Hospital Services

A cardiology consultation is usually requested by your primary care physician or another specialist or surgeon when they want a cardiologist’s expertise for an evaluation. The reasons may include a concern over a known or possible serious cardiac problems to a more general evaluation. It might also be for a confirmation or second opinion. Many times, in the hospital setting, a cardiologist is consulted as a part of a team evaluating your care. HeartCare partners with Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, Doctors Hospital, and Manatee Memorial Hospital.

Hospital Consultations

Tilt Table Test

A tilt table test is helpful for your provider to determine the cause of unexplained fainting or lightheadedness. It helps us to analyze your blood flow and blood pressure under the force of gravity. We’ll use an IV and an echocardiogram to track your heart’s metrics while we increase or decrease the angle of the table. This allows your provider to recreate your symptoms in a safe, controlled environment to detect the cause of your fainting spells.



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Cardioversion

Cardioversion is a short hospital procedure meant to restore a natural rhythm to your heart. If you often have arrhythmias, a cardioversion is either performed with prescription medication or through an electrical cardioversion, where your provider will administer a slight electrical shock to restore natural rhythm. During an electrical cardioversion, you’ll be put to sleep so you are comfortable for the entire procedure.

TEE tests are ultrasounds that further analyze the condition of your heart. TEE tests rely on a small tube that passes into your esophagus for the clearest images of your heart chambers and valves. This is helpful when your provider wants to see a more detailed picture of your heart than our other ultrasound tests can offer. The TEE will occur at the hospital and will last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes.

Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)

Coronary Angiogram

Coronary angiograms are the most common type of heart catheterization procedure. It involves taking X-Ray images of your heart to detect any blockages or narrowing of the walls. A solution is injected into a catheter that travels through the arteries to your heart, where it will show up during the X-Ray. This is a helpful test for your provider to determine if you need a surgical procedure like a stent or angioplasty to alleviate the risk.

Coronary Angioplasty/PCI

Coronary angioplasty is also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Angioplasty is a procedure that opens clogged arteries and reinstates normal blood flow. It involves placing a mesh tube, called a stent, directly into the blocked artery. Angioplasty can be a life-saving surgery during a heart attack, but it is also a helpful preventative procedure that can alleviate chest pain and shortness of breath.

Peripheral angiograms are X-rays of the peripheral arteries in your arms and legs to determine any potential blockages. It’s done very similarly to Coronary Angiograms and involves a solution inserted into a catheter for the highest quality X-ray imaging. Peripheral angioplasty is a procedure where Dr. Kumar will insert a mesh tube, called a stent, into the blocked artery in your legs or arms.

Peripheral Angiogram/Angioplasty

Pacemakers

Pacemakers are battery-operated devices that help your heart maintain a regular rhythm. Pacemaker implantation is a hospital procedure that involves implanting tiny wires and the generator into your chest. The pacemaker will send electrical impulses to your heart at regular intervals to maintain a healthy heartbeat. After the surgery, you’ll return to our offices for your frequent pacemaker clinic checkups.

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)

If you have been diagnosed with sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, Dr. Kumar might recommend an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD). Similar to a pacemaker, the ICD is a battery-operated device that is planted under the skin. ICDs help your heart keep a steady rhythm if you’re at risk for life-threatening arrhythmias. If the ICD detects a chaotic heart rate, it delivers a gentle shock to restore a regular beat.