Cardiology

Heart tests we provide

Our cardiology program's primary focus is on education, rehabilitation, risk factor identification and lifestyle modifications. Before we can enact this multidisciplinary treatment approach, the road to better heart health must begin with understanding the root cause of what you're feeling. Every condition is different, and we perform a wide range of cardiovascular testing to reflect the diversity of potential conditions. Diagnostic tests we use to assess heart conditions and form the foundations of treatment plans include:

• Computerized tomography (CT) scan
• Coronary calcium scan
• Echocardiogram (ECHO)
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Nuclear medicine
• Stress testing
• Ultrasound
• X-ray

Coronary calcium scan

Coronary calcium scans are specialized CT scans that examine buildups of plaque in your heart's arteries. Plaque is made up of calcium and fat deposits, and these deposits narrow arteries and reduce blood flow to the heart. As such, a coronary calcium scan that shows this type of buildup could provide a CAD diagnosis while it is still early and easier to navigate. Additionally, coronary calcium scans can help determine your future risk for heart attacks and strokes.

These specialized tests are not available in most hospital settings in the region, so they can be very beneficial if you have an uncertain level of heart attack risk. They are also helpful if you have a serious family history of early-than-normal coronary artery disease.

Cardiac rehabilitation program

Operating out of an outpatient facility close to the hospital, we are proud to provide Macon County with a unique, robust cardiac rehabilitation program that is designed to rejuvenate daily activity. We work to increase your quality of living, while giving you the tools to thrive outside the hospital with your heart continually gaining strength and functionality.

Our rehabilitation specialists combine exercise, education, nutrition, mental health treatment and medication management to create a personalized, 12-week program that works to rejuvenate your life and help to extend it.

Long-term cardiac rehabilitation

If you graduate from the keystone 12-week program, but still need additional long-term care, you may enter our supplemental Well Steps program with a physician's referral. Well Steps includes group work and monitored exercise so that your heart's safety is never in question. Together, we can avoid triggers and problematic behaviors that lead to future cardiac complications. For more information about the referral process for Well Steps, please visit our office or give us a call at (828) 349-8290.