Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute And Baptist Hospital of Miami offers comprehensive services to prevent, diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease. Institute physicians have pioneered the use of less invasive techniques and devices to treat circulatory and heart disease, as well as other conditions such as fractured vertebrae, infertility and uterine fibroids.
Diagnostic Services
Angiography — Sometimes called arteriography, angiography uses X-ray images and contrast dye to study blood flow in the arteries. An angiogram, the X-ray picture that is made, can be used to examine almost any artery, including those in the heart, head, kidneys, lungs or other organs.
Cardiac Catheterization — Using X-ray images, a catheter (a long, narrow, flexible tube) is placed into a blood vessel in the arm or groin, and then threaded into the heart's arteries and heart valves to find any blockages in blood flow.
Cardiac Radiology, including MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT (Computed Tomography) Scanning — Imaging techniques that provide "pictures" of how the cardiovascular system is working or to detect atherosclerosis, a narrowing of the artery. As a national research site, the Institute has a dedicated MRI machine for cardiac and vascular scans. Using magnetic fields and radiofrequency coils, remarkably detailed cross-sectional images of the body can be obtained to help diagnose patients with suspected blood flow problems. Unlike the standard angiogram, an MRI only takes about 15 to 20 minutes and has no recovery time because the exam is noninvasive.
Calcium Scoring — New high-speed CT scan that detects heart problems before symptoms develop. The CT scan produces images of the coronary arteries that measure calcium build-up, a key sign of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). The results of the study are interpreted by Institute physicians.
Echocardiography – An echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to obtain images of your heart. A small device, called a transducer is moved across the chest and provides images of the inside of the heart. The images are recorded on videotape and are reviewed by a cardiologist.
Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG) — A recording of electrical currents produced by the beating heart.
Electrophysiology Study — A study that provides important information about the electrical impulses triggering the heart's beating.
Exercise Tolerance Testing (Stress Test) — A measurement of the heart's response under the stress of physical activity, such as walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bicycle. An EKG is taken before, during and after exercise. This test may also be performed in combination with a nuclear scan in which a small amount of a radioactive substance, called thallium, is injected into the bloodstream. A special camera scans the heart, creating detailed images of blood flow. For people unable to exercise, a medication that mimics the heart's reaction to exercise can be given. This is called a Pharmacological Exercise Tolerance Test. Echocardiography can also be used to image the heart during a stress test.
Heart and Blood Pressure Monitoring — Electrodes are connected to a portable monitor which records continuous readings of the heart's blood pressure and electrical activity. Patients conduct normal daily activities and keep a diary of dates, times and symptoms during the monitoring period. The monitor is about the size of a camera and is attached to a shoulder strap and worn by the patient for various lengths of time, ranging from 24 hours to 30 days.
Noninvasive Blood Flow Studies, including Echocardiography, Color Doppler Studies, Carotid Imaging and Peripheral Arterial/Venous Studies — Painless diagnostic techniques using ultrasound to record size, motion, blood flow and composition of the heart, veins and arteries.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) — A special tube is placed down the patient's esophagus to obtain detailed images of the heart using ultrasound.