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Cardiac Testing

Stress Testing

A stress test is a common diagnostic technique used to determine the amount of stress the heart can manage before developing abnormalities such as arrhythmia or ischemia. Stress tests are performed through a series of exercise activities, during which your heart rate, breathing and blood pressure are monitored, which are then compared to recordings taken before and after the exercise.

Stress tests may be performed for several different reasons, but can often help diagnose the cause of symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat or fluttering of the chest. It may also be used to:

Diagnose coronary artery disease
Identify effects of a recent heart attack
Determine effectiveness of heart medication
Help develop a safe exercise program

During the procedure, patients will walk on a treadmill while electrodes are placed on the body to record the heart’s reaction. Patients that cannot exercise on a treadmill will be given a medication (usually Adenosine or Dobutamine) to raise the heart rate to a suitable level in order to effectively perform a stress test.

Echocardiography

An echocardiogram uses ultrasound technology to produce images of the heart and determine its size, shape and function for diagnostic purposes. This procedure uses high-pitched sounds waves to create the image, which can be viewed on a computer screen in real time.

The results of an echocardiogram can often be used to diagnose conditions such as:

High blood pressure
Coronary artery disease
Congenital heart defects
Aneurysms
Other heart conditions

This noninvasive procedure can be performed safely and effectively with no risks.

Holter Monitor Recordings

Holter monitors are medical devices used to detect heart conditions that do not appear during an EKG or other typical diagnostic test performed by your doctor. Many heart conditions only cause symptoms at certain times, so an EKG may not be able to detect any abnormalities during that specific time. A Holter or event monitor is a device worn by patients for 24 to 48 hours that records the heart's electrical activity and helps detect conditions such as arrhythmia or myocardial ischemia.

This device can be placed by one of our doctors and the results will be analyzed after the monitor is removed. The Holter monitor is considered safe for all patients, and is often beneficial in identifying the cause of heart rhythm problems.

EKG (Electrocardiogram)

An electrocardiogram or EKG is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart and translates it into waves on paper for a doctor to analyze. An EKG can be used to determine:

The cause of chest pain or other heart disease symptoms
How well heart medications are working
If the walls of the heart are too thick
How well mechanical devices such as pacemakers are working
Check the overall health of the heart that is affected by other diseases

The test will be performed by placing small metal discs called electrodes on different areas of the body. The electrodes are connected to a machine that will trace your heart's activity onto paper.

Consults

Cardiac consultations are recommended for patients who may be at risk for developing heart disease, including those who:

Have a family history of heart disease
Are overweight
Have diabetes

During your consultation, you will speak with one of our experienced doctors about your individual risks for any heart abnormalities, and then undergo a comprehensive physical exam and diagnostic testing in order to detect any early signs of problems.

Cholesterol Testing and Evaluations

High cholesterol is a common condition that can lead to coronary artery disease and other serious vascular conditions. Some patients are at a higher risk for having high cholesterol, including those who have a family history of heart disease, are overweight or have diabetes.

Cholesterol levels can be tested through a comprehensive blood test known as a lipid panel, which measures the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. This test takes just a few minutes to perform and causes only minor discomfort for patients.

Cholesterol evaluations should be performed once every five years for all patients over the age of 20. As many patients are at a higher risk for developing high cholesterol, your doctor may recommend performing this test more often. Detecting high cholesterol as early as possible can help reduce a patient's risk of complications.

All Adult Cardiology

At Torrance Family Urgent Care, we provide cardiology services focused on the specific conditions and risks that tend to plague adult patients. As we age, our risk of developing heart disease significantly increases as well, so frequent testing and effective prevention methods are recommended for all patients. Some adults, including those who are obese or have a family history of heart disease, are at an increased risk for developing heart disease and should exercise extra caution to prevent the condition from developing.

Our adult cardiology services focus on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as:

Coronary artery disease
Valvular heart disease
Heart failure
Adult congenital heart disease
Myocardial and pericardial diseases
Arrhythmia
Hypertension

Our home services include a wide range of diagnostic cardiology exams, including EKG's, Holter monitoring, X-rays, ultrasounds and more. These exams can identify any abnormalities within the heart and related arteries, which may indicate early signs of heart disease.