Services

Name: Tri-County Heart Institute
Item: Tri-County Heart Institute
Rating: 5
Author: Phil Burt

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An initial evaluation and discussion of your cardiovascular health history and current cardiac issues (if applicable) is referred to as a Consultation. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and voice any concerns with regard to your cardiac health. During this visit, you and your provider will discuss the best course of action to ensure optimal management of your cardiovascular health.

Pre- Operative Evaluation

If you have an upcoming procedure or surgery, your doctor or surgeon may request that you obtain cardiac clearance prior to the surgery. If a clearance is ordered, the cardiologist will perform a pre-operative evaluation and risk assessment to determine if it is safe for you to undergo the proposed procedure/surgery. It will be decided at that time if further testing is needed to be cleared. Once cleared for the surgery/procedure, your cardiologist will inform the requesting provider.

Coumadin Monitoring

Coumadin (generic name Warfarin) is an anticoagulant used to thin the blood. Patients receiving Coumadin must be monitored routinely through a lab test called an INR. This test ensures the medication in your bloodstream is at therapeutic levels to prevent your blood from being too thin or too thick, depending on why Coumadin has been prescribed to you. Tri-County Heart Institute offers INR monitoring in our office, at a lab and results faxed to our office, or with a home monitoring device which can send the results directly to our office. Your provider will then evaluate the INR results and make recommendations on any Coumadin adjustments that may be needed.

Holter Monitor

A Holter monitor is an external, battery-powered cardiac monitoring device used to evaluate your heart rate and rhythm over an extended period, usually 24 – 48 hours. Your provider may order this monitoring if cardiac arrhythmias or conduction abnormalities are suspected, for therapeutic drug monitoring, or for certain other reasons. We place the monitor while you are in our office using electrode tabs and leads, and the small device is connected to the leads by small wires. The device is used to store the data gathered during the monitoring period, and you wear it for the entire time, during activities and rest, while not getting it wet (no swimming or bathing with it on). At the end of the monitoring period, you will return the monitor to the provider’s office and the data gathered will be interpreted.

Cardiac Event Recorder (up to 30 days)

A cardiac event recorder is very similar to a Holter monitor, in that it is an external cardiac monitoring device used to evaluate heart rate and rhythm. An event recorder can be used to diagnose conduction abnormalities and arrythmias within the heart for up to 30 days of monitoring. There are different types of event monitors. When you come to our office to have your monitor placed, our staff will inform you of the different functions and/or restrictions of the device.

Pacemaker/AICD Evaluation and Reprogramming

For patients who have a cardiac pacemaker or AICD, Tri-County Heart Institute provides routine in-office and remote monitoring and surveillance of the device, including monitoring heart rate and rhythm, and battery life. Sometimes it is necessary to reprogram the pacemaker or AICD device for optimal function, and we offer this service in our office. (See Pacemaker Implants for more information about this device).

Loop Recorder Monitoring

For patients who have an implantable cardiac recorder monitor (or Loop), Tri-County Heart Institute provides routine in office and remote monitoring of the device, including monitoring the battery life, and heart rate and rhythm. (See Loop Recorder for more information about the this device).

Kardia Monitoring

Kardia is cardiac monitoring technology that is available for purchase at Tri-County Heart Institute. This device utilizes touch technology to evaluate your heart rate and rhythm. For example, if you are experiencing a certain symptom that may be related to the conduction system in the heart, you will place your fingertips on a touch pad to evaluate your heart rate and rhythm. The primary difference between a Kardia monitor and the other monitors we offer (30 day event, Loop, and Holter), is that the Kardia monitor requires you to have the touch pad readily available to record your heart rhythm should you experience symptoms (e.g. palpitations, lightheadedness, skipped beat, fluttering, etc.). Around the clock cardiac monitoring is not available with this device.

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring

For accurate and precise blood pressure measurements, we provide 24-hour monitoring. This information helps your provider better understand your blood pressure measurements throughout during the day and while sleeping. The ambulatory blood pressure monitor is placed at the office. You will wear it home and for the next 24 hours, and return the next business day. Your provider will then analyze the data gathered to formulate a treatment plan based on the results.

Advanced Lipid Management Clinic

Many individuals have received basic cholesterol labs in the past. Tri-County Heart Institute is pleased to offer advanced lipid panel testing in our office. Advanced lipid panel testing is a complete evaluation of cholesterol, inflammation markers, metabolic profile, diet, omega index, and more. This in-depth lipid analysis can more clearly assess your risk for cardiovascular disease and help your provider develop a treatment plan. If your provider orders this test for you, you will need to have an 8-hour fasting lab draw completed at our Villages location.

Genetic Cardiovascular Disease Evaluation

There are some individuals who may go to extensive lengths to ensure their cardiac health is optimal, but unfortunately still find they suffer from cardiovascular disease. At Tri-County Heart Institute, we can provide an assessment of your genetic predisposition to heart disease. This is done in our office by a simple lab draw. If indicated, your provider will order these labs to determine if you are at a genetic risk for heart disease.

