Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram or ECHO produces images of the heart by using sound waves. These harmless sound waves are generated from a small device (transducer) held onto your chest. Sound waves reflect your heart structures and are beamed back to a screen where they are recorded. The images can help identify abnormalities of heart muscle or valves and can detect fluid around the heart. At Brookhaven, the latest technology including Native Tissue Harmonic Imaging with full digital image acquisition, processing and storage allows us to enter the new millennium fully prepared to render optimal patient care.
Exercise EKG (Treadmill Test)
The exercise EKG or stress test evaluates your heart's response to exercise. A Cardiologist supervises the test while you exercise upon a treadmill with your blood pressure, heart rate and EKG continuously monitored by a trained registered nurse. The exercise EKG aids in determining how fit you are, how safe an exercise program might be for you, or if a heart problem may exist.
Holter Monitoring
The Holter Monitor is a portable, miniature electrocardiograph machine. A cassette-like tape-records your EKG for approximately 24 hours. This allows your doctor to examine any heart rhythm changes, which may occur while wearing the device.
King of Hearts
The King of Hearts is a patient-activated ambulatory electrocardiograph monitor. It is capable of capturing ECG data prior to and after a patient experiences a symptom. The monitor is worn throughout the day and night and continuously scans the patient's ECG activity. When a symptom is felt, the patient pushes a button and the monitor automatically stores the ECG reading - including a period of time before patient activation. The monitor can be preprogrammed to select the time period (60-300 seconds) and the number of events stored. As instructed, the patient sends the stored data via telephone to the Cardiology Lab anytime from anywhere. Trained RNs and ECG Technologists are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to receive the transmission.
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Multi-Gated Acquisition or Gated Blood Pool Study (Resting MUGA)
A MUGA scan evaluates the chamber sizes and pumping ability of the heart using specialized computers combined with an electrocardiogram. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into the blood stream where it "tags" the blood which is then imaged with a special camera (detector) as it flows through your heart.
Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
If an exercise EKG does not give the information needed, your doctor may order myocardial perfusion imaging. During exercise or pharmacologic provocation, a small amount of radioactive material is injected into a vein through a small needle in your arm. The amount of radiation is minimal. A special camera is then used to image the heart in multiple "slices" allowing for a 3-dimensional reconstruction of the blood flow to the heart muscle.
Signal Averaged Electrocardiogram (SAECG)
Signal Averaged ECG is a type of cardiogram that identifies low amplitude, high frequency electrical signals, also called late potentials, which come from diseased heart muscle. This can be helpful in deciding your risk of suffering serious cardiac rhythm disturbances.
Transtelephonic Arrhythmia Monitor (TAM)
The TAM (Transtelephonic Arrhythmia Monitor) is a portable, miniature device for recording an EKG signal. It records your EKG for approximately one minute whenever you choose to activate the monitor and may be used repetitively for a one-month period of time. You can transmit your cardiac rhythm to the Cardiology Laboratory by telephone anytime from anywhere, should you experience symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations or chest pain.
Vectorcardiogram (VCG)
A vectorcardiogram (VCG) is a different method for analyzing your heart's electrical activity. It is a three-dimensional EKG, which can sometimes help your doctor understand the cause of a seemingly abnormal EKG.
If you would like more information, please consult your physician or call the Medical Center at 631-654-7243.
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