Princeton Medical Center (PMC) offers state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging to help detect and evaluate cardiovascular, pulmonary and respiratory conditions. These services are essential to assessing, treating, and promoting heart and pulmonary health and function.
All tests performed at PMC are conducted by highly trained cardiac, echocardiography and pulmonary technicians working under the direction of the medical director who is board certified in cardiology, pulmonology, and echocardiography. We are committed to promptly reporting your test results to your personal physician or cardiologist to promote fast and effective treatment.
For more information about advanced cardiopulmonary diagnostic services at PMC, call 609.853.7888.
Advanced Cardiopulmonary Diagnostic Services
The Center for Cardiac & Pulmonary Care offers a comprehensive range of advanced diagnostic testing for cardiac and pulmonary issues, including:
- Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM)
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG)
- Bronchial Provocation Test (i.e., methacholine challenge) for diagnosis of asthma
- Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Cardiac Stress Test
- Cardiac CTA and Calcium Scoring
- Diagnostic Cardiology Echocardiogram
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Holter Monitoring
- Nuclear Stress Test
- Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)
- Pulmonary Exercise Test
- Stress Echo
- Trans Esophageal Echo (TEE)
Diagnostic Cardiology
Echocardiogram (ECG)
An echocardiogram, an ultrasound of your heart, is a painless,
noninvasive procedure used to diagnose structural defects, coronary
artery disease (CAD), cardiomyopathies, and the cause of cardiac
murmurs. The Echocardiogram Laboratory at PMC is a sophisticated facility that has achieved national
accreditation by the Intersocietal Commission for Accreditation of
Echocardiography Laboratories (ICAEL). Our fully digital imaging system
for echocardiography captures detailed images of valve function, blood
flow and cardiac anatomy. Results are stored in a digital video that can
be reviewed and interpreted by the cardiologist when evaluating and
managing ongoing heart defects and valvular diseases.
Test Time – 1 hour
Stress Echo
A stress echo involves having an echocardiogram performed while the
patient is at rest and again following physical activity to determine
how the heart functions under stress. This test is used to diagnose
coronary artery disease. Treadmill or pharmacological studies are
performed.
Test Time – 1 1/2 hours
Trans Esophageal Echo (TEE)
A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a special type of echocardiogram that detects if the heart is producing blood clots. Like an echocardiogram, it uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to examine the structures of the heart. However, with a TEE, a transducer (instrument that directs sound waves) is placed into the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) so that it can get close enough to the heart to get a very clear picture.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Cardiac MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed pictures of the structures within and around the heart. Cardiac MRI is used to detect or monitor cardiac disease and to evaluate the heart's anatomy and function in patients with heart disease that developed before or after birth.
Cardiac CTA and Calcium Scoring
This is a test that evaluates calcium build-up around the heart.
Nuclear Stress Test
Nuclear stress testing assesses blood flow to the heart to detect the
presence or significance of coronary artery disease. The patient is
injected with a radioactive isotope at rest and again at peak exercise.
Each injection is followed by radiographic imaging of the heart to
detect the presence of the injected compound. The stress portion of the
test may be achieved on a treadmill or induced pharmacologically with
either Persantine, Adenosine or Dobutamine.
Test Time – 3 to 4 hours
Cardiac Stress Test
A cardiac stress test utilizes continuous EKG (electrocardiogram) to
determine the presence or absence of heart disease and/or evaluate the
effectiveness of current therapy for a cardiac condition. During this test, you will either walk on a treadmill or take a medication that makes your heart work harder.
Test Time – 1 hour
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
PMC’s electrocardiogram technology records electrical activity of
the heart, quickly providing essential information about heart rhythm,
condition and function while also identifying ischemic changes and
irregular beats. The PMC's EKG Management System
is fully networked within the hospital and with other Princeton
Health facilities for fast sharing, review and interpretation
of EKGs.
Test Time – 15 to 20 minutes
Holter Monitoring
The holter monitor is a personal device worn by the patient that
records electrical signals of the heart during a 24-hour period. The
device aids in the detection of abnormalities in heart rhythm or the
cardiac conduction system. Symptoms such as palpitations, fainting
spells, dizziness and chest discomfort can be recorded and used to
correlate a patient’s symptoms with cardiac rhythm.
Test Time – Device is worn for 24 hours
Transtelephonic/Event Monitor
The transtelephonic/event monitor records intervals of a patient’s
cardiac electrical activity whenever the patient experiences transient
cardiac symptoms during his or her daily activities. The device helps
determine the presence or absence of clinically significant cardiac
arrhythmias. The recording is sent via telephone to a receiving station
where the data is interpreted by a physician.
Test Time – Device is used for two to three weeks
Loop Monitoring
For patients with intermittent symptoms or cardiac events, loop
monitoring provides an effective, patient-activated approach to
recording valuable EKG data prior to and after the patient experiences a
symptom.
Test Time – Device is used for two to three weeks
Pulmonary Procedures
Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)
A pulmonary function test determines the origin and extent of
respiratory disease and response to therapy. PFTs are also effective for
preoperative evaluation of lung function.
Test Time – 1 hour
Pulmonary Exercise Test
The pulmonary exercise test evaluates pulmonary, cardiac and muscular
parameters revealing the functional status of the cardiopulmonary
system. The test provides a helpful assessment of the effects of
medication, surgery, diet and physical conditioning and is recommended
before starting a rehabilitation program.
Test Time – 2 hours
Bronchial Provocation Test
The bronchial provocation test, also known as methacholine challenge,
assists in the diagnosis of asthma (bronchial airway hyperactivity) by
measuring expiratory flow rates.
Test Time – 1 to 2 hours
Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG)
An ABG is used to determine the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide and blood PH in a patient’s blood.
Test Time – 30 minutes
Co-oximetry
In patients afflicted by smoke inhalation and/or carbon monoxide, co-oximetry blood sampling helps determine the level of carbon monoxide
present in the blood.
Test Time – 30 minutes
Pulse Oximetry
Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive method used to detect a patient’s oxygen level.
Test Time – 30 minutes