Martha Jefferson physicians and staff have specialized training and the advanced technology to perform the diagnostic and treatment procedures most needed by our community. From our introduction of the region's first 64-slice CT to the opening of our state-of-the-art electrophysiology (EP) and second cath lab, we are taking on the growing challenge of heart disease and helping individuals live healthier, longer lives.
To learn more about a specific procedure or technology, browse our list below. If you have been told that you may need a specific procedure and would like more information about what to expect, contact our Heart Health Navigator who can answer your questions at any time during your experience with us.
Diagnostic Cardiology
- Tilt Table
- Holter Monitor
- Event Monitor
- EKG
- Stress Test
- Nuclear Stress Test
- Echocardiogram
- Stress Echocardiogram
- Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
- Coronary CT Angiography (CCTA)
- Cardiac MRI
Pacemakers, ICDs & Ablations
- Pacemakers
- Pacemaker Follow Up
- ICD (Internal Cardiac Defibrillator)
- ICD (Internal Cardiac Defibrillator) Follow Up
- Implantable Event Recorder
- Electrophysiology Procedures (EP)
- Cardioversions
- Ablations
Caths & Stents
Cardiac Rehab
Tilt Table
Common Reasons for Use
To evaluate the cause of unexplained fainting (syncope)
A Brief Description of What to Expect
You begin lying flat on a table with your heart rate and blood pressure being monitored. The table is tilted simulating a change in position from lying to standing up. This test allows doctors to evaluate your body's cardiovascular response to this change in position.
Holter Monitor
Common Reasons for Use
To evaluate the cause of shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dizziness (syncope), chest pain (angina), palpitations, congenital heart problems
A Brief Description of What to Expect
You are fitted with an external monitoring device that continuously records your heart rate and rhythm for a 24-hour period.
Event Monitor
Common Reasons for Use
To evaluate the cause of shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dizziness (syncope), chest pain (angina), palpitations, congenital heart problems
A Brief Description of What to Expect
You are given an external monitoring device that records heart rate and rhythm as symptoms occur. The device transmits recordings for evaluation over a 30-day period. Event monitors are beneficial when rhythm changes might not be captured with a 24-hour Holter Monitor.
EKG
Common Reasons for Use
To evaluate the cause of shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dizziness (syncope), chest pain (angina), palpitations, congenital heart problems
A Brief Description of What to Expect
A technologist attaches 12 leads (monitor wires) to the exterior of your chest and abdomen to obtain a recording of the heart rate, rhythm and electrical activity of the heart.
Stress Test
Common Reasons for Use
To evaluate the cause of chest pain (angina), heart attack (myocardial infarction), coronary artery disease, shortness of breath.
A Brief Description of What to Expect
You are fitted with external leads (monitor wires) that attach to a heart monitor and then asked to walk slowly on a treadmill. The speed is increased and the treadmill is tilted to produce the effect of going up a small hill. Afterwards you will sit or lie down to have your heart rate and blood pressure checked. A pharmacological stress test (meaning a medicine-induced heart rate change) may be performed should you be unable to walk on a treadmill in order to achieve the same test of your heart rate and blood pressure.
Nuclear Stress Test
Common Reasons for Use
To evaluate the cause of chest pain (angina), heart attack (myocardial infarction), coronary artery disease, shortness of breath
A Brief Description of What to Expect
Similar to the stress test but with images obtained with a nuclear medicine camera before and after exercise on the treadmill. A pharmacological nuclear stress test may be performed when a patient is unable to walk on a treadmill.
Echocardiogram
Common Reasons for Use
To evaluate valvular heart disease, chest pain (angina), heart attack (myocardial infarction), coronary artery disease
A Brief Description of What to Expect
The echocardiogram uses ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves) to get a picture of the four heart chambers and the four heart valves.
Stress Echocardiogram
Common Reasons for Use
To evaluate chest pain (angina), heart attack (myocardial infarction), coronary artery disease, shortness of breath, valvular heart disease
A Brief Description of What to Expect
This procedure combines techniques used in an echocardiogram and a stress test
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
Common Reasons for Use
To evaluate blood clots before cardioversion, valvular disease
A Brief Description of What to Expect
The transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a ultrasound imaging exam. The ultrasound catheter used is inserted through the mouth and passed into the esophagus. Because the heart and esophagus are close together, and there are no boney structures between, TEE can provide a clear image of the heart.
Coronary CT Angiography (CCTA)
Common Reasons for Use
To evaluate patients with atypical symptoms, at intermediate risk for coronary artery disease, those with inconclusive stress test results or those who are considering cardiac catheterization.
A Brief Description of What to Expect
This study is done with the use of a 64-slice CT, which produces detailed 3-D images of the heart and arteries in a matter of just seconds. This exam gives physicians an easy, fast, and non-invasive look inside your heart. Prior to the test, patients are given a Beta blocker to decrease their heart rate to allow for the best images possible.
Cardiac MRI
Common Reasons for Use
Used for patients with atypical symptoms, at intermediate risk for coronary artery disease, those with inconclusive stress test results to those who are considering cardiac catheterization.
