Cardiac Diagnostic and Nuclear Procedures

Testing and imaging of the heart and blood vessels is an important diagnostic tool for your physician. At MIMG our Cardiology Testing and Nuclear Medicine department has a full scope of up-to-date equipment along with an experienced staff of highly trained registered nurses and technologists to perform a wide range of tests. Results are interpreted by a MIMG Cardiologist who produces a comprehensive report to assist your physician in the management of your care.

The department’s accolades include the first facility in California to be accredited the International Commission of Nuclear Cardiology Laboratories. Our research investigations have advanced the cardiology field with results being published in prestigious medical journals an presented at medical conferences on three continents. The Cardiac Diagnostic department has been serving South Orange County for over three decades and the Nuclear Medicine Department was opened in 1995.

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Echocardiogram Study

Echocardiography is a method of imaging the heart through ultrasound. The test takes about 30 minutes, is painless, and does not require an IV. During this test, you will lay on your left side and a technician will apply ultrasound gel to your chest, then place an ultrasound probe to your chest to visualize the heart using sound waves. The ultrasound equipment is similar to that used to obtain images of the fetus in a pregnant woman's uterus. An echocardiogram gives your doctor information about your heart muscle and heart valves, but cannot diagnose coronary artery disease.

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Holter Monitor

A holter monitor is a device used to diagnose the presence of cardiac rhythm abnormalities. The device is a small box that is worn around your waist. The box is connected to seven leads which the technician will place on your chest and stomach. You will wear the monitor for 24 hrs, during which time the monitor will record your heart rhythm. While wearing this monitor you will need to keep a diary of your activities and symptoms throughout the 24 hrs. You may not shower while wearing the monitor. At the end of the 24hrs you will remove the leads from your chest and stomach and turn the monitor in. The monitor recording will then be analyzed.

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Event Monitor

The event monitor is a device used to diagnose the cause of cardiac rhythm abnormalities. Over 4 million Americans have arrhythmia, a common condition in which the heart beats at an irregular pace. Individuals experience arrhythmias differently, but the most common symptoms include; palpitations or fluttering of the heart, shortness of breath, fainting or dizziness and chest pain.

Most arrhythmias occur infrequently so they are hard to detect during a short office visit. In order for the physician to obtain complete information regarding the patient's condition, an Event Monitor is prescribed to allow the heart rate to be captured when the patient feels a symptom. It is worn for 30 days, while it automatically records any changes in your heart rhythm. The patient is encouraged to continue their daily routine.

At end of the prescribed period, the monitor is returned and the information is processed. A Cardiologist will review the data and prescribe the best course of treatment for the patient

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