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Heart Center |
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All cardiac stress testing performed at Wooster Community Hospital is done in the presence of a physician and qualified staff who trained for any emergencies.
Exercise Stress Testing: The exercise cardiac stress test is the most widely used cardiac (heart) screening test. Prior to the test, electrodes are placed on the patient's chest skin and connected by leads to a monitor. The patient either exercises on a treadmill or, if unable to walk on a treadmill, is given a medicine to increase the heart rate. During the test, the patient's electrical heart signal (EKG), heart rate, and blood pressure are continuously monitored. |
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A stress echocardiogram uses ultrasound to take pictures of the heart before and after the patient's heart rate has been increased as indicated above. The before and after pictures are reviewed by Cardiologist to check for any abnormal changes in the heart's function under exertion. |
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A Nuclear Stress test uses a nuclear camera to take pictures of the heart before and after exercise. The pictures are obtained by injecting a medicine into the patient's vein that becomes visible with a nuclear camera. The normal (undamaged) heart muscle absorbs the medicine. Nuclear pictures are obtained at rest and again after the heart rate is increased by exercise or by medicine. The test provides information about the size of the heart's chambers, pumping action of the heart, and blood supply to the heart.
When the nuclear camera is taking images of the heart, the patient lies flat on a platform under the camera, which passes over the body. The exercise portion of the nuclear stress test is very similar to the exercise stress test with the same monitoring of the electrocardiogram, heart rate, and blood pressure. Shortly before the end of the exercise session, the patient receives an IV injection of the contrast substance, leaves the treadmill, and has second set of pictures taken under the nuclear camera. This procedure takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete. |
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An echocardiogram is a sophisticated, safe and painless procedure which uses ultrasound pictures of the heart. The sound waves are directed towards the heart from a small hand-held probe placed on the surface of the chest.  The walls of the heart and the valves separating the chambers of the heart are reproduced on a television-like screen and are stored digitally. From these pictures, the Cardiologist can study the appearance and the motion of the structures of the heart conclude how forcefully the heart muscle contracts to move blood into the body. If a patient has had previous echocardiograms done at Wooster Community Hospital, the Cardiologist will compare the pictures and analyze any difference.
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An electrocardiogram is a recording of the electrical activity of the heart. Sticky electrodes are placed on the surface of the chest and connected to a computer that measures electrical activity around the heart. The EKG can show areas of poor blood supply to the muscles surrounding the heart and gives the doctor a baseline picture of the heart's activity. Future EKG's can be compared to see if changes have taken place, or if the patient has experienced a heart attack. EKG's are stored on a computer for future reference and an EKG history. |
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T.E.E. Brochure
Transesophageal Echocardiography is an ultrasound test that is very similar to the echocardiogram, but is one in which pictures of the heart are taken from inside the esophagus (food pipe) and stomach rather than from the chest wall. For this procedure, the patient is sedated with medicines to reduce any anxiety or discomfort. After the medicine becomes effective, a small ultrasound probe (flexible tube) is placed in the patient's mouth and gently slid into the esophagus. The esophagus is next to the heart and pictures taken from this proximity provide extremely clear pictures showing details not typically seen during a regular echocardiogram.
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<<Back to The Heart Center |
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| A Holter monitor test is a 24 or 48 hour continuous recording of the heartDigiTrak Plus's electrical activity that is made by a small strap-on recorder
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The monitor has lead wires that are attached to electrodes, which are applied to the patient's chest. The recorder is powered by a battery and functions independently while the patient goes about his or her daily routine. Patients are provided with a diary to record their activities, i.e. eating, sleeping, exercising, etc. The tracings are carefully reviewed for heart condition abnormalities and activity of the heart during any symptoms recorded in the diary. A report of the holter scan is sent to your doctor. |
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Arteriograms and Venograms are done to identify any blockages or narrowing's of the vessels that a person may have. Arteriograms look at the arteries, and venograms look at the veins in the body. These procedures also are done to look for particular problems such as aneurysms (weakening of the blood vessel wall), or even tumors.
Why would I need an arteriogram or a venogram?
These procedures are done for a variety of reasons. The most common reason is your doctor probably suspects blockage or narrowing of some kind. It is possible to look at blood flow to the brain to assist doctors in treating patients who have suffered from a stroke. Other patients may require an arteriogram to follow blood flow to the kidneys. A diabetic patient might need an arteriogram to look at blood flow to their feet. We can visualize the blood flow to most body organs. All these procedures will assist in making decisions on treatment.
What if I do have a blockage or narrowing?
If a narrowing is discovered, a procedure called angioplasty and/or stent insertion will be done. Angioplasty is a small balloon that is used to open up the narrowing. Stent insertion is a small wire mesh that is actually inserted inside the artery or vein to help keep the vessel open and to prevent it from closing again. Your doctor will decide which procedure will benefit you the most. |
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NEW AngioJet System in WCH Cath Lab |
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Scheduling Phone Number:
330-263-8282
Cardiac Catheterization, also called cardiac cath or coronary angiogram is a procedure that allows your doctor to "see" how well your heart is functioning. Your doctor can also evaluate or confirm the presence of heart and valve disease.
Why would I need a cardiac catheterization?
Chances are you have probably experienced chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations or other symptoms, which have led you to contact your doctor. These symptoms are suspicious of heart disease. Your doctor has already taken several step in diagnosing the cause of your symptoms. These steps may include: personal history, electrocardiogram (EKG), x-rays, blood tests, stress test, or ultrasound of the heart. Although these tests provide a great deal of information about the heart, they may not be able to precisely identify the problem. The best way to do this is a cardiac catheterization. |
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External Counterpulsation (ECP) Therapy is an effective treatment for those with heart disease who, despite interventions such as medications, stenting or bypass surgery, continue to suffer from chest pain or congestive heart failure. Wooster Community Hospital has recently added this therapy in our Heart Center.
ECP Therapy is a series of 35 treatments designed to increase blood flow to the heart muscle. Cuffs placed around the legs and midsection inflate during the resting cycle of the heart and then quickly deflate when the heart pumps. The overall effect is an increase in blood flow to the arteries surrounding the heart as well as other organs. Following this therapy, patients often report less chest pain during daily activities, a decreased need for heart medicines, and an overall improved sense of well-being after going through the therapy.
For more information on ECP Therapy, contact The Heart Center at Wooster Community Hospital by calling 330-263-8282. |
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Cardiac Rehabilitation |
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Progressive Care Unit |
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Pediatric Echo |
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Vascular Laboratory |
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Blood Flow Screening |
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Heart CT Scan |
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<<Back to The Heart Center |
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Community Resources 
