Diagnostic Testing

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Kentucky Cardiology – A Leader in Cardiac Care

Using the latest clinical research and technology with an innovative approach, Kentucky Cardiology provides patients the highest quality cardiac and peripheral vascular care. Our cardiologists offer personalized attention and cutting-edge techniques to ensure our patients receive the finest care for optimal health. Our experienced physician assistants, nurse practitioners and skilled, on-site diagnostic technologists complement our team and are always available to address your concerns.

Our Commitment to Excellence

Kentucky Cardiology demonstrates our commitment to quality patient care and diagnostic evaluations by participating in a voluntary process of accreditation for our three laboratories. Our Nuclear, Echo and Vascular testing have met compliance to the rigorous standards and guidelines set forth by the recognized accrediting body called the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission. For additional information about accreditation, please refer to the links page.

Since 1995, physicians at Kentucky Cardiology have been serving Lexington and the surrounding counties. Our diagnostic team provides the following patient services in our office:

  • Arterial Doppler: This ultrasound uses sound waves at a frequency that is higher than humans can hear to produce images on a monitor for the purpose of evaluating the arterial blood flow to the upper extremities (arms) and lower extremities (legs).

     

  • Carotid and Venous Duplex: Carotid Duplex scans evaluate the body's two carotid arteries, which are located on each side of the neck and carry blood from the heart to the brain. This provides detailed pictures of these blood vessels to help physicians determine the extent and cause of restricted blood flow. Venous Duplex scans evaluate blood flow throughout the veins in the legs.

     

  • Echocardiogram: Uses high frequency sound waves to scan the chest to take a picture of the heart’s chambers and valves.

     

  • EKGs: An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.

     

  • Nuclear Stress Test: A stress test performed with a very small, harmless amount of radioactive substance injected into the patient. A special camera is used to pick up images that may indicate areas of heart damage or reduced blood flow.

     

  • Pacemaker Interrogation and Telephonic Analysis: A test on a device implanted in the chest to regulate the heartbeat.

     

  • PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: A highly specialized imaging technique that uses short-lived radioactive substance injected into the patient. A highly sensitive PET scanner is used to image the blood flow in the heart to indicate areas of heart damage or reduced blood flow. Click here to learn more about PET.

     

  • Renovascular and Abdominal Study: Renal artery ultrasound is a test that shows the renal arteries, the arteries that carry blood to the kidney. These arteries may narrow or become blocked, and this may result in kidney failure or high blood pressure (hypertension). Ultrasound waves are used to make an image of the artery. The speed of blood flow through the arteries is measured and determines the degree of narrowing of the artery. Imaging of the renal arteries can be extremely difficult, and this test is most often performed in the morning on an empty stomach.

     

  • Exercise Stress Test: Tests the function of the heart at rest and when exercising on the treadmill to detect heart diseases.

     

  • Event Recording: Records irregularities in heartbeat.

     

  • Holter Monitoring: A portable device that is worn for 24 hours to record heartbeats.

     

  • MTWA (Microvolt T-Wave Alternans): The non-invasive MTWA test measures small heartbeat irregularities that indicate a patient’s heightened risk for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA kills more than 300,000 people in the U.S. each year.

     

  • Which patients are at risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD)?

    • Previous heart attack victims – 50-75% of people who die from SCD have suffered a previous infarction.

       

    • Coronary artery disease – 80% of SCD victims have signs and/or symptoms of coronary artery disease (CAD).

       

    • Heart failure – In people diagnosed with heart failure, SCD occurs at 6-9 times the rate of the general population.

       

    • Left ventricular dysfunction – Reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is one of the most significant risk factors for overall mortality and SCD.

       

    • Unexplained syncope – Although syncope is usually benign, it may be a symptom of serious cardiac disease and can predispose individuals to sudden death.