Cardiac Evaluation
 Tchefuncte Cardiovascular Associates (TCA)'s major specialty is cardiac evaluation. Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the single largest killer of American males and females. 1 in 4 males and females has some sort of Cardiovascular Disease (AHA).
About every 26 seconds an American will suffer a coronary event and about every minute someone will die from one. 50 percent of men and 64 percent of women who died suddenly of CHD had no previous symptoms of this disease.
Who should have a cardiac evaluation?
Men and women with two or more risk factors:
- Cigarette smoking
- High cholesterol levels
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Overweight
- Lack of physical activity
- Death of an immediate family member from heart disease at 55 years of age or less
Men 45 years of age or older and women 55 years or older, desiring to begin a vigorous exercise program.
Major signs and symptoms of cardiac disease:
- Pressure, fullness, discomfort, or squeezing in the center of the chest
- Pain that goes to your shoulders, neck, jaw, or arms
-
Discomfort in your chest with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath
Known cardiac (heart) condition, pulmonary (respiratory or breathing) problems, and metabolic (diabetes or other hormonal) issues.
Surgeons may also request a cardiac evaluation before giving anesthesia or performing major operation.
What does a cardiac evaluation include?
 Typically a cardiac evaluation begins with a cardiologist consult. A cardiologist is a physician trained in Internal Medicine, specializing in the heart and vascular system.
A resting 12-lead electrocardiogram is often performed to detect irregular heart rhythms or old injuries to the heart.
Labwork is frequently ordered to determine cholesterol levels, presence of anemia, infection, kidney function, liver function, and general health status. Special tests that identify risks for cardiac disease include Homocysteine and C-reactive Protein. High levels of these components have been associated with the presence or development of cardiac disease.
A chest x-ray may be performed to determine the position and size of the heart. In addition fluid in the lungs can be detected, as well as other pulmonary (lung) problems.
An echocardiogram may be ordered to evaluate the heart's size and how strongly the heart is pumping. In addition the heart's valves are examined to see how well they open and close. The flow of blood through the heart is determined.
If an irregular heartbeat is suspected a holter monitor or event monitor may be prescribed. The monitor is worn for a certain amount of time during daily activities. The heart's rhythm and response to activity is evaluated.
A stress test may be ordered to evaluate whether adequate blood flow to the heart occurs during exercise. The blockages in the coronary arteries may not be evident during a resting EKG. The increased demand for blood during exercise can identify blockages. A variety of stress tests can be performed, including a treadmill test, a nuclear study, a stress echo, or a chemical stress test (Adenosine). See Patient Information for more details regarding these procedures.
If these tests are positive, further evaluation may be necessary. The gold standard for determining the exact location and degree of blockage in the arteries is an angiogram or cardiac catherization. A catheter or small tube is placed into the arteries feeding the heart, so that dye may be injected to visualize the arteries. The heart is also evaluated for size and the ability to pump blood out of the heart. If blockages are detected, they may be corrected with angioplasty (the balloon procedure) and stents. Dependent on the number of blockages and their location, cardiac surgery may be recommended. The heart valves can also be evaluated to determine if surgery is necessary to repair or replace a valve or valves.
Go to Patient Information for Conditions/Procedures for more detail.
What happens afterwards?
The cardiologist will review and interpret the previous tests. The cardiologist will discuss the findings and options with you periodically during the evaluation. Cardiac risk factors will be identified. Recommendations will be made to help reduce your risk factors.
Medications may be recommended. You may need follow-up to determine if the medications are working as expected and to watch for side effects, especially related to kidney and liver function.
You might be a candidate for a TCA Research project. You will be referred to the research team for further evaluation for eligibility. You will be given information regarding the study risks, and benefits. The medications and follow-up tests are free. Occasionally time and travel will be paid.
The cardiologist will send a letter to your primary care physician or surgeon to outline the findings and recommendations. TCA works closely with referring physicians to ensure that your care is comprehensive and seamless.
Who do I contact?
-
-
Either select a physician or our staff will assist you in picking the physician right for you. See Our Doctors for more details.
-
Make an appointment. TCA is devoted to making appointments at your convenience and as soon as possible.
-
TCA participates in the majority of insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicaid. We will help you with anticipating costs and insurance filing.
Don't wait. A cardiac evaluation can be a matter of life or death.
^ top
|
