Detecting Cardiac Issues

Early detection of cardiac issues is one of the most effective ways you can reduce your chances of serious heart damage. Advanced diagnostic capabilities available at Temecula Valley Hospital allow cardiologists to examine a patient's heart through noninvasive diagnostic tests.

Temecula Valley Hospital offers comprehensive services that allows our cardiovascular team to diagnose and manage heart disease using advanced, interventional tests and treatments that include:

Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is a more invasive but relatively comfortable test performed in the catheterization lab. The test can identify the source of a heart problem. The procedure involves placing a small, flexible catheter into a patient’s artery. The catheter is advanced through the artery to the heart’s coronary arteries. Dye is then injected and detailed images of the coronary arteries are captured on digital videos.

Blocked, narrowed arteries are then visible onscreen to the cardiologist for assessment and treatment. At Temecula Valley Hospital, specially trained cardiologists can perform cardiac catheterization procedures through an artery in the patient's wrist, for increased safety and greater patient comfort. Learn more about cardiac catheterization >

Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA)

CCTA is an imaging method that uses a computed tomography (CT) scanner to look at the structures and blood vessels of the heart. The exam provides 3D images of the coronary vessels of the heart. Cardiologists can look for coronary vessel blockage or narrowing, which can be a precursor to heart disease or heart attack.

Additionally, calcium scoring exams can be performed; physicians can measure the amount of calcium in the wall of the coronary arteries to help predict the risk of heart attacks and cardiac death.

Nuclear Medicine Imaging

Nuclear medicine involves using small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose or treat a variety of diseases, including heart disease. Nuclear heart scans provide images that can reveal the flow of blood throughout the heart muscle, show how effectively the heart pumps blood through the body and check for damaged heart muscle.

During this test, a safe, radioactive material, called a tracer, is injected through a vein into the bloodstream that travels to the heart. The tracer releases energy, which special cameras outside of your body can detect. The cameras use the energy to create images of different areas of the heart at rest or during exercise.

Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)

This simple, painless test measures electrical activity in the heart and helps doctors determine how fast your heart is beating, if you have an irregular heart beat or if you may have a heart disorder.

Echocardiography

Echocardiography uses sound waves to provide doctors with images of the heart muscle. Images obtains through echocardiography are more detailed than those obtained through X-rays.

Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS)

IVUS is a three-dimensional sound wave device that allows the physician to see the exact size of the coronary artery associated with plaque accumulation.

Coronary Angiography

By using dyes and X-rays, the staff at Temecula Valley Hospital can evaluate a patient's arteries, locate blockages and diagnose heart disease.

Ventriculography

This imaging test is used to determine cardiac function and measure the volume of blood pumped to the rest of the body.

Holter Monitoring and Loop Recording

A Holter monitor continually records a patient's heart rhythm and activity 24 hours a day so that cardiologists can detect abnormal heart rhythms. A loop recorder is similar, but is implanted under the skin near the heart and can be worn up to three years.

Peripheral Vascular Diagnostics

Peripheral vascular diagnostics involve minimally invasive testing that helps physicians diagnose and evaluate peripheral artery disease.

Treadmill Stress Testing

Treadmill stress tests help doctors determine if patients are at increased risk of developing heart attacks or heart disease.

Find a Cardiologist

Call 855-859-5203 to schedule an appointment or search our online directory >