Cardio Diagnostic Services
MountainView Regional Medical Center provides a number of advanced cardiac imaging services. Your provider will determine which is best for your particular needs.
- Cardiac computed tomography (CT scan) or computed axial tomography (CAT scan) is a painless imaging test that uses X-rays to take many detailed pictures of your heart and blood vessels. Computers can combine these pictures to create a three-dimensional (3D) model of the whole heart. MountainView Regional Medical Center provides the following types of CT scans:
- 3D coronary CT angiography
- CT carotid angiograms
- CT angiograms of aorta
- CT angiograms of lower extremities
- CT angiograms of the renal (kidney) area
- CT calcium scoring
- Cardiac echocardiography, also called echo, cardiac ultrasound or sonogram is a test that uses sound waves to image your heart. It is one of the most beneficial and easiest tests for acquiring important information about your heart. MountainView Regional Medical Center provides the following types of echocardiograms:
- 3D transthoracic echocardiography
- Transthoracic echo with strain
- Transthoracic echo with agitated saline contrast (bubble study)
- Transthoracic echo with definition (contrast)
- Treadmill and dobutamine stress echocardiography
- Pediatric echo
- Transesophageal echo
- Intraoperative echo
- A stress test is an exercise tolerance test that increases the heart rate to see the response of the heart to exercise. You will be placed on a treadmill or stationary bike and asked to exercise while both blood pressure and electrocardiogram are monitored.
- A nuclear stress test is an exercise tolerance test that uses nuclear imaging to produce images of the hearts structure and blood flow under stress
- Additional cardiac imaging services
- Ankle/brachial index – This test compares the blood pressure in your ankle with the blood pressure in your arm to see how well your blood is flowing.
- Arterial doppler exam of the lower extremities - This test is used to assess the arteries in your legs for plaque buildup or narrowing, also known as peripheral vascular disease. The test consists of both blood pressure readings on your legs as well as echocardiograms of the blood vessels in your legs.
- Electrocardiogram - This test records the electrical activity of the heart.
- Holter or event monitors - A Holter monitor is worn which checks and records your heart rhythm continuously for 24 to 48 hours.
- Segmental pressures - Blood pressures are measured up and down the legs and arms to determine the location of poor circulation or blockage to the extremities. You will walk on a treadmill to assess the circulation in your legs.