How Do Cardiovascular Imaging Techniques Work?

At the Cardiac Associates of North Jersey in Oakland, NJ, we want to provide our patients with comprehensive, top-of-the-line cardiovascular imaging tools that are integral to detecting cardiovascular disorders. The cornerstone of our patient care is providing state-of-the-art testing to keep our patients happy and healthy.

We have a team of five experienced physicians specializing in cardiac care. Their extensive knowledge of these tools results in the best care for our patients. These tools range from doppler imaging to blood pressure tests. Let us walk you through the various techniques we offer and how they work.

First and foremost, let’s talk about what these tools are used for. The various imaging tools we offer at the Cardiac Associates of North Jersey are used to provide detailed information about the structure and function of the heart. With the information gathered via these imaging techniques, we are able to diagnose, treat, and monitor various cardiovascular diseases.

These tests ultimately measure blood flow throughout the body, specifically extremities and the heart. Using these tools, we can detect if there is abnormal blood flow in an artery or blood vessel.

These tests can be administered for any variety of symptoms, diseases, or inquiries. Here are the major things we test for:

• Heart disease
• Peripheral artery disease
• Carotid artery disease
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Renal artery issues

Echocardiography

If heart disease is suspected, we use two-dimensional doppler imaging technologies that take in-depth images of the heart. The doppler system records sound waves as they bounce off blood cells in your heart and change pitch. The blood flow shown in these images is colorized to better detect any problems.

What does the doppler function do specifically? Doppler is what determines the velocity of blood flow through the heart and vessels. Within the heart, the velocity can be used to detect pressure differences in its chambers and valves. This helps get a better picture of any obstruction in arteries and any leakage or narrowing of a heart valve.

These images allow us to see certain components of that heart that can lead us to a diagnosis. This can help treat a variety of conditions including blood clots and poor circulation. Those components include:

• Size and shape
• Pumping capacity
• Ability to relax
• Valvar function
• Location and extent of tissue damage to the heart

Upper and Lower Extremity and Arterial and Venous Dopplers

When a patient is experiencing numbness or tingling in the arms, we use a cardiovascular imaging tool that administers high-frequency sound waves known as ultrasound energy. These dopplers use soundwaves to collect images of the blood flow within the veins and arteries. This test is commonly administered to patients with varicose veins or to search for blood clots.

Arterial Branch Index Testing

This non-invasive test is used in diagnosing peripheral artery disease. This test requires a patient’s blood pressure to be taken at both the ankle and arm while at a state of rest. In order to compare, this cardiovascular imaging tool is then used to measure the patient’s blood pressure while exercising. This method allows us to see the severity of blockage in the arteries of the arms and legs.

Pulse Volume Recording

As with Arterial Branch Index Testing, this noninvasive test is also used in diagnosing peripheral artery disease. In order to detect artery blockage, a combination of blood pressure cuffs and a handheld ultrasound device is used. This provides information about the flow of blood in a patient’s extremities.

Other Imaging Services

We can also monitor, diagnose, and treat for carotid artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and renal artery issues with a variety of our other cardiovascular imaging tests.

The results of the tests and imaging we do are imperative in diagnosing. Once diagnosed, our facilities provide the patient with subsequent steps in treatment. We offer both coronary interventions and peripheral interventions. Here’s what those treatments entail:

Coronary Interventions

Blocked arteries are a result of plaque buildup made of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other components. This plaque buildup restricts blood flow throughout the body and can overwork the heart. To mitigate this, we insert a catheter directly into the blocked artery. A stent is then inserted which props the blocked artery open so blood can pass through easily.

Peripheral Interventions:

While coronary interventions treat blocked arteries near the heart, peripheral interventions treat those that occur in the arms and legs. A similar method is used to unblock the arteries in a patient’s extremities. Plaque buildup is removed in order to restore blood flow.

Our lifestyle choices, in addition to genetic predispositions, heavily affect our cardiac health. The hardening of the arteries can be a direct effect of lifestyle choices including smoking, lack of exercise, or poor diet. The imaging tools and various interventions we offer are crucial to diagnosing and treating what can happen as a result of these choices.

Here at Cardiac Associates of North Jersey, we have been serving our community for over 30 years with care extending to patients with coronary heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, structural heart disease, and those in need of preventive cardiology.

Let us show you why we have been entrusted time and time again to diagnose and treat the needs of our patients with our comprehensive cardiovascular imaging tools. Call Cardiac Associates of North Jersey in Oakland, NJ to make an appointment. We look forward to working with you.