At INTEGRIS Health Heart Hospital, we use advanced equipment to conduct precise diagnostic cardiac exams for patients with suspected heart or vascular conditions.
Early detection of heart and vascular issues is crucial for effective treatment, and precise diagnostics are key to identifying these conditions accurately.
ECG Lab
The electrocardiogram (EKG) lab is open 24 hours. Hospitalized patients and outpatients receive a variety of exams including:
Nuclear Cardiology
This progressive department evaluates coronary artery disease by assessing blood flow to the heart and identifying blocked arteries. Staffed by nuclear medicine technologists and EKG technicians, the department performs procedures like myocardial perfusion imaging.
What to Expect
A myocardial perfusion imaging test takes 2-3 hours. A technologist explains the process, which involves injecting a radiopharmaceutical intravenously. Heart images are taken 30-45 minutes later, with the patient lying on a scanning table for about 20 minutes. Initial images show blood flow at rest.
Electrodes are then attached to monitor the heart during exercise or stress, overseen by a cardiologist. Exercise can be done on a treadmill or with drugs like adenosine or dobutamine. After 30-45 minutes, a second set of images is taken to assess post-exercise blood flow. A nuclear cardiology technologist processes the data, and a cardiologist interprets the results.
Preparation
No fasting is needed, but avoid caffeine, including decaf, for 12 hours before the test. Wear comfortable, metal-free clothing.
Stress Test or Echo Lab
The Echo lab is open for procedures on weekdays, with staff on-call after hours and during weekends. Our ultrasound technologists have more than 70 years of combined experience, ensuring quality tests.
All echocardiography team members are either accredited or in training for board exams and hold active status in the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) for Adult Echocardiography (RDCS). Some also hold status in Vascular Technology (RVT) and Pediatric Echocardiography (RDCS).
Procedures performed include:
Echocardiograms
An echocardiogram is a noninvasive procedure that evaluates heart function and structures. A transducer emits ultrasonic sound waves that travel through the body to the heart, where they reflect off heart structures. These echoes are captured and converted by a computer into moving images of the heart, visible on a screen.
Cardiac CT
A computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan is a noninvasive imaging procedure that uses X-rays and computer technology to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. It offers more detail than standard X-rays, capturing images of bones, muscles, fat and organs.
CT scans can be performed with or without contrast, a substance that enhances image clarity, which may require fasting beforehand. CT scans of the chest offer detailed views of thoracic organs, aiding in diagnosing injuries or diseases. Your physician will inform you if preparation is needed.
Catheterization Lab for Diagnostics
At INTEGRIS Health Heart Hospital, diagnostic catheterizations, often following chest pain, assess blood supply issues to the heart and body. This procedure identifies artery narrowing or blockages.
A small catheter is inserted via a blood vessel in the groin or arm and guided to the heart. It measures chamber pressures and injects contrast dye into coronary arteries for further diagnosis.