Non-Invasive Vascular Laboratory
Non-invasive cardiology is a field of cardiology that diagnoses and treats heart conditions and diseases without the need for invasive surgery. At the IAC Accredited Vascular laboratory at Pascagoula Hospital, we complete tests ordered by your cardiologist, primary care physician, or nurse practitioner.
About the Vascular Lab at Pascagoula Hospital
Our IAC Accredited Vascular Lab at Pascagoula Hospital provides the latest in noninvasive diagnostic testing for heart conditions.
Cardiovascular Testing Procedures
We use a variety of methods in testing for cardiac abnormalities. These tests include:
Echocardiograms
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of your heart. Cardiologists use the echocardiogram to check for problems with valves or chambers of your heart. They can use the images they create to see if you have heart problems that are causing your symptoms (like shortness of breath or chest pain).
Electrocardiograms (EKG)
An EKG (or ECG) analyzes the rhythm of a heartbeat. During an EKG, sensors (electrodes) that can detect the electrical activity of your heart are attached to your chest and sometimes your limbs. A standard EKG can record an abnormal heart rhythm if it happens during the test.
Tilt Table
The tilt table is a test in which the patient lies down on a table and is raised up 180 degrees to a standing position. The patient would stay upright in this position for up to 45 minutes. This is done to determine a potential cause for passing out.
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
An EEG is a device used to monitor electrical activity in the brain. We use it to determine if a patient’s seizures are caused by cardiac issues or neurological issues.
Holter Monitor
A Holter monitor is a device that is hooked up to your chest (much like an EKG) and takes a recording of your heartbeat over the course of a day or two. Our cardiologist analyses your heartbeat data for any abnormalities at the end of the testing period.
A Holter monitor must be worn for a continuous 24-48 hours, depending on the doctor’s orders. Taking it off will interrupt the data stream and will make diagnosis using it impossible.
Vascular Ultrasound
Vascular ultrasounds are much like echocardiograms, but instead of looking at your heart, we look at your blood vessels and arteries.
During the ultrasound procedure, the technician takes ultrasound gel and applies it to your skin. A transducer is then placed on the gel-covered areas to obtain images and evaluate the blood flow in the arteries.
Appointment Information
You should always have your vascular testing done at an IAC Accredited facility. IAC accreditation is a means by which facilities can evaluate and demonstrate the level of patient care they provide.
Ask your cardiologist or primary care provider about having your tests performed at the Vascular Lab at Pascagoula Hospital.
The Vascular Lab at Pascagoula Hospital is Accredited by the IAC for Extracranial Cerebrovascular Testing, Peripheral Arterial Testing, and Peripheral Venous Testing.
