Diagnostics

Testing:

The Heart Center pioneered procedures in Hawai‘i and is considered a leader in cardiac technology that maximizes safety and comfort and minimizes risk. The center offers the following noninvasive cardiac tests for adults and children:

• Angiograms
• Invasive Cardiac Catheterization 
• Cardioversion
• Echocardiography
• Invasive Electrophysiological studies
• Exercise tolerance testing
• Holter monitoring
• Thallium stress testing
• Pacemaker checks

Invasive Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is a common, minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat heart conditions, such as blocked arteries.

A catheter, or tiny plastic tube, is inserted into a leg artery and guided by an x-ray machine into the heart or surrounding blood vessels. Cardiologists use a catheter to measure pressure, collect blood samples, and gain other information to aid their diagnosis.

Specialized catheters can open blocked arteries and valves, even repair heart defects. Our highly trained team performs more than 1,000 diagnostic and interventional catheterization procedures every year.

Electrophysiological Studies

Electrophysiology is the study of electrical impulses that trigger heart muscles to contract – pumping blood throughout the body, every minute of life. If these impulses become irregular, the heart pumps less effectively. This condition, called arrhythmia, can cause dizziness, fainting spells, even a heart attack.

Arrhythmia can be serious; it must be diagnosed and treated quickly. Recent technological advancements can greatly benefit patients with heart rhythm irregularities. Electrophysiology studies, catheter ablation, pacemakers and internal cardioverter defibrillators are all available at Straub.

The Heart Center at Straub employs technology and procedures at the forefront of this complex and rapidly evolving field.

Certain procedures may require a hospital stay.  

Women's Heart Screening Program

Every year, more women die from cardiovascular disease than from all forms of cancer. Yet, most cardiac events in women can be prevented with early detection, good lifestyle choices, and a physician’s care. If you’re over 35 years of age, consider participating in the Women’s Heart Disease Screening Program, a new service from Hawai‘i Pacific Health. The risk survey and testing are designed to be convenient and will help determine if you’re at risk for heart or vascular disease.

 The Women’s Heart Disease Screening Program measures:
•     Blood pressure (BP), to check for hypertension.
•     Blood flow at the ankle (ABI), to check for arterial blockage in the legs.
•     Lipid panel (HDL, LDL, TG, Ratio), to determine your cardiovascular risk.
•     Glucose (HgbA1C), to determine your risk of diabetes.
•     High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (HSCRP), to determine your cardiovascular risk.
•     Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) tracing of your heart rhythm to detect irregularities.
•     Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation using your height and weight to measure the amount of body fat.
•     Waist circumference measurement.

The entire program costs only $65 and testing is completed in about an hour. Best of all, your test results will be reviewed by a cardiologist at Straub Clinic & Hospital, and a nurse practitioner will discuss your risk factors with you. If the results indicate a risk of cardiovascular disease, the staff will help you schedule a follow-up appointment with a Straub physician. You may also have the results sent to your primary care physician.