Cardiovascular services

Cardiology

The CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital's Cardiology Department performs various Non-invasive Cardiac procedures. The procedure(s) maybe done on an outpatient or inpatient basis.

The procedures Cardiology Department provides are:

EKG: An electrocardiogram records the electrical impulses of the heart on paper.

Holter Monitor: This is a continuous recording of your heart rhythm, usually for 24 hours, while you go about your usual daily activities. It is especially useful in diagnosing abnormal heart rhythms.

Cardiac Event Hook-ups: Event recorders are used when the patient is experiencing intermittent symptoms or symptoms not captured on the holter Monitor. This recorder is small enough to fit into your shirt pocket or slacks pocket. You may keep this one up to one (1) month to continuously record your heart's rhythm.

Echocardiography (2-D and M-mode and/or Cardiac Doppler and Color flow): This procedure is used to evaluate the heart valves and function of the heart. M-mode is the motion of the heart, 2-D is two dimensional- the actual heart in motion, Color flow and Cardiac Doppler is used to assess the flow of blood through the heart.

Transesophageal Echocardiography: This a procedure where the doctor passes a small (finger like) probe down the esophagus to look up at the heart. The hearts valves and function are assessed. Live, on-line echocardiograms to physician at Oshners from our NICU to assist with diagnosis of neonatal cardiac problems.

Treadmill testing: A exercise EKG test allows doctors to learn how well your heart functions when it is make to work harder. During the test an electrocardiogram is recorded every minute and your blood pressure is monitored every two minutes.

Stress Echo: Same as a Treadmill test, except it is combined with an echocardiogram. The physician is then able to compare the echo pictures side by side and see it there are any wall abnormalities along with your EKG print out.

Dobutrex Stress Echo: This test is a exercise stress test used also with echo, but instead of walking on a treadmill, the patient is lying down. Medication is given through an intravenous line to speed the heart rate up.

To learn more about our services, use the links at right or call us at (318-487-1122).