Cardiac CT Imaging/Non-Invasive Coronary AngiogramUsing computed tomography and advanced computer software, Los Angeles Cardiology services provider Apex Cardiology can now obtain a non-invasive image of the beating heart. This allows you to obtain detailed information about the structure of a patient's heart and coronary arteries, which until recently, was only available by an invasive coronary angiogram. The extent of arterial calcification can also be determined using this procedure and is an important early indicator of the presence of coronary artery disease. These discoveries may lead to earlier treatment that will prevent a heart attack or possible death. So instead of considering a angiogram los angeles patients can now go for cardiac CT imaging.

Stress Testing
Stress Testing is designed to give you information about the health of the heart and help diagnose coronary artery blockages. During stress testing, we conduct an electrocardiogram (ECG) while the patient exercises on the treadmill. The exercise difficulty and duration increase during the test so that we can obtain more information about how the heart performs. In some cases, we may combine imaging of the heart with the ECG to gain additional information (see Nuclear Cardiology and Echocardiography). We also provide non-exercise (pharmacological) protocols for patients who cannot adequately walk on a treadmill.

Nuclear Cardiology
Los Angeles Cardiology patients can also take the nuclear cardiology, also sometimes called a "nuclear stress test" or "stress cardiolite" study, nuclear cardiac imaging is used in conjunction with stress testing to improve the detection of coronary artery blockages. Patients undergo an injection of a short-acting radioactive substance prior to and during treadmill exercise. The patient then lies under a "gamma" camera while a computer collects information and creates a detailed image of the heart muscle. This image allows the cardiologist to detect coronary artery blockages by looking for past and potential future heart muscle damage. A medication called adenosine can be substituted for exercise for those patients who cannot walk on a treadmill adequately or safely.

EchocardiographyEchocardiography or an "echo" uses sound waves to create images of the heart. During this procedure, a technologist uses a hand-held scanning device that creates digital images for a cardiologist to review. These images help the cardiologist learn more about heart size and function, including the chambers and valves. Sometimes this is performed both prior to and after stress testing to improve detection of coronary artery blockages.

Cardiac Catheterization / Invasive Coronary Angiogram
During this procedure, performed by a cardiologist in the hospital setting, a catheter is inserted through a small hole in the femoral artery at the top of the leg. The catheter is advanced through the aorta to the heart and is used to inject x-ray dye into the heart and coronary arteries and to measure pressures inside the heart. This procedure is performed under light sedation. The results may indicate the presence of coronary artery blockages, heart muscle damage, and valvular heart disease.

So if you are considering heart surgery los angeles patients should consider Apex Cardiology and check their services.

Visit: http://www.apexcardiology.com