Advanced Cardiology Diagnostic Techniques in Sugarland, TX

Advances in medical technology allow cardiologists to diagnose heart disease earlier and more accurately. At Reddy Cardiac Wellness and Diabetes Reversal Center, our team stays on top of the latest research, technology, and advancements in cardiovascular care and diabetes management to ensure our patients receive the highest level of care possible. Here is an overview of our cutting-edge advanced diagnostic techniques in Sugar Land, TX.

Echocardiograms & Stress Tests

Non-invasive tests like echocardiograms use sound waves to create detailed images of the heart, while stress tests assess heart function during physical exertion.

• Echocardiogram – An echocardiogram or cardiac ultrasound is a non-invasive ultrasound test that can assess the structure and function of your heart. During this test, we will apply gel to your chest and use a small wand to send sound waves into your chest. The sound waves bounce off your heart and are recorded by our computer. The computer uses these sound waves to create images we can see on our monitor. The echocardiogram will show the size and shape of your heart, its structure, and how efficiently it is pumping blood through its chambers.
• Exercise Stress Echocardiogram – Stress testing has multiple parts. We will attach electrodes to your chest and have you wear a blood pressure test. We will do your initial EKG and echocardiogram. We will then have you exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike for 10-15 minutes. You will then return to the exam table for another echocardiogram.

Cardiac CT & MRI

These imaging techniques offer detailed views of the heart’s structure and blood vessels, helping to detect blockages, abnormalities, or structural defects.

• Cardiac CT – A cardiac CT is a non-invasive test that can create images of your coronary arteries and identify blockages. We can use it to diagnose cardiovascular disease and identify your future risk of cardiovascular disease. During this test, you will lie on an exam table, and we will attach electrodes to your chest, arms, and legs. We may insert an IV to administer contrast dye through your veins. The table will then slide into the CT scanner machine, creating high-quality images of your heart and its structures and vessels.
• Cardiac MRI – A cardiac MRI is a non-invasive test that uses a combination of radio frequency waves and a magnet to create still and moving images of your heart. We can use this test to gain more information about your heart’s anatomy and how it functions. We will have you lie on an exam table, and we will attach electrodes to your chest, arms, and legs. We may inject a contrast fluid through an IV. The table will then slide into the MRI machine, and you will have to lie very still while the machine takes multiple images of your heart.

Coronary Artery Calcium Score

A coronary artery calcium score is a quick, non-invasive test that can identify the presence of atherosclerosis even before symptoms appear. The test is performed via a non-invasive CT scan that evaluates the levels of calcium deposits in your coronary arteries. Your score is calculated based on the amount of plaque and your age, race, gender, and risk level. A higher calcium score indicates a greater risk of heart disease, which allows us to begin early preventive measures.

CT Angiogram of the Coronary Arteries

A CT angiogram provides a detailed look at the coronary arteries using contrast dye and advanced imaging. This non-invasive test helps detect blockages, narrowing of arteries, and other potential heart issues, often eliminating the need for more invasive tests like traditional coronary angiography. We use a CT scanner to create images and help us create your treatment plan.

Holter Monitors & Event Recorders

Holter monitors and event recorders are wearable devices that monitor your heart’s rhythms over time, which can aid in diagnosing heart arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats.

• Holter Monitor – A Holter monitor is a small, wearable device that is non-invasive and painless. It is worn over your shoulder like a bag or can be carried in your pocket. It continuously records your heart’s activity for 24-48 hours. We can use this device to diagnose the cause of heart palpitations and dizziness or to diagnose heart rhythm disorders.
• Event Recorder – An event recorder is a small, battery-powered device that will either start recording automatically when it detects an abnormal heart rhythm or which you can activate when you experience symptoms. You can wear it like a pager and press a button when you experience symptoms. It can record heart rhythms for up to 30 days, and we can use the information to evaluate your heart’s function and diagnose heart arrhythmias.

Coronary Angiography

A coronary angiography or coronary angiogram is a more invasive procedure that uses contrast dye and X-rays to detect blockages in your coronary arteries. We may recommend this test if one of our less invasive tests has indicated an underlying problem or if we need to gain more information to make an accurate diagnosis or create a cardiac care plan. This test can determine if your coronary arteries are blocked or narrowed and check for signs of abnormalities in your heart valves or muscles. You will lie on an exam table and we will insert a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into an artery in your arm or groin. We will thread this tube up to your heart and then inject a contrast dye through the tube. We will then take x-rays to see how the dye moves through your blood vessels.

Learn More About Our Diagnostic Techniques

At Reddy Cardiac Wellness and Diabetes Reversal Center, our goal is to offer an efficient, effective diagnosis and help you gain a better understanding of your heart health. By combining these advanced diagnostics techniques, our cardiologists can detect heart disease early and provide timely interventions, improving long-term outcomes. To learn more about our advanced diagnostic techniques in Sugar Land, TX, or schedule a consultation with our cardiac specialists, call us now or schedule an appointment online.