Diagnostic Services:

We put more "heart" in heart care when we designed the cardiovascular program at The Medical Center. Whether it's a basic procedure, an advanced diagnostic test, or sophisticated elective angioplasty, you can count on Lahey Cardiology at The Medical Center for exceptional heart care close to home.

Electrophysiology

Cardiologists from our tertiary care partner Lahey Clinic, who specialize in electrophysiology, are available to conduct electrophysiology studies. This test is used to assess serious electrical conduction abnormalities that can cause life threatening arrhythmias; it is often conducted prior to the implantation of an artificial pacemaker.

Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA)

This scan produces multiple images of the vessels and joins them together in cross-sectional views. The 3D images can be manipulated by radiologists and cardiologists to provide clearer views and a more accurate diagnosis. For patients, it means a faster, less invasive procedure to detect cardiovascular problems.

Exercise Tolerance Test (ETT):

An ETT is a special type of EKG. This test allows the physician to evaluate whether the blood supply to the heart is sufficient during different levels of exercise. An ETT also helps your physician determine the type and level of exercise that is right for you.

Exercise Myoview (EMYOVIEW):

This test combines exercise and nuclear imaging to evaluate the blood flow to the heart muscle. Myoview is a low-level isotope used to highlight the heart muscle.

Persantine or Adenosine Myoview Stress Test (PMYOVIEW/AMYOVIEW):

Through the use of nuclear imaging, the test evaluates the blood flow to the heart muscle or identifies blockages in the coronary arteries. The medication persantine causes the coronary arteries to dilate and simulates the effects of exercise. The low-level isotope Myoview highlights the heart muscle. These tests are used for patients who cannot exercise on a high enough level on a treadmill to obtain an adequate reading from a stress test.

Echocardiogram:

Harmless sound waves are bounced off the heart and converted into two-dimensional images of the heart and its internal structures to evaluate the size, pumping, strength, and function of the heart muscle and valves.

Exercise Stress Echocardiogram (SEC):

SEC combines an ultrasound study of the heart and an exercise stress test. During the test, harmless sound waves are bounced off the heart and converted into two-dimensional images of the heart and its internal structures. The patient walks on a treadmill as in a regular stress test. Pictures of the heart are taken before and after exercise on the treadmill.

Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE):

TEE sends harmless sound waves to the heart through a small scope placed down the throat. Parts of the heart such as the wall, valves, muscles, and blood vessels send echoes back. A TEE can see cardiac structures in more detail than a routine echocardiogram.

Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram (DEC):

Dobutamine is a medication given through an IV that causes the heart to beat faster and stronger, just as it would if a person were exercising. An ultrasound test is performed on the chest. The test is used for patients who cannot participate in a traditional stress test on a treadmill.

Cardiac Catheterization:

Cardiac catheterization is a diagnostic heart test used to find out how well the heart is working and if any of the arteries feeding the heart muscle (coronary arteries) are blocked.