can be administered which will produce similar results.

The test typically takes 2 hours to complete. Most of your time will be spent waiting for the tracer to circulate throughout the body. Please follow the list of instructions outlined below:

1. Do not eat or drink 4 hours prior to the exam.
2. Inform us of any allergies you have.
3. Let us know if you may be pregnant.
4. Bring a list of your medications and dosages.
5. No caffeine 24 hrs prior to test (coffee, tea, chocolate, soda).
6. No nicotine 24 hrs prior to test (cigarettes, tobacco, etc).
7. If you are diabetic and take insulin, please take 1/2 your insulin the day of test. If you take oral diabetic medications, take these as usual.
8. You may take your regular medications the morning of your test.
9. Please stop taking any theophylline containing medications or nitrates 24 hrs prior to test. Some of these include: Slo-bid, Theo-Dur, Aggrenox, Trental, Imdur, Isosorbide, Isordil, and Ranexa.