Cardiology Associates of Altoona offers a full range of diagnostic tests and therapeutic treatments at our state-of-the-art independent medical facility. We are conveniently located between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, in the heart of central Pennsylvania. Our team of experienced, board certified cardiologists, physicians, and nurses work together to bring you an exceptional level of professional heart health care with a compassionate touch. We treat most types of heart and vascular conditions, as well as provide various complementary services to assist you with maintaining your health.<\/p>\n
Nuclear Stress Testing is offered to measure the level of blood flow through your heart. The stress portion of the test will be achieved by exercising on the treadmill or by receiving a medicine to stress your heart. Images are obtained (with the assistance of a short-acting radioactive pharmaceutical) while your heart is at rest, and when working. Your cardiologist will review your test results and determine a plan of care. If you have a known heart condition, or have been experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath, nuclear stress testing may assist your cardiologist with quickly and accurately diagnosing and\/or treating your condition.<\/p>\n
Exercise stress testing is used to determine the presence of stress-induced myocardial ischemia, rhythm disturbances, exercise tolerance, or to provide a basis for an exercise prescription.<\/p>\n
The stress echocardiogram uses sound waves (ultrasound) to take images of your heart before and after exercising on a treadmill. \u00a0It determines how well your blood vessels and heart are working, how well your heart tolerates activity, and evaluates the functioning of your heart valves.<\/p>\n
Tilt table testing is done to evaluate and help determine the cause of lightheadedness, dizziness, near-syncope, or syncope (passing out). \u00a0It attempts to duplicate your symptoms under a controlled environment.<\/p>\n
Echocardiography (heart ultrasound) uses sound waves to take a series of video images of your heart in action.Your cardiologist will view your echo test images to examine the overall structure and function of your heart.<\/p>\n
A minimally invasive procedure in which a new valve is inserted without removing the old, damaged valve. The new valve is placed inside the diseased valve. The surgery may be called a transcatheter aortic valve replacement.<\/p>\n
Vascular Ultrasound (duplex study) is used to evaluate circulation within the blood vessels, including veins and arteries, in nearly any part of the body. Blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), kidney artery issues, and abdominal aortic aneurysms can be assessed.<\/p>\n
Holter and Event Monitoring (continuous EKG) utilizes a portable electrocardiogram system to record the electrical activity of your heart throughout your normal day. Your heart rate, steadiness or irregularity of heart beats, and the timing and strength of heart muscle contractions can be measured by your cardiologist.<\/p>\n
Angiography (x-ray imaging of the blood vessels) is performed by injecting a contrast agent into your bloodstream to assist your cardiologist in determining whether or not conditions such as: narrowing, blockage, widening, bleeding, or inflammation exist.<\/p>\n
EECP Therapy is used to assist individuals with angina. Cuffs will be applied to your body and connected to an electrocardiogram machine to decrease the workload placed on the heart.<\/p>\n
Interventional Cardiology is used to treat myocardial infarction (heart attack) and diseases of the heart. Catheterization is performed to treat conditions such as stenosis, aneurysmal enlargement, and thrombosis. A sheath or stent may be inserted to enhance blood flow or correct ventricular heart defects or repair\/replace heart valves.<\/p>\n
Endovenous Laser Ablation (ELA) is used to treat chronic venous insufficiency or varicose veins. Heat is applied to the veins, which collapse and seal, allowing blood to bypass damaged veins and re-route via healthier veins.<\/p>\n
Sclerotherapy is used to treat spider veins, varicose veins, and other defective veins with poorly functioning valves. A solution is injected directly into the problematic veins to close them.<\/p>\n
Pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) can help trigger a slow or irregularly beating heart to beat on a more regular basis. The settings can be easily adjusted by your cardiologist.<\/p>\n
Your heart has its own electrical system with signals from the electrical system regulating your heart’s rhythm. Normally your heart beats at an even, steady pace. If there is a problem with the heart’s electrical system, the heart may beat too fast or too slow. An EP study helps your doctor locate areas within your heart that may be causing an abnormal rhythm.<\/p>\n
WATCHMAN is a one-time, minimally invasive procedure for people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem who need an alternative to blood thinners.<\/p>\n