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Longmont Clinic’s Cardiology Department offers the full spectrum of cardiac care. Our office has two full-time invasive cardiologists. The Clinic also operates a comprehensive Diagnostic Imaging Department, including Nuclear Medicine to offer patients a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for treatment of heart disease.
Cardiologists evaluate and treat patients with heart conditions.
These conditions include:
Coronary Artery Disease (Heart Disease)
Uncontrolled Hypertension
Irregular Heartbeat/Arrhythmia
High Cholesterol
Valve Conditions
Patients with Pacemakers
Cardiologists provide many diagnostic procedures
Electrocardiography (EKG) — This simple test can be used by cardiologists to monitor the electrical activity of the heart. It is often used to provide a baseline measurement, but can be used to diagnose arrhythmias or see if a patient has had prior heart conditions. This test is performed in the office, and enables the doctor to see if the heart is beating with a regular rhythm.
Echocardiography — This is a non-invasive technique which is used to view the heart using ultrasound technology. It provides a detailed picture of the heart and tells the doctor how well the valves within the heart are working.
Stress Testing — This is available though the Cardiology Department. This test is usually prescribed in conjunction with a Nuclear Medicine Cardiolite Scan.
Nuclear Medicine Cardiolite Scanning —This is used to look for blockages in the arteries and the scanning is usually done in conjunction with a stress test. For this procedure an IV is started and a radioactive isotope is injected into the veins. A special camera is used to photograph the flow of the isotope through the vessels. The cardiologist is present for the second part of the test, in which the patient would get on a treadmill for a stress test. When the patient’s heart rate reaches the desired level a second dose of isotope is injected through the IV and another set of pictures is taken. This procedure is effective in finding blockages. This procedure is covered by insurance whereas some other heart scans are not.
Cardiac Catheterization is performed both to accurately diagnose blockages in the blood vessels, and to treat these blockages which can lead to restricted blood flow to the heart and ultimately heart attack. It is also used to check the heart valves and muscles and diagnose problems in these areas of the heart. Cardiac catheterization is an invasive procedure in which the doctor inserts a catheter in through a blood vessel (usually in the groin) and follows it up to the heart. They can see and assess the condition of the blood vessels and perform precise measurements to see if there is any obstruction in the vessel itself.
Some procedures commonly performed in the catheterization lab include:
Angioplasty — This is one of several procedures done in the catheterization lab to treat coronary artery disease (heart disease). By guiding a catheter with a balloon tip into the blood vessel, the physician is able to inflate the balloon in areas where blood flow is restricted by narrowing of the artery. This procedure effectively expands the artery and restores proper blood flow in areas where plaque build-up has narrowed or blocked the artery.
Atherectomy — This is another procedure performed in the catheterization lab to treat heart disease. It is similar to an angioplasty, but rather than using a balloon tip to inflate the arteries and push back plaque, a blade or an abrasive material is attached to the catheter to cut away plaque and restore blood flow.
Stent Implantation — This procedure is also performed in the catheterization lab, often in conjunction with angioplasty. A stent is a small wire mesh tube that is placed into an artery to hold it open.
All catheterization procedures are performed across the street from Longmont Clinic at Longmont United Hospital. Longmont Clinic cardiologists work full time in the Longmont community and have 24 hour-a-day coverage for patient emergencies.
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