Jacksonville, Fl Cardiologist

A cardiac ultrasound exam, or echocardiogram, is a painless diagnostic test that uses sound waves to create moving pictures of your heart. 

Echocardiography is a key test for your heart evaluation. It allows to evaluate the size and strength of the heart. It also provides images of the heart valves, both for narrowed and leaking valves. It can also provide calculations of the pressures inside your heart, which will help to guide your treatment. In summary, it is the best initial test to evaluate if your heart is healthy or not

What happens during an echocardiogram?  

There is no preparation required on your part to have an echocardiogram.  Courtney, the sonographer at CardioHealth, will place three small, sticky patches called electrodes on your chest. After you lie down on your left side, Courtney will place an instrument called an ultrasound transducer on various areas of your chest. The tip of the wand is coated with gel to help facilitate clearer pictures.  You may be asked to change positions a few times during the exam to help Courtney get a complete range of images.You will also hear sounds that correspond to your blood passing through different areas of your heart and valves. Aside from the slight pressure you may feel from the transducer, an echocardiogram is a very comfortable procedure. The exam will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes

This test is utilized to evaluate your autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls all your involuntary processes, such as blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, digestion, metabolism, fluid and electrolyte balance, sweating, urination, and other processes. This test is conducted with a computer that analyzes your heart rate variability, respiratory activity and blood pressure. The computer provides the status of the balance of the 2 components of the autonomic nervous system: the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The sympathetic system is responsible for the “alert” functions and the parasympathetic is responsible for the “resting” functions. A balance between the 2 systems is essential for good body functions.

Patient with neuropathy normally have abnormal ansar results. The test is commonly utilized on anyone who has problems of diabetes, congestive heart failure, dizziness, syncope (passing out), and lightheadedness.

The Ansar Test is usually completed within 15 minutes, and requires minimal effort from the patient. It measures your heart rate variability, respiratory activity, and blood pressure readings during 4 different stages: resting, deep breathing, Valsalva (belly pushing) and standing.  Analysis of this data gives information that is not obtainable in any other way. 

A Holter monitor is a portable device that records your heart's rhythm (ECG) continuously for 24 to 48 hours.The device is the size of a small camera. It has wires with silver dollar-sized electrodes that  are attached to your skin. Dr. Castello uses information captured on the Holter monitor to figure out if you have a heart rhythm problem. It is used in patients who have palpitations, irregular heart beat or known arrhythmias. If a 24 hour Holter monitor doesn't capture your irregular heartbeat, you may need a wireless telemetry monitor, which can be worn for weeks.

One of our medical assistants will attach the electrodes to your chest and  will help you put the Holter monitor on and explains how to take care of it.  They will instruct you how to record your symptoms on a diary while wearing it. Do your usual activities while you wear the monitor with these exceptions: Don’t bathe, shower or swim while wearing the monitor. Stay away from high-voltage areas, metal detectors or large magnets.If you feel symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats or dizziness, note in your diary the time of day they began 

and what you were doing. Your diary entries will be compared to the changes in your ECG recorded by the Holter monitor.

An ankle-brachial index (ABI) test is a simple way for Dr. Castello to check if you have blockages in the arteries of your legs also known as peripheral artery disease (PAD).  The ankle brachial index compares the blood pressure in the upper and lower limbs, obtained by placing blood pressure cuffs in your arm and ankle.  Blood flow is also obtained with a small Doppler device that measures the velocity of the blood. You will hear unusual sounds. There is a resting component and an exercise component. The resting pressures and Doppler velocities are first obtained at rest. Then, you will be asked to walk on a treadmill for a few minutes to complete the exercise component. If you are unable to walk, you will be asked to raise your toes, to complete the exercise part.Generally, you won't need to follow any special preparation before your appointment to have an stress ABI test performed. You may want to wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows Courtney to easily place a blood pressure cuff on your ankle and upper arm.