Cardiac Health Diagnostics
Detection is an integral part of effectively and efficiently treating cardiovascular disease which can ultimately lower your risk for further complications. We offer a wide range of testing services to diagnose cardiovascular disease at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri.
View the services below to learn more about our diagnostic procedures.
BASIC TESTING
- Electrocardiogram (EKG) – An EKG records the electrical signals that control the rhythm of your heartbeat. EKGs are used to diagnose a wide range of heart problems from arrhythmia to coronary heart disease.
- Holter Monitor – The Holter monitor records electrical signals of the heart just like an EKG, but it does so over a 24-hour period. This test will monitor your heart rhythm as you perform regular daily activities to see how your heart responds to changes in activity, rest and medication.
- Treadmill Stress Test – We use the treadmill as an exercise test to evaluate your heart function as well as how your pulse and blood pressure respond to physical activity.
- Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) – A CPET is used to evaluate the function of your lungs, heart and muscles at rest and during exercise.
- Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) Screening – An ABI screening is a simple, painless test used to determine blood flow in the legs.
- Bloodwork – Bloodwork is a very important part of diagnosing and monitoring certain medical problems. Results from bloodwork can help the physician determine which organs may need treatment, or if levels in your blood need medication to be regulated.
IMAGING
- CT Imaging – Computed Tomography Imaging (CT) imaging is a non-invasive diagnostic method of body imaging that uses x-rays and leading-edge technology to create detailed pictures of structures inside the body. Using CT imaging, medical professionals can capture various angles of organs and blood vessels by using a dye to highlight them. The dye makes structures and organs easier to see, and easier to diagnosis. Each time the scanner rotates, a “virtual slice” of the area is captured.We perform CT imaging with a Phillips IQon Spectral scanner guided by a team of highly trained technologists. To ensure the maximum safety of our patients, we use the lowest amount of radiation possible.
- Nuclear Imaging – Nuclear imaging is a way of checking blood flow to the muscles or walls of the heart by administering a small amount of radioactive material through an IV. A special camera is used to take pictures of the radioactive material as it travels through the heart. These images can be used to detect the presence of coronary artery disease and how it affects the heart.Nuclear imaging procedures are safe and commonly practiced. The radiation exposure during nuclear imaging is comparable to a routine x-ray, and the body eliminates the radioactive material quickly. Our trained professionals are experienced in nuclear medicine and follow all guidelines to ensure patient safety and satisfaction.
- PET Scanning – Cardiac Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans help to evaluate heart health by measuring the blood flow brought by the coronary arteries to the heart muscle. The images produced are clearer and sharper, resulting in improved opportunities for our cardiologists to diagnose patients and choose the best treatment options for them.
ULTRASOUND
An ultrasound study is a painless, non-invasive, radiation-free procedure used to visualize body structures and study blood flow. The ultrasound measures the pressure and flow of blood using ultrasound waves. Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri uses ultrasound to study arteries and veins in all parts of the body including tests such as:
- Echocardiogram (Echo) – An echocardiogram is a simple ultrasound study that provides images of the heart, helping to determine its structure and functioning capacity. The sonographer will apply warm or cool gel to a small transducer and place it over different areas of your heart to bring the images into focus. The heart size, thickness, and strength of muscle contraction are measured to rule out areas of damage to the heart. The heart valves are also imaged to determine if they are too narrow (stenosis) and to show if the valves leak (regurgitation). An echocardiogram will take 45 to 60 minutes to complete.
- Carotid Ultrasound – The carotid ultrasound evaluates the amount of blockage (if any) in the carotid arteries. The carotid arteries are located in the neck and bring oxygen-filled blood to the brain. Severe blockages in these arteries can cause a TIA (small stroke) or CVA (large stroke). The sonographer will place warm or cool gel on a small transducer and apply it to each side of your neck to bring the carotid arteries into focus. A carotid ultrasound will take 20 to 30 minutes to complete.
- Abdominal Aorta Ultrasound – The aorta is the large vessel in the middle of the body that distributes blood from the heart to all areas of the body. It is necessary for the pressure in the aorta to be very high to transport blood all the way to the fingers and toes. The abdominal aorta ultrasound can detect aneurysms as well as blockages in the lower portion of the aorta, below the diaphragm. This test is usually performed in the morning on an empty stomach (low residual diet). The sonographer will apply warm or cool gel on a small transducer and place it to your abdomen to bring the aorta and other vessels into focus. An abdominal ultrasound will take 30 to 60 minutes to complete.
- Renal Artery Ultrasound – The renal artery ultrasound evaluates the amount of blockage (if any) in the renal arteries and kidneys. The renal arteries distribute blood to the kidneys. The renal artery may narrow and cause kidney failure or high blood pressure. The sonographer will apply gel on a small transducer and place it on your abdomen and right and left flank to image the kidneys and renal arteries. The speed of the blood in the renal artery is measured to determine the degree of narrowing of the artery. This test is usually performed in the morning on an empty stomach (low residual diet). A renal artery ultrasound will take 60 to 90 minutes to complete.
- Venous Ultrasound – A venous ultrasound shows how the blood flows through your veins. The sonographer will apply warm or cool gel to a small transducer and place it over the veins to bring the image into focus. The veins are imaged with and without coloring the blood flow to show any blood clots (thrombus). The blood flow direction is also assessed to determine if there is any venous insufficiency or reflux. (You may be required to stand for a portion of this test.) A venous ultrasound will take 60 to 90 minutes to complete.
Arterial Ultrasound – An arterial ultrasound evaluates the amount of blockages (if any) in the arteries. The sonographer will apply warm or cool gel to a small transducer and place it over the artery to bring the image into focus. The arteries of the arms or legs are imaged with and without coloring the blood flow to show areas of narrowing or complete blockage. The speed of the blood is also measured to determine the location and degree of narrowing. An arterial ultrasound will take 45 to 60 minutes to complete.