Cardiology at Northern Nevada Medical Group

Advanced Cardiovascular Care

Cardiologists at Northern Nevada Medical Group diagnose conditions and diseases affecting the cardiovascular system for patients in the Reno-Sparks and Fallon, Nevada, area.

The Cardiology specialists at Northern Nevada Medical Group perform advanced diagnostic tests on the heart and vascular system. These tests help detect issues and create an individualized treatment plan for each patient. Early detection and knowledge about the symptoms of heart disease can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks.

Heart Disease Risk Factors

Risk factors for heart disease include:

• High blood cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Physical inactivity
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Genetic history of heart disease
• Heavy use of tobacco products and/or alcohol

Signs of a Heart Attack

If you experience symptoms of a heart attack, call 9-1-1. Symptoms can include:

• Chest pain
• Pain or discomfort that spreads to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth or upper belly
• Cold sweat
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea

Cardiac Diagnostic Testing and Procedures

Advanced diagnostic tests are also available to help detect issues and create an individualized treatment plan.

• Cardiac Screenings (noninvasive): Tests like cardiovascular ultrasound exams can help determine your heart health and prevent heart disease and stroke. Heart ultrasound images give doctors a picture of the overall function and integrity of your heart.
• Carotid ultrasounds: Carotid ultrasounds give physicians a view of the two large arteries. The coronary arteries in your neck supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood. When these arteries narrow, it significantly increases the chance of stroke. Carotid ultrasounds can help doctors detect and prevent risk of stroke.
• Echocardiogram: A cardiac ultrasound, or echocardiogram, uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the heart. These images allow doctors to visualize the chambers, valves, walls and blood vessels. Your doctor may order an echocardiogram for a variety of reasons including:
  • To diagnose various heart conditions such as valve or myocardial disease and congenital heart disease.
  • To assess the progression of heart valve disease over time.
  • To detect congenital heart defects before birth (fetal echocardiogram).
• Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): Electrocardiograms record the heart’s electrical activity. The electrical signals to the heart are what cause it to beat. Therefore, detecting any abnormalities in this activity can help doctors diagnose a variety of heart conditions.
• Nuclear scan: A test in which the physician injects a harmless, radioactive substance into the heart to show contrast on images.
• Stress tests including echo-guided, exercise and nuclear:
  • A stress echocardiogram is another test to evaluate how well the heart is pumping blood to the rest of your body.
    • The physician will perform a resting echocardiogram and then take images before and immediately after exercise. These contrasting images will highlight if parts of the heart muscle do not work as well as your heart rate increase. Your doctor will also track your blood pressure and heart rhythm throughout the procedure. The test can assist your physician to diagnose coronary artery disease.
  • A nuclear stress test produces images of the heart during exercise and at rest. The test shows how well the blood flows into the heart.
    • Similarly to a nuclear scan, the doctor injects the patient with a contrast substance. The doctor then compares the images during exercise and at rest. The images can reveal issues in the heart muscle and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease. The test is completed in one day.
  • Tilt table testing: Tilt table tests are traditionally used to determine the cause of certain conditions such as unexplained fainting. In this test, the patient is monitored in both the horizontal and vertical positions. Changes in blood pressure, heart rate and other measures can help doctors come up with a more informed diagnosis.

Cardiovascular Programs and Services

• Outpatient Cardiology
• Heart Failure Program
• Structural Heart Program
• Heart and Lung Surgery