Once a patient's medical history, family history and risk factors are reviewed, additional testing or imaging studies may be recommended to more accurately diagnose heart or vascular problems.  In addition to traditional heart and vascular studies, Cardiology Associates is an experienced leader in advanced cardiovascular imaging.  In 2005, Cardiology Associates was the first private practice in the country to offer cardiac computed tomography, CT, using an ultra-fast CT scanner. In 2010, we added the additional capabilities of cardiac PET.   Cardiology Associates' CT and PET technicians are licensed and highly trained, and our facilities are accredited the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission for CT, Nuclear Cardiology and PET.  


 

 diagnostic testing

Diagnostic tests, which are typically performed in the office setting, help our physicians identify or diagnose cardiovascular conditions.  The results provide our physicians with information to help determine the best course of treatment. These tests are used to identify heart and vascular issues. Some of the diagnostic tests involve nuclear medicine, the use of a small amount of radioactive substance, to produce two and three dimensional images and blood flow function.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTING CANCELLATION POLICY - A scheduler will review specific test preparation instructions with you. Please notify us at least 24 hours in advance if you need to reschedule or cancel your testing appointment. Patients who do not properly prepare for or who do not provide adequate notice will be subject to a cancellation fee of $50.

 The following diagnostic tests or procedures may be performed to help determine the exact nature of the heart or vascular complications a patient may be facing:

ANKLE-BRACHIAL INDEX (ABI)

This pressure index test compares the ratio of the blood pressure in the ankle versus the upper arm. If lower blood pressure in the legs than the arm is indicated, this can be an sign of narrowing or blockages peripheral arteries which can be due to peripheral vascular disease (PVD) or peripheral arterial disease (PAD)

Doppler Study

DOPPLER STUDIES

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, Arterial, Carotid, Renal Artery or Venous

These studies use ultrasound or high frequency sound waves to assess blood flow in major arteries and veins to areas of the body such as the arms, legs and neck and detect any abnormalities.

HOLTER MONITORING

A continuous recording or monitoring, via electrocardiogram, of a patient’s heart rhythm, usually over a 24-hour period, to help detect arrhythmias or irregular heart rhythms that may not be detected during a resting electrocardiogram.

PULMONARY FUNCTION TEST (PFT)

This test helps evaluate lung function involving several different tests while breathing at different rates. The PFT can be combined with the CPX to evaluate the entire cardiopulmonary system.

CARDIOPULMONARY EXERCISE TEST (CPX/CPET)

This exercise test is used to assist in determining the cause of any fatigue or shortness of breath. Using an electrocardiogram (EKG) while you are riding a stationary bicycle, a CPX measures the full cardiopulmonary system (heart, lungs and muscles) indicating how well they work together by measuring the amount of oxygen your body is using, the amount of carbon dioxide it is producing along with your breathing pattern.

ELECTROCARDIOGRAM (ECG/EKG)

This quick 5-minute test is used to record heart rhythms and also capture a graphic measure of the electrical activity in the heart to help detect or diagnose irregular heart rhythms or arrhythmias.

REMOTE & IN-OFFICE PACEMAKER MONITORING

The remote or in-office interrogation (capture) and or programming of a heart rate and rhythms from an implanted device such as a pacemaker or ICD (Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator)

STRESS TESTING

Also known as an exercise test or a treadmill test this test monitors your heart rate and blood pressure during periods of cardiac stress. This test can be performed on a treadmill or simulated with chemical inducement.  A stress echocardiography can also be performed in conjunction to evaluate the heart muscle at rest and immediately after exercise.

STRESS ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

Performed in conjunction with a stress test which monitors your heart rate and blood pressure during periods of cardiac stress, a stress echocardiography also evaluates the heart muscle at rest and immediately after exercise.


 Advanced cardiovascular imaging

Cardiology Associates provides patients on the Gulf Coast with advanced imaging for the heart and vascular system.  Our cardiovascular training, knowledge and experience is unmatched in this area.  Our technology, equipment and technicians provide our physicians with the tools to integrate high tech imaging, artificial intelligence based algorithms with professional clinical care to provide more efficient and effective patient care.

CARDIAC & PERIPHERAL CT

Also referred to as Coronary CT Angiography (CTA) or Peripheral CT Angiography (PCTA). This 3D imaging technique is performed on our ultra fast CT scanner which provides a detailed image of the vessels in and outside of the heart to reveal any signs of cardiovascular disease in the heart or the peripheral vascular system. You will be given instructions on how you should specifically prepare for an upcoming CT. General preparation instructions can be found here. If you are scheduled for a CT and have questions or would like additional information to ensure you are properly prepared, please contact our CT scheduler at 251-340-6807.

Please view the video below for details on a Cardiac or Peripheral CTA.

What to expect with a Cardiac CTA exam

 

What to expect with a Peripheral CTA exam


CARDIAC CT FFR

One of three locations in Alabama and only location on the Gulf Coast offering HeartFlow®, a technologically advanced, non-invasive diagnostic tool which creates a personalized digital 3-D model of the coronary (heart) arteries and is used to assess the impact that blockages may have on coronary blood flow.  This is a very efficient tool to assist our cardiologistis in determining the next step in a treatment plan. For more information on this technology talk to your cardiologist or visit HeartFlow®.

