CVG - Gwinnett Heart













CVG doctors and Staff only

Services

EKG
EKG is an abbreviation for Electrocardiography. EKG's are ordered by physicians to diagnose heart rhythm disturbances("arrhythmias") or structural heart disorders. EKG is a painless, non-invasive test that lasts usually less than a minute. 12- 15 electrodes are attached to your skin, which are capable of monitoring a patient's heart rhythm.

Echocardiography
Echocardiography (Echo) test uses sound waves to evaluate your heart. This test is painless and visualizes the heart without radiation providing the physician with valuable information about the function and structure of heart valves, heart muscle, and surrounding tissue (pericardium). The test is performed by an Echo Tech who stores the images digitally and then is reviewed by our physician in conjunction with the patient's medical history. The test typically takes less than 30 minutes and patients are able to resume their normal activities immediately afterwards.

Exercise Testing
Exercise testing requires the patient to exercise on a treadmill while having his or her heart evaluated by electrocardiography (ECG). For patients who cannot exercise on a treadmill, medication is administered to increase the heart rate.

Vascular Ultrasound
Sound waves are used to evaluate the carotid arteries supplying the brain as well as the arteries and veins of the lower extremities providing useful information about stroke risk, gangrene, and phlebitis. These tests typically take less than 45 minutes.

Transesophageal Echo Studies
Transesophagael Echo Studies (TEE's) are used when echos are unable to provide the physician with adequate information. (typically for larger patients). TEE's (performed in the hospital as outpatient)involve a local anesthetic that helps reduce the discomfort associated with the test. The physician inserts a flexible tube down the throat to the esophagus enabling the physician to see the heart function from inside your chest. Since some mild sedation may be used, you should bring a family member or friend to drive you home. The test takes 30 minutes and you are typically able to go home after two or three hours.

Nuclear Cardiology

Nuclear cardiology tests allow your physician to visualize the blood flow pattern of your heart, evaluate the size of your heart, as well as identify any heart muscle scarring. Nuclear cardiology tests involve an injection of a low-level radioisotope. You are then exercised on a treadmill if possible or given an injection of a medication to simulate some of the effects of exercise. A special camera then takes pictures of your heart. The total test takes four to five hours with test results called back to you at the end of the day.

Electrophysiology Studies
Electrophysiology (EP) studies are the best way to evaluate patients who have arrhythmia's (abnormal heartbeats). The test uses wires inserted in the heart chambers to test the electrical impulses in the heart and create a map of the heart's activity. The test may last 30 minutes to 4 hours with results available within 24 hours.

Pacemaker and Pacemaker Checks
In some patients, a pacemaker can be surgically implanted to treat a slow heartbeat. A pacemaker uses electrical impulses to stimulate the heart to beat in a normal rhythm. Patients are carefully monitored to ensure proper functioning

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD)
An ICD is surgically placed to treat fast irregular heartbeats that could be life threatening. This device uses electrical impulses to correct the irregular heartbeat.

Ablation Therapy
Ablation therapy is used to treat cardiac rhythm disorders such as rapid heart rates. A heated catheter is used to disrupt the pathway and stops the rapid heartbeat.

Cardiac Catheterizations
A cardiac catheterization (cath) is the most precise method of studying your heart muscle and its blood flow. A catheter is inserted into a vein in your groin and guided to the heart. Liquid dye is injected into the heart chambers. Pictures are taken while the dye is circulating throughout the heart muscle providing clear information concerning the anatomy of your heart.

Outpatient Arrhythmia Services
A small portable device is utilized to diagnose irregular heart rates and rhythms. This procedure allows the physicians to diagnose symptoms that are infrequent and sporadic.

Angioplasty and Stenting
Angioplasty uses a balloon tipped catheter to open blocked arteries by pushing the blockage against the artery wall. In some patients, a stent, or small wire frame can be inserted into an artery to keep the artery open.

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