Cardiac Imaging & Diagnostic Services at FirstHealth

At FirstHealth, our heart care team uses the advanced imaging and diagnostic technology to evaluate, diagnose and treat heart conditions with precision and care. From routine screenings to complex imaging that guides life-saving procedures, our goal is simple—to see your heart clearly so we can care for it best.

The Power of Advanced Cardiac Imaging

Your heart is one of the body’s most intricate organs. When something goes wrong, having a clear, detailed view allows providers to plan the safest and most effective treatment.

“Recent advances have taken cardiac imaging from a diagnostic tool to a strategic guide for personalized treatment and long-term care,” said board certified cardiologist Sivakumar Ardhanari, M.D. “To have this level of technology available in our community hospital is truly special.”

What Cardiac Imaging Helps Us See

Cardiac imaging gives your care team critical insight into your heart’s structure and function, helping them:

Detect artery blockages before a heart attack occurs
Identify weak or damaged heart muscle
Uncover valve problems and guide complex procedures
Plan minimally invasive treatments with precision

How Imaging Guides Advanced Heart Treatments

At FirstHealth, cardiac imaging does more than diagnose heart problems—it helps power some of the most advanced, minimally invasive procedures in modern medicine.

WATCHMAN™ Procedure

Stroke Prevention for AFib Patients

For patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) who can’t take long-term blood thinners, the WATCHMAN device provides a life-changing solution. This small, umbrella-shaped implant seals off a pouch in the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA), where dangerous clots can form and cause stroke.

Using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and cardiac CT imaging, our heart team can map the LAA’s size and shape to ensure the WATCHMAN device fits securely and functions effectively—all without open-heart surgery.

See How WATCHMAN™ Works

MitraClip™ Procedure

Repairing a Leaky Heart Valve

When the heart’s mitral valve doesn’t close properly, blood can leak backward, a condition called mitral regurgitation. For patients who aren’t good candidates for open-heart surgery, the MitraClip™ offers a minimally invasive solution.

With the help of 3D echocardiography and TEE imaging, our specialists can view the valve in real time and guide the clip to the appropriate place. This technology allows for faster recovery and improved quality of life.

About the MitraClip™

Comprehensive Diagnostic Tests and Screenings

In addition to advanced imaging for procedures, FirstHealth offers a full range of diagnostic tests to evaluate heart function and detect disease early.

Common Cardiac Diagnostic Tests

Electrocardiography (EKG)

An EKG records the electrical activity of your heart to detect any irregularities in heart rhythm and structure.

Carotid Ultrasound

This non-invasive test uses sound waves to create images of the carotid arteries, helping to identify blockages or narrowing that could lead to stroke.

Exercise Treadmill Testing

Also known as a stress test, this evaluates how your heart performs under physical stress, helping to diagnose coronary artery disease.

Stress Echocardiography

Combining an ultrasound of the heart with a stress test, this procedure assesses how well your heart and valves are working under stress.

Radiography

Chest X-rays provide images of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, helping to detect heart enlargement, fluid in the lungs, and other conditions.

Lab Tests

Blood tests can reveal important information about your heart health, including cholesterol levels, markers of inflammation, and other risk factors.

Nuclear Imaging

This advanced imaging technique uses small amounts of radioactive material to visualize blood flow to the heart, helping to identify areas of poor blood flow or damage.

Electrophysiology

An in-depth test that examines the electrical activity of the heart to diagnose and treat abnormal heart rhythms.

Rate/Rhythm Testing

These tests monitor your heart rate and rhythm over a period to detect irregularities that may not be apparent during a standard EKG.

24-Hour Heart Monitor

Also known as Holter monitoring, this test involves wearing a portable device that records your heart’s activity for 24 hours or longer.

Loop Recorder

A small device implanted under the skin of the chest to continuously monitor heart rhythms over an extended period, useful for diagnosing intermittent arrhythmias.