Some of the state-of-the-art procedures our expert diagnostic teams perform include:
Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterization
The Heart Center at Halifax Health Medical Center offers complete diagnostic resources including four cardiac procedure rooms where diagnostic cardiac catheterizations (cardiac caths) are performed. A cardiac cath involves the insertion of a catheter (long, thin tube) into a blood vessel, usually in the groin. Under x-ray guidance, the catheter is then advanced into the heart. When in place, x-ray contrast dye can be injected through the catheter allowing moving x-ray images of the heart valves, coronary arteries and chambers of the heart. During the procedure, the physician will be able to determine the extent of heart disease and what other treatments such as angioplasty, insertion of a stent or heart surgery might be needed.
Non-Invasive Diagnostics
- Computerized Electrocardiograms (EKG) - A simple test that records the electrical activity of the heart muscle from 12 different positions.
- Echocardiography - A painless test that uses sound waves to create images of your heart.
- Transesophageal Echocardiograms (TEE)- This test allows the cardiologist to view the internal structures of the heart and the heart's major vessels by inserting a probe (a thin flexible tube with a special tip) down the throat.
- Nuclear Stress Tests A nuclear stress test lets doctors see pictures of your heart while you are resting and shortly after you have exercised.
- Electrophysiology Studies These use electrical signals to help doctors find out what kind of arrhythmia you have and what can be done to prevent or control it.
