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Genesis Cardiology Testing Center

The physicians of Genesis Medical Associates, Inc., are now offering patients the opportunity to have Nuclear Stress Testing and Echocardiography Testing (Ultrasound)  performed at our Cardiology Testing Center located in the Primary Care Center on Corporate Drive.  

The Genesis Cardiology Testing Center is an accreditedEchocardiography Laboratory.   It was granted accreditation by the Intersocietal Commission for Acceditation (ICAEL).   Our laboratory is one of the first 1,000 echocardiology laboratories in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico to be so recognized for its commitment to high-quality patient care and its provision of quality diagnostic testing. 

 The ICAEL was established with the support of the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE); the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the Society of Pediatric Echocardiology (SOPE) to provide a peer review mechanism to encourage and recognize the provision of quality echocardiographic diagnostic evaluations by a process of voluntary acceditation.   A non-profit organization, the ICAEL, is dedicated to ensuring high-quality patient care and to promoting health care.

  If your Genesis physician orders a Nuclear Stress Test, Echocardiogram or Carotid Artery Doppler Test  for you, you can set up the appointment at the time of your  visit.

NUCLEAR STRESS TESTING INFORMATION

What is Nuclear Stress Testing?  It is a diagnostic test to examine the anatomy and function of your heart to determine the changes in blood flow to the heart during exercise.  It determines if blockages are so severe that they limit blood flow to the heart muscle when it needs it most — during physical activity.

Types of Stress Testing.   At the Genesis Cardiology Testing Center, we offer treadmill and medication-induced nuclear stress testing.  Depending on the type of testing your physician ordered, you will either be exercising several minutes on a treadmill or you will be injected with a prescribed medication over several minutes.  Both types of testing are designed to increase the rate the heart pumps blood.

The Procedure.   Stage I –  An I.V. will be inserted into the patient’s arm and a small dose of radioactive solution will be injected.   A special camera will be positioned close to the patient’s chest  to take pictures of the heart.   Blood flow to the heart at rest is evaulated.   Stage II – The patient will either exercise on a treadmill or will be injected with a prescribed medication to increase the rate of the heart. Near the end of the exercise or injection period,  the technologist will inject the patient with a radioactive contrast agent.  Stage III  After the heart rate and blood pressure return to pre-exercise/injection levels, a camera will again be used to obtain images of the heart.   Comparison of the exercising and resting images will determine whether coronary blood flow has changed.

VASCULAR ULTRASOUND TESTING

What is an Echocardiogram?  An Echocardiogram is a type of vascular ultrasound test that uses high-pitched sound waves to produce an image of the heart.   The sound waves are sent through a device called the transducer and are reflected off the various structures of the heart.   These “echoes” are converted to pictures of the heart that can be seen on a video monitor.

When is an Echocardiogram test ordered?  An Echocardiogram is generally used to evaluate heart wall thickness and motion as well as the structure and function of heart valves.  An Echocardiogram can also be used to estimate the amount of blood pumped out of your left ventricle with each heartbeat.

 An Echocardiogram can help identify areas of poor blood flow in the heart; areas of heart muscle that are not contracting normally; previous injury to the heart muscle caused by impaired blood flow; or evidence of heart failure, especially in people with chest pain or possible heart failure.  An Echocardiogram can detect a blood clot in the heart and evaluate the heart valves for abnormalities.

What is a Carotid Artery Doppler Test? This test is a type of ultrasound test that uses high-pitched sound waves to produce an image of the carotid arteries located in the neck.   These arteries provide the main supply of blood to the brain.   There are four (4) carotid arteries — a pair on each side of the neck.

When is a Carotid Artery Doppler Test ordered?  The Carotid Doppler Test cna determine if there is significant narrowing or blockage of the carotid arteries that could result in disruption of adequate blood flow to the brain.

Nuclear Stress Testing, Echocardiogram and Carotid Artery Doppler Test Results.  A cardiologist, board-certified in Nuclear Cardiology, will interpret the results of your testing and prepare a diagnostic report to share with your primary care physician.   Your Genesis physician will then contact you to discuss results.