We use several methods to diagnose the cause and severity of chest discomfort or pain, and then the best treatment plan.

• CT Cardiac Scoring: determines whether underlying coronary artery calcification disease is present, and provides an estimate of the extent and severity of coronary disease.
• CT Angioplasty: a non-invasive, diagnostic procedure using computer tomography to scan the coronary arteries.
• Cardiac Catheterization: a narrow tube is threaded through a blood vessel in the leg or arm and into the coronary arteries. Dye is injected for X-rays, which determine the number, location and severity of the blockage(s).
• Electrophysiology Studies: an electrode catheter is threaded through a blood vessel in the leg or arm and into the heart to locate sites which may be causing serious arrhythmias.
• Echocardiography: ultrasound of the heart to show the shape, texture and movement of the heart valves, as well as the size of the heart chambers and their level of function.
• Stress Testing: exercise or medication to increase blood flow and make the heart work harder to test its strength or identify reduced blood supply through coronary arteries.
• Nuclear Scans: (usually performed in conjunction with an exercise stress test) thallium is injected into the bloodstream and then photographs of blood flow to the heart muscle are taken with a special gamma camera.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG): records the heart’s electrical impulse through wires attached to the arms, legs and chest.
• Holter Monitor: a 24-hour portable electrocardiogram detecting heart problems that arise during normal daily activities.
• Blood Test: rapidly detects if a heart attack has occurred by measuring specific enzymes in the blood.

Inpatient Services

If a patient’s symptoms may cause dangerous complications, admission to the Coronary Care Unit might be necessary. Many times patients are admitted for arrhythmia, an irregular heart rhythm that occurs when the heart beats too fast, too slow or at an irregular pace. This condition can cause the heart to pump blood less effectively. Franklin Square offers full arrhythmia services, including:

• Pacemaker: device implanted inside the body that senses slow heart rhythm and sends tiny electrical signals to stimulate the heart to contract.
• Implantable Defibrillator: delivers electrical shocks and correct irregular heartbeats.
• Radiofrequency Ablation: directs high frequency radio waves through a catheter to eliminate abnormal electrical pathways to the heart muscle.
  

Patients requiring coronary artery bypass surgery, angioplasty or valve surgery may be referred to our MedStar affiliate, Union Memorial Hospital, or other area hospitals for treatment.

For a physician referral, call 443-777-7900.