Category Archives for Blog | Cardiologists at Arizona Heart Doctors Phoenix, AZ

The Basics of Lower Extremity Ultrasound Testing

The lower extremity ultrasound test evaluates for venous thrombosis. Using ultrasound technology, the test examines the blood flow in the major veins and arteries of the lower extremities. This test is often referred to as a Doppler test of the legs. How the Lower Extremity Ultrasound Test is Done A technician that is both highly […]

Who Should Have an Evaluation with a Phoenix Cardiologist?

Cardiac Evaluation Coronary heart disease (CHD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) are both major killers of the adult population. One in four people have some form of heart disease, according the American Heart Association. Around 50% of men and 65% of women who die suddenly from heart disease have no previous symptoms. Who Should Have […]

An Overview Holter Monitoring from a Phoenix Cardiologist

A Holter monitor is an electrocardiogram done over an extended period of time, usually 24 to 72 hours. This device only utilizes three electrodes that are attached to a small portable recording unit. When you have a Holter monitoring test (also called an ambulatory monitoring test), you go about your usual daily activities, and the […]

Carotid IMT Testing for Early Detection of Atherosclerosis

Because carotid artery health mirrors coronary artery health, many Phoenix cardiologists recommend that at-risk patients have a carotid IMT test. The carotid intimal-medial thickness (IMT) test uses state-of-the art ultrasound technology along with FDA approved software to assess the thickness of the carotid arteries. Located in the neck, the carotid arteries carry blood away from […]

Overview of Cardiac Ultrasound (Echocardiogram) from a Cardiologist in Phoenix

Cardiac Ultrasound (Echocardiogram) An echocardiogram (often referred to as an “echo”) is an ultrasound test of the heart. This diagnostic tool uses high-pitched sound waves sent through a transducer device that picks up echoes of sound waves. The echocardiogram turns these echoes into moving pictures so the doctor can view them on a TV monitor […]

An Overview of EKG Testing from a Mesa AZ Cardiologist

Sometimes, the doctor may find it necessary to order an electrical rhythm recording of your heartbeat. Also called an EKG, electrocardiograms are useful for diagnosing arrhythmias of the heart. There are three type of EKGs:  the basic resting EKG, signal-averaged EKG, and the exercise EKG. Anatomy and Physiology of the Heart Your heart is a […]

An Overview of a Stress Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound test used by Phoenix cardiologists to examine the movement of the heart, the blood flow, the valve functions, and overall heart health. A stress echocardiogram (also called a stress echo) examines the heart following exercise. Images are taken before and after exercising on a treadmill to reveal areas of the […]

Pacemaker Follow-Up, Monitoring, and Reprogramming

A pacemaker is a small device that is implanted into the chest region to control abnormal heart rhythms. This unit uses low-energy electrical pulses to alert the heart to beat normally. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is similar to a pacemaker, but it uses high-energy electrical pulses to correct and treat dangerous arrhythmias. Once you […]

Coumadin Checks by PT and INR with a Phoenix Cardiologist

Coumadin (warfarin sodium) is a prescription medication used to keep the blood thin to lessen the likelihood of clot formation. Blood clots cause stroke, heart attack, and other serious disorders when they from in the lungs, legs, or arms. Prescribed by your doctor, Coumadin must be monitored. Coumadin is called an anticoagulant because it keeps […]

Preoperative Cardiac Assessment with a Phoenix Cardiologist

As many as 27 million people in the U.S. undergo non-cardiac surgery every year. Of those, approximately 50,000 have a preoperative heart attack, one that occurs before surgery. A heart attack is also called a myocardial infarction or MI. Also, over half of preoperative deaths are the result of cardiac events. People over the age […]