Cardiac Diagnostic Testing
Heart tests are the many different tools that we use to figure out what might be causing your symptoms. The nature of your symptoms will also help us determine which tests to run. Heart tests are done in the Diagnostic Imagining Department located on the ground floor at Lower Bucks Hospital. The easiest way to find Diagnostic Imaging is through the hospital’s main entrance off Bristol Road. Security at the main desk will be able to help you find your way.
For further information, contact us at 215-785-9200.
Angiogram
In this procedure a small catheter is inserted into your wrist or groin then with the guidance of X-ray the catheter is moved to the arteries of the heart. A dye is injected to make help make your arteries easier to see. This test helps your doctor determine if there are any blockages in your heart. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications or begin taking certain medications before the procedure. Most people can have a light meal before this test.
Carotid Dopplers
This is an ultrasound that shows blood flow through the arteries in the neck, no special preparation is required for this test.
Computed Tomography Scan (CT Scan)
Also known as a CAT scan are unlike conventional X-Ray images. The images appear as slices, like slices in a loaf of bread. An X-ray technologist, who has had special training in CT scanning, will perform your scan. The images are then read and reported on by a radiologist, who is a doctor with specialized training in computerized tomography.
Chest X-ray (CXR)
A chest X-ray is a picture of the chest that shows your heart, lungs, airway, blood vessels and lymph nodes. A chest X-ray also shows the bones of your spine and chest, including your breastbone, ribs, collarbone, as well as the upper part of your spine.
Echocardiogram (ECHO), Transthoracic (TTE), Transesophageal (TEE)
These are ultrasound tests that are used to that look at your heart muscle function and heart valves:
- In a Transthoracic ECHO, a cold jelly is placed on the surface of your chest then a wand is rubbed across your chest to produce images of your heart. This is a non-invasive test and no special preparation is required.
- During the Transesophageal ECHO you will receive some medication to help you relax as a tube is placed into your mouth and down into your throat. This will allow us to see your heart muscle and valves more clearly. You will be asked to not eat before this test. You will need someone to drive you home after it is complete.
Epinephrine or Procainamide Challenge Tests
To help us determine if you have a heart rhythm problem, also known as an arrhythmia, we may perform an Epinephrine or Procainamide Challenge. This is a test that looks at the electrical system of your heart and is done on an outpatient basis.
Myocardial Perfusion Study (MIBI)
This test looks at the health of your heart arteries and muscle. MIBI is a name for the radioactive tracer given to you through an IV line. You will have two scans as part of this exam, one after the dye is inserted, while you are resting. The second few hours later after you have exercised. If you are unable to exercise, you may be given medication instead.
Stress Test
You will be asked to exercise on a treadmill or bicycle and at the same time an electrical tracing of your heart will be performed by ECG, see above. This test will look for changes in your ECG. No special preparation is required for this test, however you should wear comfortable shoes.
Stress ECHO
Similar to the stress test above, however an ultrasound of your heart is performed to look for abnormalities in your heart’s muscle function. An abnormality may indicate a heart problem. If you are not able to exercise for this test, your health-care team may suggest the use of a medication to make your heart act like it is exercising.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a technique that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within your body. Most MRI machines are large, tube-shaped magnets.
Alumni
- Talha Bhatti, DO.- Hospitalist at Private Practice Norfolk, Virginia, Class of 2021
- Namita Biala, DO.- Nephrology Fellowship, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, Class of 2021
- Yin Chi, DO.- Hunterdon Family Practice & Obstetrics, Flemington, NJ, Class of 2021
- Esther Davila, DO.- Family Medicine Private Practice, Las Vegas, NV, Class of 2021
- John Demario, DO.- AFC Urgent Care Aston, PA, Class of 2021
- Monika Drzymalksi, DO.-Patient First Urgent Care Langhorne, PA, Class of 2021
- Anthony Errico, DPM.- Podiatric Private Practice Dallas, TX, Class of 2021
- Dinna Getachew, DO.- Outpatient Internal Medicine San Francisco, CA, Class of 2021
- Shivali Patel-Johnston, DO.- UPMC Pinnacle Primary Care Practice York, PA, Class of 2021