Using cardiac MR, physicians can:
- examine the size and thickness of the chambers of the heart.
- determine the extent of damage caused by a heart attack or progressive heart disease.
- detect the buildup of plaque and blockages in the blood vessels.
- assess a patient's recovery following treatment.
A Brief Description of What to Expect
MR imaging uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves (not x-rays) and a computer to produce detailed pictures of your Heart and surrounding organs. Detailed MR images allow physicians to better evaluate the body and certain diseases that may not be assessed adequately with other imaging methods such as x-ray, ultrasound or computed tomography (also called CT or CAT scanning).
Pacemakers
Common Reasons for Use
To evaluate cases of slow heart beats (bradycardia), heart failure.
A Brief Description of What to Expect
A pacemaker is implanted beneath the skin. It sends electrical impulses to the heart to help it pump properly. An electrode is placed next to the heart wall and small electrical charges travel through the wire to the heart.
Pacemaker Follow Up
What is it?
The inpatient and outpatient monitoring of patients with pacemakers
A Brief Description of the Service
Pacemakers need to be periodically checked to ensure that they are functioning correctly. Some testing can actually be done over the phone, using a process called transtelephonic monitoring.
ICD (Internal Cardiac Defibrillator)
Common Reasons for Use
To evaluate cases of slow heart beats (bradycardia), fast heart beats (tachycardia), heart failure
A Brief Description of What to Expect
A defibrillator is implanted beneath the skin, close to the heart. It will sense dangerous heart rhythms and provide a life saving electrical charge to return your heart to a safe rhythm.
ICD (Internal Cardiac Defibrillator) Follow Up
What is it?
The inpatient and outpatient monitoring of patients with ICD's
A Brief Description of What to Expect
ICDs need to be periodically checked to ensure that they are functioning correctly.
Implantable Event Recorder
Common Reasons for Use
To evaluate recurring fainting.
A Brief Description of What to Expect
It is implanted under the skin, close to the heart. It has the ability to record the electrical activity of the heart, store irregular heart rhythms within set parameters and can be triggered to store events.
Electrophysiology Study
Common Reasons for Use
To evaluate irregular and potentially dangerous heart rhythms.
A Brief Description of What to Expect
During an EP study, a specially trained Cardiologist will place catheters through the vessels in your leg to the heart to collect data about electrical activity. EP studies can help locate specific areas of your heart that cause irregular heart rhythms.
Ablations
Common Reasons for Use
To evaluate and treat irregular and potentially dangerous heart rhythms.
A Brief Description of What to Expect
During an Ablation, a specially trained Cardiologist will place catheters through the vessels in your leg to the heart to treat irregular and potentially dangerous heart rhythms.
Cardioversions
Common Reasons for Use
To evaluate and treat irregular heart rhythms.
A Brief Description of What to Expect
Cardioversion is a brief procedure during which an electrical charge is delivered to the heart to convert an irregular heart rhythm back to a normal rhythm.
Cardiac Cath
Common Reasons for Use
To evaluate cases of heart attack (myocardial infarction), chest pain (angina), arrhythmia, heart valve disease, coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, fainting, shortness of breath, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
A Brief Description of What to Expect
During a Cardiac Cath, a specially trained Cardiologist will place catheters through the vessels in your leg to the heart and coronary arteries. Then a contrast medium, such as dye, is injected to help the doctor see the blood flow to the heart muscles and detect any blockages of blood flow.
Stent Placement
Common Reasons for Use
To evaluate and treat artery blockage (blockage of blood flow to the heart)
A Brief Description of What to Expect
A small stent (made of wire mesh) is placed in the coronary artery to help blocked or narrowed areas stay open. In some instances, a stent coated with a medication, referred to as drug eluting stent is used. The medication works to further prevent future narrowing of the artery.
Pericardiocentesis
Common Reasons for Use
To evaluate and remove excess fluid from around the heart
A Brief Description of What to Expect
A catheter is placed in the lining around the heart called the pericardium to remove excess fluid buildup.
Inpatient Cardiac Rehab
Common Reasons for Use
To evaluate patients who have experienced recent heart attack, stent or balloon angioplasty; pre-heart bypass or valve surgery, heart failure, risk factors for heart disease (diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure), chest pain
A Brief Description of What to Expect
Education about heart condition and healthy lifestyle including diet, exercise, smoking cessation and stress management.
Outpatient Cardiac Rehab
Common Reasons for Use
To evaluate patients who have had a recent heart attack (myocardial infarction), heart bypass or valve operation, stent or balloon angioplasty, heart transplant, diagnosis of stable angina, heart failure, or risk factors for heart disease.
A Brief Description of What to Expect
Three different doctor-referred programs (Phase 2, 3, and Adult Fitness) based on level of medical supervision and heart monitoring required. It is generally recommended that patients be enrolled in outpatient cardiac rehab for 6 – 12 weeks. This ensures there is enough time devoted to education and individualized exercise in order to help them recover from their heart event and learn to live a healthier life.
