Cardiology in Reno, Nevada

Diagnosing and Treating Heart Disease

The cardiology specialists in the cardiology department at Sierra Medical Center provide advanced, quality care for cardiovascular health conditions. We offer a wide range of medical treatments and services to help you improve your heart health.

Cardiologists specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases of the cardiovascular system. They carry out tests and they may perform some procedures, such as heart catheterizations, angioplasty, or inserting a pacemaker.

Noninvasive Cardiology Services

Echocardiograms

An echocardiogram serves two purposes: it checks your heart rhythm and helps determine how blood is flowing through your heart. Sound waves (ultrasound) are used to produce images of your heart. Your doctor then uses these images to diagnose heart conditions such as valve abnormalities.

Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)

During an electrocardiogram (EKG), electrodes are placed on your body. They record and measure electrical activity of your heart. An EKG can help doctors determine if your heart is beating normally. If the EKG is abnormal, this can be a sign of heart disease.

Nuclear Scan

These tests use radioactivity to help doctors evaluate the flow of blood to the heart muscle and identify any abnormalities. Radioactive material is injected into the bloodstream and then images are taken. If a particular area of heart muscle is not receiving adequate blood flow, then little or no radioactivity will get into that part of the heart. In this case, the images will show a dark spot, surrounded by bright areas that show normal activity.

Pacemaker/Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)

Pacemaker and ICD services include the evaluation, reprogramming and resynchronization therapies with optimization.

Cardiology Stress Tests

A stress test helps doctors determine how your heart is functioning while under stress. This test evaluates patients who are at risk of developing heart disease. Patients walk on a treadmill for the test, but medication is an option for those who cannot safely exercise.

Tilt Table Testing

During a tilt table test, a patient lays flat on a special bed or table and secured with safety belts. You’ll also be connected to ECG and blood pressure monitors. Next, the table will tilt up and down, changing your position from lying flat to standing. This determines the cause of any blackout spells or dizziness.

Invasive Services

The invasive, or interventional, cardiology division performs a wide range of medical services, including:

Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is a test that evaluates heart function, valve function and blood vessel disease. Thin, flexible tubes (catheters) are threaded through an artery from the patient’s groin or arm. A contrast dye may be injected through the catheter so blockages can be seen on an X-ray screen.

If blockages are present, an interventional cardiologist may perform catheter-based intervention to open the artery and restore blood flow into the blocked artery.

Peripheral Vascular Intervention

Peripheral vascular intervention (PVI) are procedures treat peripheral artery disease (PAD) or atherosclerosis. The goal of PVI is to restore blood flow to the lower extremities. This restoration eliminates pain, numbness, and the need for limb amputation.

Peripheral vascular intervention to treat peripheral artery disease (PAD) via the legs and other peripheral arteries.  It is a process similar to heart catheterization.

Pacemaker/ICD Placement

This involves the implantation of electrical devices to treat cardiac arrhythmias.

Electrophysiology Study

Electrophysiology studies (EPS) test the electrical activity of your heart. They help locate where an abnormal heartbeat is coming from. During the study, a catheter is placed into a vein in your groin, neck or arm, and then moved into your heart. Electrodes on the catheter measure your heart’s electrical activity.