Welcome to the Optum Cardiology department! We look forward to partnering with you in your medical care.

Cardiology is the branch of medicine that deals with diseases and abnormalities of the heart. Did you know that Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States? Knowing your numbers (cholesterol, blood pressure, etc) and taking proactive steps to better manage your health can help keep your heart healthy.

Optum's Cardiology team is here to help you manage your heart health needs and recognize warning signs before it’s too late. Our board certified cardiologists and cardiology nurse practitioner are ready to work with you to keep your heart pumping strong.

Echocardiography
Echocardiography is a type of ultrasound that uses sound waves to create a moving picture of your heart. An instrument called a transducer that transmits high-frequency sound waves is placed against different areas of your chest and abdomen. The transducer will pick up the echoes of sound waves as they bounce off different areas inside the heart. These echos are turned into real time moving images of your heart that can be viewed on a video screen.

Different types of Echocardiograms:

• Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE) or Resting Echocardiography
  Resting echocardiograms are the most common type of cardiac ultrasound ordered. An echo will evaluate the structure and function of the heart muscle, the heart chambers and valves.
  
  
• Stress Echocardiography
  Stress tests are used to evaluate coronary artery disease which may cause decreased blood flow in the arteries that feed the heart muscle. It can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of your cardiac medications and treatment plan. You will exercise on a treadmill or be given medication* until you reach a target heart rate. This helps reveal how your heart works when you are active. Your blood pressure, heart rhythm (ECG) and oxygen will be monitored throughout the procedure. When you reach a target heart rate you will be asked to return to the exam table and the technologist will repeat a few more images of your heart.
  
  
• Doppler Echocardiography
  Doppler echocardiography is used to evaluate the blood as it flows through your heart. The ultrasound machine will measure the direction and speed of the blood flow. Doppler measurements may be displayed in color or black and white images. Doppler is always used in addition to resting and stress echocardiograms.
• How is the test performed?
  A trained ultrasound technologist will perform your exam to gather the necessary information that will be used by a cardiologist to interpret the exam. You will lie on an examination table and a technologist will hold a transducer against different areas of your chest and abdomen and slide the transducer around with the aid of ultrasound gel. An echocardiogram allows doctors to see the heart beating and to see many of the structures of the heart. Occasionally, your lungs, ribs, or body tissue may prevent the sound waves and echoes from providing a clear picture of heart function. If so, a nurse may inject a small amount of liquid (contrast) through an IV to better see the inside of the heart.

How do I prepare for the test?
STRESS TEST PREP ONLY - No preparation needed for the resting echocardiogram. If you are having a stress test please ask your health care provider if you should take any of your routine medications the day of the test (especially if you are taking heart medication). Some medications may interfere with test results. You should take your normal medications unless your provider tells you not to. You may eat a light meal and have plenty of fluids until 2 hours prior to the test. If you use an inhaler for breathing please bring this with you for your exam. Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes to be prepared for the treadmill exam. Your appointment may take up to 1 ½ hours. You will exercise on a treadmill or be given medication* until you reach a target heart rate. This helps reveal how your heart works when you are active. Your blood pressure and heart rhythm (ECG) will be monitored throughout the procedure. Tell the doctor how you are feeling during this part of the test. When you reach your target heart rate you will be asked to return to the exam table and the technologist will repeat a few more images of your heart. * If you are not able to exercise, you will receive medication through a vein (intravenous line). This type of medication will make your heart beat faster and harder, similar to when you exercise. Your physician will make this determination when they order the exam for you.

How do I receive my test results?
After your visit to our clinic, the cardiologist will review and interpret your exam; the results will be made available to the ordering physician within five business days.

PAD-NET
PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease) occurs when there is a buildup of cholesterol and plaque in the arteries of the lower extremities, causing decreased blood flow to the legs and feet.

Why is this exam ordered?
Arterial testing with the non-invasive BioMedix® system can provide early detection of PAD when treatment options are broadest (including lifestyle changes as well as non-invasive and invasive therapeutic options). The system detects blockages in arteries and the quality of blood flow using pulse volume recordings along with ankle-brachial blood pressure measurements.

How is the test performed?
You will lie down on the exam table. Pressure cuffs will be wrapped snugly around your arms, ankles, and toes. The technician will inflate the cuffs, and sensors in the machine will record the pulse volume waveforms that correspond to each beat of your heart. Blood pressures are recorded at the arms and ankles. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is determined by the ratio between these pressures. An abnormal index maybe indicative of PAD and further testing may be ordered by your physician.

How do I receive my test results?
After your visit to our clinic, the radiologist will review and interpret your exam; the results will be made available to the ordering physician within five business days.