Cardiovascular imaging in southwest Virginia
Accurate diagnosis is the first step in caring for heart and vascular conditions. At LewisGale Regional Health System, our facilities boast advanced imaging equipment and screening technologies to identify heart conditions in their earliest stages, before a heart event occurs.
To learn more about heart screening and imaging services at LewisGale Regional Health System, call our Consult-A-Nurse® team at (877) 242-2362.
Heart tests we offer
Through our comprehensive cardiac care services, we support the early discovery of cardiovascular diseases through advanced diagnostic tools:
- Angiography—Uses X-rays to create images of the inside of vessels surrounding the heart
- CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)—Creates cross-sectional views and detailed images of vessels and structures in and around the heart
- Echocardiography (ECHO)—Uses noninvasive ultrasound imaging to detect weaknesses in the heart’s rhythm and function, including color flow, Doppler, intraoperative, stress and transesophageal (TEE)
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)—Measures the electrical activity of the heart
- Electrophysiology—Studies the heart’s electrical system to diagnose and treat abnormal heart rhythms or heart arrhythmias
- Graded exercise tolerance testing—Compares heart circulation at rest with heart circulation at different levels of exertion
- Heart catheterization—Uses a small catheter tube and X-rays to assess the heart and blood supply
- Holter monitoring—Records the heart’s electrical signals through electrodes attached to the chest
- Near-patient (bedside) diagnostic metering—Allows preliminary testing and results at the patient’s side for rapid turnaround of information about cardiac enzymes and other critical measures of heart health and heart attack
- Nuclear (molecular) medicine—Uses small amounts of radioactive material to assess blood flow and other cardiac activity, including positron emission tomography (PET) scanning and Cardiolite stress testing
- Stress tests—Use medications or measured activity to assess heart activity under stress
- Tilt testing—Helps determine the cause of fainting (syncope)
- Vascular testing—Employs a comprehensive range of noninvasive procedures to determine blood flow and circulation or blockages in vessels outside the heart
Echocardiogram (ECHO)
Echocardiography uses high-frequency sound waves (called ultrasound) to create moving images of the heart. Doctors use echocardiograms to look at the size, shape and motion of the heart and to pinpoint heart muscles that aren’t contracting properly. Echocardiograms can detect blood clots, fluid build-up around the heart, valve conditions and other heart problems.
An echocardiogram is a painless test. Images generated during the test are displayed on a computer screen and can be captured and saved as video or still shots. The test usually takes less than an hour.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
An electrocardiogram measures the electrical activity of your heart. Small electrical sensors, called electrodes, are placed on your skin to sense the heart’s electrical activity. These electrical signals are turned into a graph that can give your doctor an idea of whether or not your heart is beating normally.
An EKG can help your doctor diagnose heart attacks, arrhythmias and other heart conditions, detect conditions that alter the body’s balance of electrolytes (e.g., potassium and magnesium) or identify other problems like medication overdoses.
