PHOTO COURTESY OF GE.

If your physician refers you for diagnostic testing for a possible heart condition, trust that Central Montgomery Medical Center (CMMC) has the advanced medical technology to determine how well your heart is doing its job.

"We've got the most technologically advanced equipment available," says Clifford Ehrlich, MD, Medical Staff President and cardiologist at CMMC. "Diagnostic tests are quick, painless and noninvasive."

Most tests can be completed -- and ready for physician review -- in less than an hour:

• Echocardiography. During the "echo" exam, a patient lies on a table while a technician places an ultrasound probe (called a transducer) on his or her chest. Images of the heart at various angles are projected onto a monitor for physician review.
• Stress Test. A patient walks on a treadmill while blood flow to the heart is assessed by an immediate echocardiogram or nuclear scan. The test measures how the heart functions during exercise, when the heart rate increases. A patient not physically able to walk on a treadmill can undergo a nuclear stress test, to artificially "stress" the heart with medication.
• Ambulatory Monitors. Around-the-clock monitoring of the heart is provided with portable electrocardiography (EKG or ECG) that records the electrical activity of the heart. Electrodes are taped to the chest and the monitor is fastened to a patient's belt or clothing. A Holter monitor records activity for up to 24 hours, while an event monitor records heart activity for up to 30 days.

Advanced Imaging to Come
In the near future, diagnostic services for heart patients will include computed tomography (CT) imaging. Cardiologists will view 3-D, X-ray images of the coronary arteries in real time.

Clifford Ehrlich, MD

"We'll observe blood vessels that feed the heart, and any soft plaque, blockages or narrowing of the arteries," Dr. Ehrlich says. "Because images will be more precise and detailed, we may detect abnormalities earlier than we could before. And, this may lead to more prompt and effective treatment."

CT images will be obtained through the Toshiba Aquilion™ 32-slice CT scanner. Prior to a test, a patient will receive an intravenous injection of contrast medium dye that will enhance the visibility of blood vessels during the examination.

As with traditional X-ray testing, the procedure is quick, painless and minimally invasive. Images are interpreted by a physician or technician, and results usually are available within 48 hours.

Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Screenings
High blood pressure and high cholesterol are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

When diagnosed, these risk factors may be lowered through diet, exercise and medication. If left untreated, high blood pressure and high cholesterol may lead to strokes, heart attacks and kidney failure.

Assess your risk for cardiovascular disease by attending health screenings, provided by the North Penn Visiting Nurse Association, at Central Montgomery Medical Center (CMMC).

Date: First Friday of each month
Date: 10 AM to 2 PM
Location: CMMC Lobby
Fee: Free blood pressure screenings
$10 for total cholesterol (TC)
$20 for TC/HDL and ratio

For more information, please call 215-855-6191.

For more information about diagnostic testing at CMMC, please call 215-361-4570. To learn how you can adopt a heart healthy lifestyle, please log onto our Web site at www.IchooseCentralMontgomery.com. On the left side, click Health Information. Under Outcome Improvement, click Heart Health.

Central Montgomery Medical Center 100 Medical Campus Drive, Lansdale, PA 19446 215-368-2100 | FAX 215-361-4933