Your Heart Care Starts Here
Whether you have an existing heart condition or are looking to prevent one in the future, the Heart & Vascular Services at Southeastern Med are available to patients of all ages, providing advanced tests and personalized treatments to set your mind, and heart, at ease.
The hospital includes a Cardiac Cath Lab and a Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Lab for comprehensive diagnostic testing. We also partner with experienced OhioHealth cardiologists Stephany Moore, MD, Saleem Ahmed, MD, and Courtney Ryan, MD, (all based at 135 Clark Street in downtown Cambridge) to assist patients with:
- Cardiovascular Disease Management
- Defibrillator Checks
- Holter and Event Monitoring
- Pacemaker Checks
- Vascular Consults
You Can Learn More About OhioHealth Cardiologists here
The Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Southeastern Med
Cardiac catheterization is a test that allows your doctor to examine the chambers, valves and arteries of your heart, checking for any irregularities or problems. Using dye to highlight your veins and arteries, your doctor can view your heart in action with a type of X-ray machine called a fluoroscope. The X-rays taken are sometimes referred to as a “Coronary Angiogram” or “Coronary Arteriography,” and the resulting images can help detect artery blockages or other signs of coronary heart disease.
A heart cath usually lasts less than an hour, and while any pain is generally mild, patients are given a sedative to help them relax. After the cath is completed and removed, our staff will continue to check your blood pressure, pulse, heart rate and rhythm over the next six hours, along with monitoring the catheter entry site for any bleeding or discomfort. When the test results come in, your doctor can discuss them with you in detail to determine if any further action is required.
Learn more about our team of surgeons.
Our Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Lab
The Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Laboratory, or CVP Lab, provides comprehensive, non-invasive diagnostic tests for heart, lung, and cardiovascular diseases. The tests are administered only by our experienced, highly trained technicians and the results are confidential. Hours of operation are 7 am – 3:30 pm M-F, and we’re located on the fourth floor of the hospital. Call (740) 439-8930 for an appointment, or if you have questions about any of the services below, call (740) 439-8461.
Our CVP Lab Services currently include:
Echocardiograms: High-frequency sound waves are used to acquire images and diagnose heart or valve disorders. You will be asked to lie on your side while an ultrasound probe is used to take images of your heart (an imaging agent might be given via IV to help us better see the heart’s walls). The technician will pass the results of this test to your primary care physician, who can then discuss the details with you.
Transesophageal Echocardiograms (TEE): This ultrasound test involves entering a probe through the esophagus to collect clearer pictures of the heart. You will be asked not to eat or drink for 6 hours before a TEE test, and any existing swallowing or stomach issues should be explained to the doctor in charge of the test before you begin.
Stress Echo: Combines an exercise test (usually treadmill or stationary bike) with a quick echocardiogram, tracking how your heart reacts to increasing activity. Your cardiologist and CVP Lab Staff will monitor your ECG and compare images of the heart before and after you exercise to determine if its responding appropriately to stress. You’ll be asked to avoid eating for 6 hours before this exam, and to wear comfortable clothes. The test generally takes about one hour. There is also a Pharmaceutical Stress Test—in which your heart is stressed with medication instead of exercise—that takes about an hour and a half.
Holter Monitoring: Outpatient test that uses 3 small patches to record your heart’s electrical activity. The patches only take about 10 minutes to hook up, and you only need to wear them for 24 hours (the patches cannot get wet, so you won’t be able to bathe during this period). When you return to the hospital to have the patches removed, we will analyze the results to determine if you might have an irregular heartbeat or blood flow problem.
Tilt Table Test: Used for patients who have regular fainting spells (also called syncope), this test analyzes whether your heart and circulatory system are responding properly when you move from a seated to a standing position. Some patients might be given a nitroglycerine tablet to see if it brings about symptoms. If you faint at any point during the test, the tilt table will be lowered and we will help you regain consciousness. All patients will be asked not to eat for 4-6 hours before the test, and you’ll want to make sure someone can drive you to and from the appointment. Check with your doctor to see if you should stop taking any medications prior to the test.
Pulmonary Function Testing: Involves blowing into a tube while sitting in a chair, allowing specialists to measure and record the volume of air in your lungs. Pulmonary Function Testing can also be used to determine if your current medications are working effectively. Patients are asked not to smoke for at least 24 hours before this test, and to avoid large meals beforehand. Comfortable, loose clothing is also recommended. Talk to your doctor about taking inhaled medications before the test.
Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab: We also offer patients on-site, high quality cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services. If you any questions about whether you should be part of a rehab program, please consult your doctor.
