What's most important to you? Is it being with your family? Maybe it's taking it easy with your friends, or sometimes it's "just getting away from it all." At Ashtabula County Medical Center, your health is what's most important to us because we want you to go on enjoying all that's important to you.
The availability of advanced diagnostic testing is the heart of our cardiac, vascular, and neurology services. The very best in state-of-the-art technology enables ACMC's cardiac services department to provide a comprehensive variety of diagnostic exams to get you back in the game.
Echocardiography (ECHO)
During an echocardiogram, sound waves are transmitted through the chest by a microphone called a transducer. The transducer then picks up the waves that bounce off the heart, and converts these "echoes" into images on a computer screen. This test is used to detect and evaluate defects in the heart's chambers or valves.
Electrocardiography (EKG)
Each time your heart beats, it creates an electrical impulse. An EKG records these impulses using tiny receivers taped to the chest, arms, and legs. Twelve different "views" of the heart are created and recorded on paper. This test will help your cardiologist determine if further testing is needed.
Exercise Stress Test
An exercise stress test evaluates the heart as it is pushed to its limits. In this test, patients are given a continuous EKG as they walk on an electronically controlled treadmill. Treadmill EKG's are a common method of detecting coronary artery disease, and help gauge a patient's overall cardiovascular health. This test will assist the physician in determining if further diagnostic tests are needed such as a cardiac catheterization.
Pharmacologic Nuclear Testing
If you are unable to exercise to a level adequate for an exercise stress test, Regadenoson -Tc99m Sestamibi testing is an alternative used to detect coronary artery disease. Regadenoson and Tc99m and Sestamibi, low-dose radioactive substances, are injected into the body through an intravenous line. The heart is then scanned by a special camera; the scan is repeated. The pictures are compared to detect heart damage.
Holter Monitoring
A Holter Monitor is a miniature EKG monitor that can be suspended from a belt or shoulder strap. During the test, which usually lasts 24 to 48 hours, patients wear the monitor while keeping a diary of their activities and symptoms. The monitor records the heart's electrical impulses on a digital monitor that is read by a computer scanner; a doctor and technologist analyze the signals to look for abnormal heart rhythms.
Vascular Studies
During a Vascular Study ultrasound waves are sent through a transducer. This transducer then picks up these waves that bounce off the arteries and veins, and converts these images onto a computer screen. These vascular studies are then used to detect any disease process that may affect major arteries and veins.
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
This neurological testing procedure measures brain activity by recording the brain's electrical impulses. Digital EEGs are used to evaluate many neurological conditions.
Cardiac Catheterization Lab
Cardiac catheterization is the gold standard procedure for diagnosing coronary artery disease.
In 2008, ACMC and Cleveland Clinic opened a diagnostic Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at our hospital. The addition of cardiac catheterization services at ACMC takes heart care in Ashtabula County to a whole new level. Members of our community can now receive safe, quality diagnostic testing and faster treatment without leaving home. Learn more about our Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.
More Information
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call Cardiac Services at 440-997-6614. If you have any more specific departmental questions, please contact the Director at 440-997-6267 or at chip.stroup@acmchealth.org