Diagnostic Testing

Diagnostics | Interventional Cardiac Treatment & Rehab | Open Heart Procedures

If you experience chest pain or other signs of heart failure such as fatigue, shortness of breath, persistent coughing, disorientation, and rapid heart rate, Capital Regional has the diagnostic tools you need.

"Typically, we use tests like angiography, which are performed in our dedicated angiography suite, or electrophysiology," explains Joseph Baker, M.D., cardiologist on staff at Capital Regional.

During an angiography exam, physicians use X-ray imaging to examine blood flow through the arteries and veins to detect blocked or narrowed areas. To enhance the visibility of the vessels, contrast material (or dye) is injected into the patient's vessels by a catheter (a long, thin, flexible tube).
 
Electrophysiology examines the heart's electrical currents. A common form of this type of testing is Holter monitoring. The patient wears a small Holter monitor that records the heart's currents during daily activity to help detect any abnormalities.