CARDIOLOGY

Electrocardiogram (EKG)
Cardiac Stress Testing
Nuclear Studies
Holter & Event Monitoring
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Physicians

Electrocardiogram (EKG)
An EKG (a.k.a. ECG) is a quick and noninvasive measurement of electrical activity of the heart. Electrodes attached to wires are placed in specific locations on the chest, arms and legs. The the test can provide information about the heart, including possible current and past heart attacks.

Cardiac Stress Testing
Cardiac stress testing can provide significant information about heart function, including the possibility of coronary artery disease. The test measures heart electrical activity while the patient is walking on a treadmill under the direct supervision of a physician. A medication alternative is used for patients who are not able to exercise. Stress testing is usually done in conjunction with nuclear imaging (see below). Contact the Clinical Laboratory at ext. 184 for more information.

Nuclear Imaging
The nuclear medicine exam measures myocardial perfusion and typically follows the treadmill portion of cardiac stress testing. A radioactive isotope is introduced intravenously allowing for visualization of the heart and measurement of cardiac function. These exams require special patient preparation including discontinuing certain medications. Contact the Diagnostic Imaging department at ext. 179 for more information.

Holter & Cardiac Event Monitors
These monitors have the capability of monitoring a patient from one to 30 days and are used to identify intermittant problems that may not be captured on a standard EKG. The Holter Monitor will record continuously, while the Event Monitor records only when the patient purpously triggers the recording device. Patients are asked to keep a diary to help correlate their symptoms with cardiac activity. Contact the Clinical Laboratory at ext. 184 for more information.

Cardiac Rehabilitation
The Menders outpatient cardiac rehabilitaion program has a long history of helping people recover from major cardiac events (such as heart attack, angioplasty, coronary artery bypass) or documented angina. Menders combines medically prescribed monitoring, exercise and education and is covered by most insurance carriers. After a cardiac rehabilitation program is completed, patients may choose to continue in the self-pay Phase IV program. Menders meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings in the hospital lower level. Contact Menders at ext. 116 for more information.

Physicians
WNH has several physicians on staff with expertise and experience in care of the heart. These include active staff physicians who treat patients admitted to WNH and consulting staff physicians who have scheduled office hours once or twice each month. Contact Administration at ext. 103 for more information.