Heart Health
Electrocardiogram (resting EKG)
07/23/2009 -
Why: Electrocardiograms (EKGs) are the oldest, most widely available and most frequently used cardiac tests. The EKG pattern provides abundant information about the physiology of the heart.
What: Multiple electrodes are placed on the chest and the electrical activity of the heart is recorded and analyzed by the Lifesigns physician.
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Treadmill stress test
07/23/2009 -
Why: The treadmill stress test not only screens for asymptomatic coronary insufficiency but also provides a window into exercise capacity and overall physiologic status.
What: This exam involves exercise on a treadmill to the point of fatigue while a technician monitors blood pressure and the electrocardiogram tracing.
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Cardiopulmonary stress test and VO2 max measurement
07/23/2009 -
Why: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing provides a global assessment of the integrative exercise responses involving the pulmonary, cardiovascular, hematopoietic, neuropsychological and skeletal muscle. It is a popular option among high-performing athletes who value a direct measurement of VO2 max, or aerobic capacity.
What: This test resembles the treadmill exercise test but includes detailed analysis of the body’s exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide during the exercise challenge.
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Cholestech lipid analysis
07/23/2009 -
Why: Thirteen million Americans suffer from coronary artery disease and 1 million die from it each year. Major risk factors include elevated cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, excessive weight and family history. Given the relative importance of blood lipids in this equation, Lifesigns performs an onsite blood lipid analysis that includes total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and fasting blood sugar. Results of these tests are available for review on the day of the exam during the physician consultation.
What: This blood test is performed using equipment provided by the national leader in onsite blood lipid analysis.
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VAP cholesterol test
07/23/2009 -
Why: Certain lipid subtypes increase the risk of coronary artery disease without increasing total levels of cholesterol. Small, dense LDL particles, for instance, are known to be more dangerous than larger LDL particles.
What: This blood test goes beyond measurement of LDL and HDL cholesterol to analyze the subtypes of lipids within these categories.
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C-reactive protein and homocystine tests
07/23/2009 -
Why: Blood levels of C-reactive protein and homocystine have been documented to correlate with the risk of active coronary disease.
What: Both tests are performed by an outside reference lab.
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Cardiac calcium scoring (CT scan) - Memphis only
07/23/2009 -
Why: In 2006 the American Heart Association endorsed the cardiac calcium score as a useful test in assessing a patient’s risk of coronary artery disease, acknowledging that calcium scoring provides information above and beyond the usual Framingham risk factors (age, smoking history, lipid levels etc). More women than men die of heart disease in America today, and they often have unusual symptoms that make the disease difficult to diagnose.
What: This 15-minute exam utilizes a CT scanner to detect the buildup of calcium on the walls of the arteries of the heart. The amount of calcified plaque (the “calcium score”) reflects the severity of coronary atherosclerosis.
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