Cardiac Diagnostic Testing

New tests are continually being developed to further the understanding of cardiovascular disease. Thanks to our high level of experience and expertise, you can visit us with full confidence, knowing that we’ll have the proper test to diagnose your heart condition.

EKG (Electrocardiogram)

This diagnostic test records the electrical activity of the heart, which reveals abnormal rhythms known as arrhythmias. EKGs can also sometimes detect damage to the heart muscle.

Holter Monitoring

For this test, patients wear a portable, battery-operated EKG machine to record their heartbeats for 24 to 48 hours as they go about their regular activities. After the allotted period is up, the patient returns to our doctor’s office so the results can be read and evaluated.

Echocardiography

Also known simply as an echo, this non-invasive test evaluates the chambers and valves of the heart using sound waves. As the technician passes an ultrasound probe across your chest, sound waves bounce off your heart, generating an image on a monitor. This simple test can reveal a great deal about the pumping function of your heart.

Nuclear Medicine Stress Testing

This test, also known as a myocardial perfusion scan, uses a small amount of radioactive intravenous (IV) dye and an imaging machine to generate pictures of the blood flowing to your heart. Measurements may be taken both while you’re exerting yourself and resting. The results reveal areas with poor blood flow or heart damage.

Vascular Ultrasound

While echocardiography focuses primarily on the heart’s function, a vascular ultrasound assesses the entire circulatory system to help identify blockages and blood clots in your arteries and veins. A Doppler ultrasound study, which evaluates blood flow through your blood vessels, is usually part of this exam.

Cardiologist Interpretations

In addition to performing all of the above cardiac diagnostic tests, we also provide expert interpretations of the results. Our cardiologists are highly experienced and qualified medical professionals, able to offer sensible advice on what treatments you should seek next.

Cardiac Nutrition

Diet is an important part of your overall heart health. Whether you’re recovering from a heart attack or coronary artery bypass surgery, or you simply want to keep your heart strong, we can advise you on what proper cardiac nutrition entails.

Atrial Fibrillation Management

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular, often rapid heartbeat. This condition increases your risk of stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular problems. We can help you manage this disease and possibly even correct it, depending on the underlying cause and how long you’ve had it.

Peripheral Vascular Disease (PAD) Management

PAD is a circulatory problem that occurs when narrow arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs. We help our patients manage this condition to decrease uncomfortable symptoms and stop the progression of clogged or hardened arteries that could increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Caring for our patients is at the core of what we do here at Tri-County Health Care. It’s not just our purpose—it’s our privilege. If you’re ready to improve your health, please contact our heart doctors in Wadena, MN today.

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Seeking Heart Care

The heart is such an important part of living a happy and healthy life. That is why it is important to consult a cardiologist if:

• You experience chest pain
• You have high blood pressure
• You have shortness of breath, palpitations or dizziness
• You have diabetes
• You have a history of smoking
• You have a history of high cholesterol
• You have chronic kidney disease
• You have a family history of heart disease
• You have peripheral arterial disease
• You are inactive and plan to start an exercise routine