Cardiology

Nuclear Cardiology is a non invasive imaging technique that demonstrates a highly reliable assessment of myocardial perfusion and function. It can effectively evaluate cardiac status at all stages of coronary disease by utilizing sophisticated gamma camera equipment that measures coronary blood flow from the uptake of an intravenous injection of radioactive isotope localized in the myocardium. Patients will undergo imaging before and after stressing of the heart. Stress tests are performed by either exercise on a treadmill or use of a pharmacological stress agent.

Although recent years have brought about a greater awareness of the importance of diagnosing and treating peripheral arterial disease, pathology of the venous system has received little attention. Peripheral venous disease was first mentioned in the medical literature in 500 B.C., when Hippocrates described an association between leg ulcers and varicose veins. Despite longstanding recognition, understanding of issues surrounding venous hypertension and resultant venous incompetence has lagged.

Living with severe aortic stenosis or moderately severe/severe mitral regurgitation can make life difficult. Are you short of breath constantly? Do you have to miss out on events with family and friends because you don’t have the energy? Are you no longer able to do the things you used to enjoy? We know. Our patients were just like you.

Cardiovascular MRI at Oklahoma Heart Institute

• Over 15 years of study;  1st study was done 6/3/99
• 1st department of its kind in the United States
• 300 clinical studies performed in Year one
• Currently performing more than 3000 studies per year
• Have grown from one CMR technologist to three; and one CMR cardiologist to three
• Originally provided only outpatient services; now provide both inpatient and outpatient services