Cardiovascular Care for Your Heart Health

At Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists of Central California, we offer a full range of advanced diagnostic and treatment services to care for your heart. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized, state-of-the-art care for conditions ranging from routine heart health monitoring to complex cardiovascular diseases. With services including cardiac imaging, stress testing, device management, and remote monitoring, we are committed to improving your heart health and overall well-being.

Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG)

An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a quick, non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of your heart. It helps assess heart rhythm, identify heart disease, detect previous heart attacks, and evaluate symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Echocardiography

Echocardiography, or an "echo," is a non-invasive ultrasound test used to visualize the heart's structure and function. It provides detailed images of the heart’s chambers, valves, and blood flow, helping doctors assess heart size, muscle strength, valve function, and detect any abnormalities, such as heart failure, valve diseases, or congenital heart defects.

Click here for instructions before an Echocardiography.

Carotid Ultrasound

A carotid ultrasound is a non-invasive ultrasound test that uses sound waves to evaluate the health of your carotid arteries, the major blood vessels in your neck that supply blood to the brain. This test helps detect narrowing or blockages in the arteries, which can increase the risk of stroke.

Treadmill Stress Test

A treadmill stress test evaluates how well the heart performs under physical stress. Patients walk on a treadmill while their heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram (ECG) are monitored. This test helps identify issues like coronary artery disease, irregular heart rhythms, or exercise-induced symptoms by observing how the heart responds to exertion.

Click here for instructions before a Treadmill Stress Test.

Treadmill Stress Echocardiogram

This test combines a treadmill stress test with echocardiography. After exercising on a treadmill, an echocardiogram is taken to assess heart function under stress. This is particularly useful for detecting blockages in coronary arteries, as the heart’s ability to pump blood is evaluated during physical exertion.

Click here for instructions before a Treadmill Stress Echocardiogram.

Holter Monitor

A Holter monitor is a portable device worn by the patient to continuously record the heart's electrical activity over 24 to 48 hours, or longer if needed. It helps detect irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and other cardiac issues that may not appear during a regular ECG. This test is ideal for patients experiencing intermittent symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, or fainting.

Click here for instructions before a Holter Monitor.

Event Monitor

An event monitor is similar to a Holter monitor but is used for longer periods, often weeks or months. The patient activates the monitor when they experience symptoms, recording heart activity during specific episodes. It is particularly useful for diagnosing irregular heart rhythms or intermittent symptoms that occur less frequently.

Click here for instructions before a Event Monitor.

Nuclear Stress Test

A nuclear stress test assesses blood flow to the heart both at rest and during stress. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into the bloodstream, and a special camera takes images of the heart to evaluate how well blood is reaching the heart muscle. This test is used to detect blockages in coronary arteries, assess the severity of coronary artery disease, and guide treatment plans for patients experiencing chest pain or other heart-related symptoms. If a patient is unable to exercise on a treadmill, a pharmacologic (chemical) stress test is used. In this version of the nuclear stress test, medication is administered to simulate the effects of exercise by increasing blood flow to the heart. This allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the heart's function and blood flow without the need for physical exertion.

Click here for instructions before an Nuclear Stress Test.

Pacemaker, Defibrillator, and Remote Monitoring

Our Device Clinic offers comprehensive care for patients with implanted cardiac devices, such as pacemakers and defibrillators. Using remote monitoring technology, we track your heart’s activity and device performance in real-time, ensuring timely adjustments and reducing the need for frequent office visits. This allows us to provide continuous, personalized care from the comfort of your home.

Loop Recorder Placement

A loop recorder is a small, implantable device used to continuously monitor heart rhythm over an extended period. It helps diagnose irregular heartbeats, fainting spells, or unexplained symptoms by capturing real-time heart data. The procedure is minimally invasive, and the device can provide valuable insights for long-term cardiac care.

Calcium Score & Cardiac CTA

Calcium Score and Cardiac CTA (Computed Tomography Angiography) are advanced, non-invasive imaging tests that help us assess the health of your heart and blood vessels.
· Calcium Score: This test measures the amount of calcium in your coronary arteries, which can build up over time due to plaque. A higher calcium score indicates a higher risk of heart disease. It’s an early warning sign that allows us to take action before problems arise.
· Cardiac CTA: This test takes detailed, 3D images of your heart and arteries, allowing us to see if there are any blockages or narrowing. It’s an excellent tool for detecting coronary artery disease, especially in patients who may have symptoms but no obvious risk factors.
These tests are done in the hospital, using advanced imaging technology. At our practice, we have experienced cardiologists who are experts in interpreting these advanced imaging studies. These tests give us a deeper understanding of your heart’s condition and help us make informed decisions about your care. If you’re at risk for heart disease or have concerns about your heart health, these tests can be an important step toward prevention.

Cardiac MRI

Cardiac MRI provides highly detailed images of your heart’s structure and function, allowing us to assess heart health, blood flow, scarring and detect any underlying issues. Cardiac MRI is especially useful for diagnosing conditions like heart muscle damage, inflammation, or structural abnormalities. This test is done in the hospital, using advanced imaging technology. At our practice, we have specialized physicians with advanced training in cardiac MRI interpretation, ensuring you receive an accurate diagnosis. Their expertise allows us to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific heart health needs.

At Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists of Central California, we offer a full range of advanced diagnostic and treatment services to care for your heart. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized, state-of-the-art care for conditions ranging from routine heart health monitoring to complex cardiovascular diseases. With services including cardiac imaging, stress testing, device management, and remote monitoring, we are committed to improving your heart health and overall well-being.

An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a quick, non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of your heart. It helps assess heart rhythm, identify heart disease, detect previous heart attacks, and evaluate symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Echocardiography, or an "echo," is a non-invasive ultrasound test used to visualize the heart's structure and function. It provides detailed images of the heart’s chambers, valves, and blood flow, helping doctors assess heart size, muscle strength, valve function, and detect any abnormalities, such as heart failure, valve diseases, or congenital heart defects.

Click here for instructions before an Echocardiography.

A carotid ultrasound is a non-invasive ultrasound test that uses sound waves to evaluate the health of your carotid arteries, the major blood vessels in your neck that supply blood to the brain. This test helps detect narrowing or blockages in the arteries, which can increase the risk of stroke.
A treadmill stress test evaluates how well the heart performs under physical stress. Patients walk on a treadmill while their heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram (ECG) are monitored. This test helps identify issues like coronary artery disease, irregular heart rhythms, or exercise-induced symptoms by observing how the heart responds to exertion.

Click here for instructions before a Treadmill Stress Test.

This test combines a treadmill stress test with echocardiography. After exercising on a treadmill, an echocardiogram is taken to assess heart function under stress. This is particularly useful for detecting blockages in coronary arteries, as the heart’s ability to pump blood is evaluated during physical exertion.

Click here for instructions before a Treadmill Stress Echocardiogram.

A Holter monitor is a portable device worn by the patient to continuously record the heart's electrical activity over 24 to 48 hours, or longer if needed. It helps detect irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and other cardiac issues that may not appear during a regular ECG. This test is ideal for patients experiencing intermittent symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, or fainting.

Click here for instructions before a Holter Monitor.

An event monitor is similar to a Holter monitor but is used for longer periods, often weeks or months. The patient activates the monitor when they experience symptoms, recording heart activity during specific episodes. It is particularly useful for diagnosing irregular heart rhythms or intermittent symptoms that occur less frequently.

Click here for instructions before a Event Monitor.

A nuclear stress test assesses blood flow to the heart both at rest and during stress. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into the bloodstream, and a special camera takes images of the heart to evaluate how well blood is reaching the heart muscle. This test is used to detect blockages in coronary arteries, assess the severity of coronary artery disease, and guide treatment plans for patients experiencing chest pain or other heart-related symptoms. If a patient is unable to exercise on a treadmill, a pharmacologic (chemical) stress test is used. In this version of the nuclear stress test, medication is administered to simulate the effects of exercise by increasing blood flow to the heart. This allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the heart's function and blood flow without the need for physical exertion.

Click here for instructions before an Nuclear Stress Test.

Our Device Clinic offers comprehensive care for patients with implanted cardiac devices, such as pacemakers and defibrillators. Using remote monitoring technology, we track your heart’s activity and device performance in real-time, ensuring timely adjustments and reducing the need for frequent office visits. This allows us to provide continuous, personalized care from the comfort of your home.
A loop recorder is a small, implantable device used to continuously monitor heart rhythm over an extended period. It helps diagnose irregular heartbeats, fainting spells, or unexplained symptoms by capturing real-time heart data. The procedure is minimally invasive, and the device can provide valuable insights for long-term cardiac care.
Calcium Score and Cardiac CTA (Computed Tomography Angiography) are advanced, non-invasive imaging tests that help us assess the health of your heart and blood vessels.
· Calcium Score: This test measures the amount of calcium in your coronary arteries, which can build up over time due to plaque. A higher calcium score indicates a higher risk of heart disease. It’s an early warning sign that allows us to take action before problems arise.
· Cardiac CTA: This test takes detailed, 3D images of your heart and arteries, allowing us to see if there are any blockages or narrowing. It’s an excellent tool for detecting coronary artery disease, especially in patients who may have symptoms but no obvious risk factors.
These tests are done in the hospital, using advanced imaging technology. At our practice, we have experienced cardiologists who are experts in interpreting these advanced imaging studies. These tests give us a deeper understanding of your heart’s condition and help us make informed decisions about your care. If you’re at risk for heart disease or have concerns about your heart health, these tests can be an important step toward prevention.
Cardiac MRI provides highly detailed images of your heart’s structure and function, allowing us to assess heart health, blood flow, scarring and detect any underlying issues. Cardiac MRI is especially useful for diagnosing conditions like heart muscle damage, inflammation, or structural abnormalities. This test is done in the hospital, using advanced imaging technology. At our practice, we have specialized physicians with advanced training in cardiac MRI interpretation, ensuring you receive an accurate diagnosis. Their expertise allows us to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific heart health needs.