Pediatric Cardiovascular Diagnostics & Testing
The Heart Institute offers the most advanced diagnostic, surgical and interventional techniques and equipment for treatment and management of pediatric cardiovascular conditions. The pediatric cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology laboratories are the most technologically advanced in existence, allowing The Heart Institute to offer children the latest innovations.
While in this high-tech arena, children and their families are at the center of a multidisciplinary medical effort. They are surrounded by a team of doctors, nurses and staff who know, through years of experience, just how to meet the special needs of the tiniest patients, as well as how to support families in managing the stress of having a child in a critical-care setting.
Diagnostics and tests available include:
Angiography
Angiography is a test that is used to examine the coronary arteries, the heart and other large blood vessels in the chest.
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Arteriogram
If a doctor suspects that a patient has a problem related to the arteries, he or she might suggest an angiogram, or arteriogram. This is a picture of the arteries to look for blockages and other problems using X-ray technology.
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Autonomic Testing
Autonomic testing refers to a series of tests that determine how well the autonomic nerves respond to stimulation. They are used to look for nerve damage.
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Cardiac CT
A Computed Tomography (CT scan) is a medical imaging tes which combines taking multiple X-ray pictures of the inside of the body. Nicklaus Children's utilizes a low dose radiation CT Scanner.
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Cardiac MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI of the heart is a medical test that provides high-definition images of the heart (or body) and surrounding veins and arteries using a combination of magnetic and radio waves and a computer.
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Cardiac Stress Test
A cardiac stress test is a test that doctors use to determine how well your heart & body respond to stress, while working them hard through exercise.
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Cardiopulmonary Function Tests
Cardiopulmonary function tests refers to a broad range of tests used to monitor the function of the heart and lungs. The tests range from exercise tests to spirometry to other forms of testing.
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Cholesterol Screening
A cholesterol screening is a blood test that measures your levels of different types of cholesterol. These include total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides.
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Echocardiography
An echo uses sound waves to create pictures of your heart’s chambers, valves, walls and the blood vessels (aorta, arteries, veins) attached to your heart.
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Electrocardiogram Test
An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a test that evaluates the electrical rhythm of the heart. It’s used by medical professionals to find potential problems based on the pattern of your heart’s electrical rhythm or rate.
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Electrophysiology
An electrophysiology study is a medical test that examines the heartbeat and the heart rhythm.
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Fetal Echocardiograms
This high-resolution ultrasound test can diagnose fetal heart abnormalities, providing opportunities for planning for a safe delivery and ongoing infant care.
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Holter Monitoring
Holter monitoring is a test that monitors and records your heartbeat for 24 to 48 hours. It’s typically used to gain more information about an abnormal heart rhythm and determine how long and how frequently the episodes last.
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Intravascular Arterial and Venous Monitoring
Intravascular arterial and venous monitoring is a test that measures blood flow throughout the body. It’s useful in both diagnosing medical conditions and monitoring a patient who is already under medical care and supervision.
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Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
Myocardial perfusion imaging, also called a nuclear cardiac stress test, helps determine the adequacy of blood flow to the heart.
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Tilt Table Evaluation
A tilt table test is a medical procedure used to determine the possible cause of fainting episodes.
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Transesophageal Echocardiography
Because the esophagus is so close to the upper chambers of the heart, very clear images of those heart structures and valves can be obtained from a transesophageal echo.
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