Your cardiologist will determine which tests and procedures are appropriate for you. Here are some of the ways we keep a close watch on your heart. This helps physicians to monitor your heart's activity during the range of a normal day's exertion. Cardiac catheterization is also used in emergencies to determine the extent of heart muscle at risk. Because time is of the essence when performing emergency cardiac catheterizations, specialists at The Cardiac Institute at Valley Hospital are on call 24 hours a day.
Cardiac catheterization can replace open-heart surgery.
Using ultrasound waves to produce accurate pictures of the heart in action, this procedure takes less than an hour, allowing our Cardiologists to quickly evaluate the performance of the heart, its chambers and valves. 5-minute exam identifies specific heart abnormalities, and in some cases can determine your risk of heart attack. Specific pharmaceuticals are then tested until the best medication is found. Earlier tests required 24 hours, and saving time between test and procedure can be crucial. Arterial obstructions in the neck, arms and legs can be found with a specialized microphone and simple blood pressure measurements that provide ultrasound images of arteries and veins.