Heart screening and imaging

By using a thin, flexible tube and an X-ray, this minimally invasive diagnostic test can reveal the inside of your heart and blood vessels. We can also use cardiac catheterization to perform personalized treatments, such as angioplasty and stent placement.

Cardiac CT angiography (CCTA) uses high-speed CT scans to determine the extent of blockage in coronary arteries. Our cardiologists can use CCTAs to diagnose vascular or heart disease, as well as assess blood flow or examine a cardiac mass.

Our cardiologists are assisted by qualified nurses and technicians. We perform CCTAs in our advanced cardiac catheterization laboratory (lab). Our participation in the Radiation Right safety program helps ensure you receive the lowest dose of radiation possible during cardiac tests and imaging procedures.

If you have questions about our cardiac catheterization lab, call (603) 421-2240.

Echocardiography uses high-frequency sound waves to create moving images of your heart. We use these tests to assess the size, shape and motion of the heart and to pinpoint heart muscles that aren’t contracting properly. We are honored to have received an echocardiography accreditation from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission, recognizing the high quality of our evaluations.

Echocardiography can detect:

• Blood clots
• Fluid buildup around the heart
• Valve conditions
• Other heart problems

During an EKG, we place electrodes on your legs, arms and chest, connect them to an EKG machine and track your heart’s electrical activity. These electrical signals are turned into a graph that we can use to evaluate your heartbeat. The procedure typically takes five to 10 minutes.

Our cardiology team uses EKGs to:

• Detect conditions that alter the body’s balance of electrolytes
• Diagnose heart attacks, arrhythmias and other heart conditions
• Identify other problems, like medication overdoses

EP studies are the cardiac specialty that examines the heart’s electrical system to diagnose and treat abnormal heart rhythms, also called arrhythmias.

During an EP study, our cardiology team will insert catheters through the veins of your leg or shoulder and into the heart. Then they can record electrical signals from inside the heart and stimulate it to trigger an abnormal rhythm.

Our EP techniques and related services include:

• Heart event monitoring — Checks for normal rhythm and function of the heart
• Holter monitoring — Records the heart electrical signals with electrodes attached to the chest
• Pacemaker and defibrillator — Stimulates the heart to analyze or reprogram electrical activity
• Pharmacologic stress testing — Monitors heart rate, rhythm and blood pressure to determine how well the heart manages exercise

Our heart health specialists may suggest nuclear cardiac imaging if your heart condition requires highly sensitive monitoring. This procedure uses small amounts of radioactive material to assess blood flow and other cardiac activity.

This noninvasive test monitors blood pressure in each of your legs to test for possible obstructions. We use advanced ultrasound technology to identify narrowing and closed arteries that need treatment.

Vascular testing involves a range of noninvasive procedures to measure your blood flow, as well as identify any circulation issues or blockages in vessels outside the heart. We've received vascular ultrasound accreditation from the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories, demonstrating the high level of care we provide.