If you have chest pain, hypertension, abnormal cholesterol levels, shortness of breath, ghabrahat, dizziness, palpitations or episodes of unconsciousness you might be having cardiac problem. The cardiology department at Al-shifa Hospital provides one of the most advanced and affordable cardiac facilities for people of Okhla and nearby areas like – Echocardiography (Adult and pediatric), Contrast Echo , stress Echo, Holter Monitoring, Ambulatory Blood Pressure Recording, Treadmill Testing (TMT), Computerized ECG, Quantitative Troponin(I) and Head Up Tilt Testing (HUTT).
Our wide range of non-invasive tests assists in diagnosing and treating a multitude of heart and vascular conditions including:
- Angina and Angina Pectoris.
- Myocardial Infarction (heart attack)
- Cardiac murmurs
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Heart Failure
- Hypertensive Heart Disease
- Pericardial diseases
- Peripheral Artery Disease
- Renal Artery Disease
- Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack
The following non-invasive diagnostic tests are ordered by a cardiologist and performed for inpatients or for outpatients, in the non-invasive cardiology lab at Al-shifa hospital, all these tests are done under the supervision of Consultant Cardiologist.
- Transthoracic 2D Echocardiogram (Echo): The echocardiogram uses ultrasound to create video pictures of the heart’s chambers, valves, and wall motion and blood flow patterns. This test can be done while you are at rest or during a stress test (stress test echocardiogram). It is useful in diagnosing and evaluating several types of heart disease, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of the treatments.
- Treadmill Stress Test (TMT): A test that assists in identifying electrocardiographic (ECG) changes during exercise, such as walking on a treadmill. We will monitor your blood pressure and EKG while you walk on a treadmill. As the treadmill speed increases, you will have to walk faster, and your heart will work harder. Try to go as long as possible on the treadmill. Your best effort will give your doctor the most accurate information
- Holter monitoring: A Holter monitor uses a portable heart rhythm recorder worn for a day or more. Holter monitoring gives doctors a constant reading of your heart rate and rhythm over a 24-hour period (or longer). It constantly monitors a person’s heart and records the heart rhythms for later analysis by the physician. The patient is instructed to keep an activity log where he can write notes when symptoms occur.
- Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM): It uses a small digital blood pressure machine that is attached to a belt around your body and which is connected to a cuff around your upper arm. You can carry on with your normal daily life and even sleep with it on. Your blood pressure will be measured as you move around, living your normal daily life over a 24-hour period and later on analysed using specialized software.
- Troponin (I) Quantitative: We offer quantitative troponin (I) detection that detects whether you have a major heart attack or not. This facility is available 24X7 at Al-Shifa and we are one of the few centres in nearby areas that has this facility round the clock.
- Stress Test: A cardiac stress test is an EKG or ECHO done when you are at rest and when your heart is “stressed” or working hard. The test can show how your heart responds to increased workload, including how much work your heart can safely do after you have had a heart attack or heart surgery. The test may involve walking on a treadmill or medications (pharmacological stress test) to increase your heart rate.
- Head Up Tilt Table Test (HUTT): If you have sudden or frequent fainting spells (syncope), your doctor may order a Tilt-Table Test. During this test your heart rate and blood pressure are monitored as you lie flat on a table. Then table is tilted upward, so that you are almost in a standing position. The changes in your heart rate and blood pressure as you change position can show whether it is a heart rhythm problem that is causing you to faint.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG): An EKG/ECG is a painless test that uses electrodes placed on the skin to record the heart’s electrical activity. The test provides information about the heart rhythm and damage to the heart muscle.
The Cardiology Department Members
The Cardiac Team is committed to providing high quality and compassionate care to all patients. The team members that make up the Non-invasive Cardiovascular Laboratory team include:
- Senior Consultant Cardiologist M.D, D.M (Cardiology)
- Cardiovascular Technologist
- ECG Assistants
Together they perform variety of specialized tests to be used by clinicians to facilitate in determining the best treatment options for patients. They are also involved in helping patients to have better understand what happens during their tests as well as helping to assure their comfort.