CLEERLY

Cleerly coronary analysis is a complete evaluation of the presence, amount, and type of plaque, the root cause of heart disease, in the heart's arteries based on a Coronary CT Angiography (CTA). To help understand one’s personal risk of a heart attack - earlier, and with the highest precision available, before a cardiac event becomes inevitable. Images captured in the CTA exam are processed by Cleerly software - a set of artificial intelligence based algorithms - and translated into measurements and reports for review by you and your physician.

The results of the Cleerly analysis give a comprehensive understanding of a patient's current state of disease for reference in ongoing heart health and treatment. For more information on this technology talk to your cardiologist or visit Cleerly.

Cardiac PET Scan

CARDIAC PET

A scan of the heart is performed on a dedicated cardiac PET scanner to produce detailed images of the heart to diagnose coronary artery disease or identify the degree of heart damage, if any, after a heart attack. With Cardiac PET, our physicians are able to view a superior image of both the anatomical structures of the heart and the activity occurring in those structures, to more accurately diagnose a problem and pinpoint the best approach to treatment. At a cellular level, it shows how the heart and its tissues are working together.

Cardiac PET is the fastest and most accurate way to detect heart disease and heart abnormalities that could potentially lead to a heart attack. Cardiac PET also assists our physicians in predicting the likely outcome of various therapeutic alternatives, and after treatment methods are started it can help monitor how well a patient is progressing.

You will be given instructions on how you should specifically prepare for an upcoming Cardiac PET. General preparation instructions can be found here. If you are scheduled for a Cardiac PET and have questions or would like additional information to ensure you are properly prepared, please contact our PET scheduler at 251-337-5023.

Please view the following video for more details on having a Cardiac PET exam at Cardiology Associates.

 

What to expect with a Cardiac PET exam

 


 diagnostic procedures

These procedures performed in the catheterization (cath) lab are effective in diagnosing and treating heart and vascular disease as well as provide accurate mapping for patients receiving structural heart procedures, such as a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or Transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TEER or TMVr).

 

CARDIAC ANGIOGRAPHY or CATHETERIZATION

Also know as a coronary angiography, this procedure is performed under mild sedation via a thin, flexible tube called a catheter, which is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin or arm (radial). Through the catheter the physician is able to image blood vessels of the heart, measure pressure inside the heart, diagnose cardiac complications and evaluate the coronary arteries to choose the best course of treatment.

PERIPHERAL VASCULAR ANGIOGRAPHY

Similar to a cardiac cath, this procedure is performed in the peripheral vessels (extremities) to evaluate the arteries outside of the heart for blockages known as Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) and, if needed, choose the best course for treatment.

TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY (TEE)

Performed in the cath lab under mild sedation a transesophageal echocardiography or TEE is a special echocardiogram using high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to provide highly detailed images of the heart and its internal structure. A transducer probe is placed in the esophagus to get close to the heart to capture clearer pictures of the heart and its internal structure including the heart walls and valves. A TEE assists in identifying problems such as heart infection, disease or problems with the heart’s wall or valves.


 screening tests

Screening tests help to identify the early presence or an absence of disease or cancer.  We offer the following screening tests used for the detection and severity of heart disease and early detection of lung cancer.  These are performed on our ultra fast CT scanner in our Mobile and Fairhope office locations.

CARDIAC CALCIUM SCORING

A preliminary screening test performed on our ultra fast CT scanner. A cardiac calcium score is a strong predictor in determining if you may be on a path to or have the beginning stages of heart disease. Cardiac calcium scoring identifies and measures the amount of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries and rates it based on the Agatston Scale. As this is a medical test that is considered a screening it is not typically covered by health insurance. This test is offered for $125, and payment is due at the time of service. However, we can provide you with documentation to submit your payment to your insurance company, a cafeteria plan, medical savings account or a medical flexible spending account for review for reimbursement. To schedule a Cardiac Calcium Scoring Screening test call 251-340-6807.

LOW DOSE CT LUNG SCREENING

Early detection of malignant tumors can increase survival rates of patients who may be diagnosed with lung cancer. A low dose CT lung screening can identify cancer cells at a time when they are still localized to the lungs and these CT images can detect smaller nodules or cancer than a standard chest x ray. Low dose CT lung screening is a non-invasive, painless procedure that uses low-dose x rays to screen the lung for cancer in just seconds. This test is performed on our ultra fast CT scanner using 90% less radiation than a conventional chest CT scan. If you are between the ages of 50 to 77, currently smoke or have quit smoking within the last 15 years and have a 20 pack-year smoking history you may qualify for the low dose CT lung screening. Should you not meet the screening requirements, we offer this screening for $250. Cardiology Associates is a accredited by the American College of Radiology as a Designated Lung Cancer Screening Center. To schedule a Low Dose CT Screening test call 251-340-6807.

* A pack is equal to 20 cigarettes. If you have smoked either a pack a day for the last 20 years, or two packs a day for the last 10 years, you have 20 pack-years.


 
Accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission in CT
Accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission in Nuclear Cardiology
Accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission in PET
ACR Lung Cancer Screening Registry participant