Micronutrient Testing

Nutrients are found in the foods we consume and from our everyday activities (think vitamin D from sunshine). A deficiency in nutrients can lead to unwanted symptoms or side effects. By utilizing micronutrient testing, we can identify these deficiencies to help you live a healthier life. This test is completed in the office by a simple lab test. The labs are then analyzed and presented to you in a follow-up visit to discuss the findings.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a non-invasive testing method that uses sonography to can see inside your body to determine organ function, movement, blockages, and other conditions. There are several different ultrasound tests your provider may order to identify or even rule out some cardiac conditions.

Heart Ultrasound

Also known as an echocardiogram, an ultrasound of your heart is ordered to evaluate several different cardiac areas, such as the pumping function of your heart, viewing the different structures of the heart, and checking the health of your heart valves. This is a simple, non-invasive procedure that uses ultrasound technology to obtain advanced imaging of the heart. During the procedure, after changing into a paper shirt, you are comfortably placed on an exam bed. A wand and transmitting gel is then placed on your chest to look at the movements of your heart, and digital images are taken to show your doctor a clear picture. Once all appropriate images are obtained, the procedure is over. The test takes about 15-20 minutes.

Carotid Ultrasound

The carotid arteries are located on either side of your neck and are designed to feed blood to the brain. If your provider suspects there may be abnormalities with either artery, he or she may order a carotid ultrasound. This non-invasive test uses an ultrasound wand to examine the structure and function of the carotid artery. The test can detect blockages within the carotid artery system which can produce symptoms such as lightheadedness or fainting. During the procedure, you are comfortably placed on an exam bed and an ultrasound technologist will use the wand to examine your arteries and capture digital images. If you are wearing an open neck top, disrobing may not be necessary. Once all images have been obtained, the test will be over. The test takes about 15-20 minutes.

Abdominal Ultrasound

An abdominal ultrasound is used to examine the aorta, the main artery leading away from the heart which transports blood to various parts of the body. This non-invasive test uses ultrasound technology to evaluate any abnormalities with the structure and function of the abdominal aorta. Commonly, this test is used to determine if an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is present. This test is also recommended prior to beginning some therapies such as EECP (see EECP section for more information). During the procedure, you are comfortably placed on an exam table with your shirt lifted. An ultrasound technologist moves a wand over your abdominal region to take digital images of the aorta. Once all pertinent images have been obtained, the exam is over. The exam takes about 15-20 minutes.

Extremity Arterial Ultrasound

An arterial ultrasound, also known as a peripheral ultrasound, is used to examine various arteries within the body. Typically, the arteries of the legs and arms are examined during this procedure to detect any structural abnormalities or blockages within the vessels. Your provider may order an arterial ultrasound if you are experiencing signs of reduced blood flow or pain in your extremities. During the procedure, you are comfortably placed on an exam table. If the brachial (arms) arteries are being investigated, you will need to remove your shirt, and likewise, if your legs are the subject of the test, you will need to remove your pants. An ultrasound technologist then moves a wand over the different arteries being examined. In some cases, you may be asked to stand to capture images of your legs. Once all pertinent images have been obtained, the exam is over. The test takes about 15-20 minutes.

Venous Ultrasound

A venous ultrasound is used to examine various veins within the body, typically in the legs and arms to detect any structural abnormalities or valve leakages in the vessels. Your provider may order a venous ultrasound if you are experiencing signs of swelling within the extremities. During the procedure, you are comfortably placed on an exam table. If the veins in the arms are being investigated, you will need to remove your shirt, and likewise, if your legs are the subject of the test, you will need to remove your pants. An ultrasound technologist then moves a wand over the different veins being examined. Once all pertinent images have been obtained, the exam is over. The test takes about 15-20 minutes.

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In-Office Services

Consultation
Pre-operative evaluation
Coumadin monitoring
Holter monitor (24 hour)
Cardiac event recorder (up to 30 days)
Pacemaker/AICD evaluation and reprogramming
Loop Recorder Monitoring
Kardia Monitoring
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring
Advanced Lipid Management Clinic
Genetic Cardiovascular Desease Evaluation
Patient Micronutrient Testing
Ultrasound:

Electrocardiogram (EKG)
Stress test
Exercise stress tests – Treadmill
Stress echocardiogram
Nuclear stress test (treadmill)
Cardiovascular Preventive
Care Cardiac Wellness Program
Enhanced External Counter Pulsation (EECP)

Hospital Services

Cardiac Imaging
Transesophageal echocardiography
CT angiography
Cardiac Catheterization Studies
Right heart catheterization
Left heart catheterization
Heart catheterization for congenital anomalies
Coronary artery imaging
Peripheral vascular procedures
Renal artery imaging
Cardiac arrhythmia procedures
Implantable cardiac monitor (Loop Recorder)
Pacemaker Implants

Ambulatory Surgery Center

Implantable cardiac monitor (Loop Recorder)
Pacemakers Implants
Heart catheterization for congenital anomalies
Coronary artery imaging
Peripheral vascular procedures
Renal artery imaging
Right heart catheterization
Left heart catheterization
Cardiac Catheterization Studies

Telemedicine

Patient Testimonials Gallery

Video information to access all patient information by the patient portal.