Diagnostic Cardiovascular Testing in Manhattan, KS
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) Testing
The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a simple, non-invasive test for peripheral artery disease. The test compares blood pressure at the ankle with the blood pressure in your arm.
A low number on the ABI index could indicate a blockage or narrowing of the arteries or in the lower legs. Combined with risk factors for peripheral artery disease, the ABI test can indicate if further testing is needed.
Arterial Duplex Ultrasound
An arterial duplex ultrasound creates a map of the arteries in your legs to identify blood flow issues or blockages that could be causing leg pain and/or arterial ulcers on the lower legs and feet. The scan is non-invasive. It is used to diagnose vascular diseases such as peripheral artery disease.
Carotid Duplex Ultrasound
A carotid duplex ultrasound is non-invasive and identifies blood flow issues in the carotid arteries where blood is carried from the heart to the brain. Your cardiologist may order a carotid duplex ultrasound to assess your risk for stroke.
Echocardiogram
Echocardiograms, commonly referred to as “echos,” are non-invasive tests that can help diagnose potential problems with heart structure and blood flow.
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A stress echocardiogram, or “stress echo,” combines an echocardiogram with a stress test. It shows how the heart works during stress or exercise. These tests can be useful in diagnosing coronary heart disease.
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
Electrocardiogram (EKG) records the electrical activity of the heart, showing abnormal rhythms and detecting heart muscle damage. If your doctor suspects an irregularity with your heart’s rhythm, he may order an EKG.
Event Recording & Monitoring
To determine frequency and severity of abnormal heart rhythms, you may be given an event monitor. Typically, these monitors will be based on the perception of how frequent your abnormal heart rhythm events occur:
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Holter monitors can be worn for 24-48 hours and record a longer electrocardiogram (EKG) than possible during an appointment. It is designed to pick up certain rhythm irregularities in your heart.
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Loop recorders can be used for up to 3 years if your rhythm irregularities are less frequent. Implanting a loop recorder is an invasive procedure.
Pulmonary function testing is non-invasive and measures how well your lungs are working. It measures lung volume and capacity, and can be ordered prior to surgery if you have a history of breathing problems such as COPD.
Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT)
Renal Ultrasound
A renal ultrasound captures images of your kidneys to assess blood flow and function. It is a non-invasive test and may be ordered for patients with atherosclerosis (hardening arteries) to look for renal artery stenosis, which can cause elevated blood pressure and kidney damage.
Spirometry
Spirometry is a non-invasive test that assesses lung condition. It can be used to diagnose asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is used in a cardiovascular clinic to assess coronary artery disease and congenital heart disease.
Stress Tests
A stress test identifies how well your heart responds to work or stress. Also known as an exercise stress test or treadmill stress test, the test measures heart rate, rhythm and blood pressure to show if the blood supply to the heart is sufficient to carry oxygen in stressful environments.
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A nuclear stress test, or Lexiscan stress test, uses radioactive substances injected into the blood to create a picture of your heart. This test might be a better option for patients who have suffered a heart attack or have symptoms of coronary artery disease.
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These two tests require a temporary IV catheter to be placed in order to inject the radioactive tracers.
A venous insufficiency study uses ultrasound to evaluate for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots in the veins. The test is non-invasive and checks for blood flow and blood direction.
Venous Insufficiency Study
24-Hour Blood Pressure Testing
A 24-hour blood pressure test is used to determine blood pressure away from the clinic setting. It is commonly used to gauge the "white coat effect" — if you have higher blood pressure in the clinic than you do in normal activities. This test may be used to assess your hypertension level.