Cardiovascular care at Baystate Health

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Mass Appeal) - February is National Heart Health month. 22News and Baystate Health are partnering to remind you to get heart healthy.

Dr. Neal Hadro, a Vascular Surgeon at Baystate Medical Center, shared more about vascular health.

Baystate Medical Center
759 Chestnut Street
Springfield

For more information call (413) 794 - 0000 or visit BaystateHealth.org .

Cardiovascular Testing

There are many tests and procedures available to help determine if a person has cardiovascular disease, the type of disease, the severity, and the most effective treatment methods. Definitions, description and special instructions will be provided in this section. If you have any questions about your test or procedure, it is very important to talk to your doctor and care team.

Types of Tests:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): a recording of the electrical currents that cause the heart to beat. During this short and painless procedure, an ECG technician places electrodes—sensing devices—on your chest, arms, and legs.
   
• Echocardiogram (Cardiac Ultrasound): This test can help identify such problems as narrowing or leaking of valves, heart defects such as abnormal communication between the right and left sides of the heart, and heart muscle malfunction.
   
• Stress Test:
  • Exercise Stress Test: a safe way to put stress on the heart in a controlled setting. This test may be performed in a variety of ways: it involves walking on a treadmill, or it may involve receiving intravenous (IV) medications which simulate the effect of exercise on the heart.
     
  • Nuclear Stress Test: During this test, a small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into a vein. A special camera detects the radiation released by the tracer to produce computer images of the heart.
     
  • Nuclear Adenosine Stress Test: During the test, a small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into a vein. A special camera detects the radiation released by the tracer to produce computer images of the heart.