Memorial Cardiac & Vascular Institute
Early Detection
Memorial Cardiac & Vascular Institute emphasizes early detection of heart disease through screening, medical evaluation and noninvasive diagnostic testing. Beyond traditional cholesterol tests, advanced lipid testing evaluates blood fat substances that can lead to atherosclerosis , including: total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, HDL (“good”) cholesterol and triglycerides. High sensitivity c-reactive protein, an important risk factor that reflects inflammation, is a commonly used test.
Management of such major modifiable risk factors as smoking, hypertension, diet, obesity, exercise, cholesterol and diabetes is extremely important in the prevention and treatment of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Supervised exercise programs, nutrition counseling and group education sessions that address these risk factors are available at Memorial Fitness & Rehabilitation Centers. Structured and monitored Cardiac Rehabilitation also is available to meet the special needs of patients after heart attack, open heart surgery, angioplasty, stenting or stroke, as well as individuals with cardiovascular disease.
Early detection and testing are especially important if someone is experiencing symptoms indicative of a heart condition, including chest, neck, jaw or arm discomfort, especially with activity; frequent indigestion or abdominal discomfort; shortness of breath; easy fatigability; decreased effort tolerance; palpitations; and lightheadedness or fainting.
Noninvasive tests that are used in cardiac evaluation include:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG) — studies the electrical impulses of the heart to identify abnormal heart rhythms, heart size and heart damage
- Holter monitor — a portable version of an EKG worn for 24 hours to detect heart rhythm disturbances in conjunction with such symptoms as dizziness, lightheadedness or palpitations
- Echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound) — evaluates the function of the heart valves, the size of the heart’s four chambers and the effectiveness of heart muscle contraction
- Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) — passes an endoscopic echo probe into the esophagus to give more detailed images of the heart for complex cardiac conditions
- Exercise stress testing — monitors cardiovascular performance during exercise performed on a treadmill or stationary bicycle
- Pharmacological stress testing — monitors the heart after administration of certain medications to produce an effect similar to physical exercise
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan — detects calcium deposits in the arteries; newer multislice CT scanners show images of coronary and peripheral arteries (CT angiography)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) — evaluate the structure and function of the heart and major vessels
Recognizing that prevention and early detection of heart disease is often underemphasized in women and some minority groups, Memorial Cardiac & Vascular Institute has developed specific education and clinical programs to reach these audiences.
Disease Prevention
- Diet and Cardiovasular Disease
- Components of Food
- Cholesterol in the Blood
- Calculating Calories and Fat Grams
- Determining Your Body Mass Index
- Overview of Obesity
- Obesity Treatment Overview
- Medical Treatment for Obesity
- Gastric Bypass (Malabsorptive) Surgery
- Gastric Stapling (Restrictive) Surgery
- Maintaining Weight Loss
- Preventing Obesity
If you would like a referral to a physician, call Memorial Physician Referral Service toll-free at (800) 944-DOCS. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.