Heart screening and imaging
Regular heart screening is important for maintaining your heart health. Heart screening can include blood tests to examine cholesterol and glucose levels, as well as imaging exams to both screen for heart complications and monitor current conditions.
Cardiac testing in Largo, Florida
At HCA Florida Largo Hospital, we offer advanced techniques to diagnose cardiovascular diseases and other heart conditions.
Our elite diagnostic imaging services are performed by highly trained technicians who provide fast, accurate results to cardiologists and physicians. Your doctors use these results to provide a diagnosis to get you started on a pathway to optimal heart health. They will work closely with you and your family to understand your diagnosis and create your personalized treatment plan.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties
Heart screening and imaging tests we offer
Some of the screening and diagnostic heart testing we offer include:
Cardiac catheterization
During cardiac catheterization, a thin, flexible tube (a catheter) is inserted into an artery and guided through to your heart. A contrast color dye is injected into the catheter so it will show up easier on the X-ray monitors, highlighting any blockages or other blood flow issues needing attention.
Our cardiologists use this procedure to:
- Assess the functioning of the heart valves and chambers
- Check for heart defects
- Detect blockages of blood flow to and from the heart
- Evaluate an enlarged heart
- Measure pressures within the heart
- Develop a personalized treatment plan
Echocardiogram
This test uses sound waves to take moving pictures of the heart. It is used to assess the pumping function of the heart and will show the doctor if there is heart disease or problems with the heart valves.
Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
During this test, electrodes are placed on your skin and records the heart’s electrical activity. It creates a graph for your doctor, which enables them to get a better look at what is happening with your heartbeat.
Electrophysiology (EP) study
An EP study is used to diagnose the cause of heart arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats). These studies are also used to identify where arrhythmias are occurring and what treatment option is needed.
During an EP study, a catheter is inserted into your artery and guided to your heart. Then, electrical pulses are sent through the catheter to trigger your heart to beat at different rhythms. Your doctor is able to watch the video monitor during the procedure and trace the signals. This lets them find the source of the arrhythmias, allowing your doctor to identify the cause and location of the irregular heartbeat.
Holter monitoring
This test records how your heart reacts during rest and activity over a 24- to 48-hour period. During this time, you wear a small, portable recording device with electrodes attached to your skin.
Nuclear medicine
This test evaluates the cause of some of your symptoms, such as chest pain and/or shortness of breath.
Stress test
An exercise stress test, or "treadmill test," is done to examine the heart’s ability to function under physical stress and exercise. A stress test is used as a screening for heart disease and the cause of any chest pain.
Advanced wireless heart monitoring
Our hospital was the first hospital in the Tampa Bay area to perform the implantation of a special, wireless heart failure sensor. It allows physicians to monitor patients with heart failure while the patients are at home.
How wireless heart monitoring works
This miniature sensor is implanted in the pulmonary artery (PA) during a minimally invasive procedure to directly measure PA pressure. The system transmits your PA pressure data from your home to your healthcare providers. This allows for personalized and proactive management to reduce the likelihood of hospitalization.
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Our Heart screening and imaging Locations
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