- Arianna Lalputan, DO.- Comprehensive Care Medical Associates Langhorne, PA, Class of 2021
- Christopher Lyerly, DPM- InStride Foot and Ankle Specialists Clemmons, NC, Class of 2021
- Khuzema Mohsin, MD. -Critical Care Medicine Fellowship Larkin Community Hospital, Palm Springs, FL, Class of 2021
- Nathaina Smith, DO.- Intermountain Healthcare Las Vegas, NV, Class of 2021
- Usman Zaheer, DO.- Hematology/Oncology Fellowship at LSU Sciences Center New Orleans, LA, Class of 2021
- Allen, Andria, Family Medicine, 7/1/2015-9/21/2016, Graduated 2016, Post-Graduation Employment, Outpatient FM in Ravenswood, WV
- Ayers, Jessica, Family Medicine, 1/13/2016-6/30/2017, Graduated 2017, Post-Graduation Employment, Outpatient FM Penn Highlands Healthcare Curwensville, PA
- Barnum, April Lynn, Family Medicine, 7/1/2016-6/30/2019, Graduated 2019, Fellowship, Sports Medicine. San Diego Sport and Family Center. Team Doctor for the USA Olympic Team and working with San Diego State University
- Boppana, Srinivas, Family Medicine, 7/1/2014-6/30/2015, Graduated 2015, Post-Graduation Employment Outpatient FM, Tampa, FL
- Darbandi, Mohammad, Family Medicine, 7/1/2016-6/30/2019, Graduated 2019, Post-Graduation Employment, Outpatient Medicine. Mercy Medical Center. Baltimore
- Ganabathi, Ratna, Internal Medicine, 6/30/2018-6/30/2019, Graduated 2019, Post-Graduation Employment, Hospitalist. Holy Redeemer Hospital. Meadowbrook, PA
- Gibb, Eri, Family Medicine, 3/16/2016-8/25/2017, Graduated 2017, Post-Graduation Employment, Outpatient FM at Mesa View Medical Group in Mesquite, NV
- Gibbons, William, Family Medicine, 3/15/2016-6/30/2018, Graduated 2018, Post-Graduation Employment, Urgent Care Physician in Lancaster, PA
- Kirby, Christopher, Family Medicine, 7/1/2014-6/30/2017, Graduated 2017, Post-Graduation Employment, Urgent Care Physician with Patient First in Philadelphia Suburbs
- Lam, Si, Family Medicine, 7/1/2015-6/30/2018, Graduated 2018, Post-Graduation Employment, Outpatient FM at Holland Medical Associates, owned by Holly Redeemer Hospital
- Leibu, Dora, Family Medicine, 7/1/2014-6/30/2017, Graduated 2017, Post-Graduation Employment, Outpatient FM at Summit Medical Group, NJ
- Levin, Phung, Family Medicine, 7/1/2014-6/30/2016, Graduated 2016, Post-Graduation Employment, Emergency Medicine, Baltimore, NJ
- Liebman, Catherine, Family Medicine, 7/1/2014-1/12/2016, Graduated 2016, Fellowship, Sports Medicine, Christiana Care Health System, Post-Graduation Employment, Penn Family Care, Philadelphia
- Maguire, Jeffrey, Family Medicine, 7/1/2014-7/20/2016, Graduated
- Markham, Alaina, Family Medicine, 7/1/2014-6/30/2015, Graduated 2015, Post-Graduation Employment, Tri-County Emergency Physicians – Pottstown
- Matriya, Purwaai, Family Medicine, 7/1/2016-6/30/2018, Graduated 2018, Post-Graduation Employment, Outpatient Family Medicine, Washington, DC
- McClellan, Matthew, Family Medicine, 7/1/2014-12/15/2015, Graduated 2015, Post-Graduation Employment, Emergency Medicine, Carlise, PA
- Mena, Joshua, Family Medicine, 7/1/2017-6/30/2019, Graduated 2019, Fellowship, ER Fellowship. Wheeling Hospital. West Virginia,
- Mincer, Dana, Family Medicine, 7/1/2017-112/2018, Graduated 2018, Post-Graduation Employment, Urgent Care with Patient First, Montgomery County PA.
- Moore, Teiah, Family Medicine, 7/1/2015-6/30/2018, Graduated 2018, Post-Graduation Employment, Family Practice Center of Newtown
- Murray, Robert, Internal Medicine, 7/1/2017-6/30/2019, Graduated 2019, Post-Graduation Employment, Internal Medicine with First Docs Group
- Okeke, Ijemoa, Family Medicine, 10/23/2017-6/29/2018, Graduated 2018
- Patterson, Jennifer, Family Medicine, 3/15/2016-11/2/2018, Graduated 2018, Fellowship, Geriatrics - PCOM, Post-Graduation Employment, Bucks Integrative Medicine
- Pritchette-Harget, Louella, Family Medicine, 7/1/2015-6/30/2016, Graduated 2016, Post-Graduation Employment, Outpatient FM in Reading, PA
- Schmidt, Mary-Melissa, Family Medicine, 7/1/2014-6/30/2016, Graduated 2016, Post-Graduation Employment, Peconic Bay Medical Center, Middletown, NY
- Torrance, Ronald, Family Medicine, 7/1/2014-6/30/2016, Graduated 2016, Fellowship, Sports Medicine, Inspira, Vineland, NJ, Post-Graduation Employment, Outpatient Sports Medicine at Regenexx Tampa Bay, Sarasota, FL
- Weivoda, Starchild, Family Medicine, 8/26/2014-8/25/2015, Graduated 2015, Post-Graduation Employment, Outpatient FM, Anchorage, Alaska
- White, Jonathan, Family Medicine, 8/26/2016-6/30/2018, Graduated 2018, Post-Graduation Employment, Inpatient - Roxborough, Jeanes
- Williams, Keith, Family Medicine, 7/1/2016-6/30/2019, Graduated 2019, Post-Graduation Employment, Urgent Care Physician
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