Cardiac Catheterization
Performed in an outpatient lab at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, this procedure involves the insertion of a catheter (thin plastic tube) through an artery or vein in the arm or leg into the chambers of the heart or coronary arteries. X-ray images are produced to examine blood flow to the heart and arteries to test how well the heart is pumping and determine the severity of a patient’s heart disease. With this information, a precise treatment program can be designed.

Sestamibi Stress Test
This diagnostic stress test evaluates the patient’s heart during actual physical or simulated exercise. Imaging of the heart is performed before and after exercise to determine the effect of the exercise on the heart.

Echocardiogram
Using ultrasound waves to create a two-dimensional view of the heart, this non-invasive diagnostic procedure evaluates various structures within the heart. A stress echocardiogram compares the heart’s function during exercise to its function during rest for greater precision in determining whether or not there are blockages in the arteries.

Electrocardiogram (EKG)
This simple diagnostic procedure evaluates the heart’s electrical activity to look for abnormalities in the muscle, valves or rhythms of the heart.

Treadmill EKG
More sensitive than a routine EKG, this procedure evaluates electrical activity during physical exercise and determines the presence and severity of blockages in the arteries. The procedure is used for initial diagnosis, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment programs.

Telephonic Pacemaker Check
For patients with pacemakers, this simple procedure allows them to send an EKG from home, by phone, to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center to evaluate their pacemaker’s performance.

Cardiac Event Monitor
Patients wear this device, which allows them to take and record an EKG during periods of dizziness, chest pain or other symptoms that happen intermittently. The device can be worn for long periods of time in an attempt to “capture” infrequent cardiac events.

Holter Monitor
A Holter Monitor is a device worn by the patient for 24 hours to record the heart’s electrical activity throughout a typical day, so any abnormalities in heart rhythm can be recorded and interpreted.

Chest X-Ray
This simple procedure allows physicians to assess many aspects of the heart’s structure – and to differentiate heart problems from lung problems.

Blood Samples
Analyzing blood samples provides valuable information regarding the cause and complications of cardiac conditions; the information also helps determine treatment options.

Prothrombin Times (“Pro” Times)
For patients whose condition is treated with anticoagulation medication (blood thinners), pro time tests are performed regularly to determine if the medication dosage needs to be adjusted to maintain proper blood coagulation levels.

Cardiac CT
Performed with CT imaging, with the injection of contrast dye through a simple IV, this non-invasive diagnostic test evaluates the structures of the heart, aorta and coronary arteries.