Cardiac catheterization is a procedure in which the cardiologist advances a thin flexible tube through an artery into the left or right side of the heart. An imaging technique records pictures of the heart while it beats. 

Cardiac catheterization can help cardiologists diagnose heart defects, heart disease, heart enlargement, blood clots, coronary artery blockage, valve problems, aneurysms, or pulmonary hypertension.

A coronary stent is a permanent stainless steel implant inserted into a coronary artery to help reestablish blood flow. Coronary arteries may become narrowed or blocked by a build-up of fat substances (plaque) that reduce blood flow and can lead to heart attack.

A leg angiogram (lower extremity vascular runoff) measures reduced blood flow from arteries leading to your legs. This cardiovascular procedure uses a catheter and a small amount of dye, which is then inserted into your artery. This makes it visible on an X-ray. The results help determine whether surgery may be needed.

A tilt table test can be performed to determine the cause of unexplained fainting. 

You will lie down on a table for 15 minutes, which is then tilted to raise your body. Your doctor will then evaluate how your blood pressure and heart rate respond to the change in position. 

If your blood pressure drops and stays low during the test, you may faint or feel dizzy, which can happen if your heart rate is abnormally slow or fast.

If your heart has an abnormal heartbeat, known as arrhythmia, cardioversion can restore it to a normal rhythm. This procedure is often performed using electric shocks administered through electrodes attached to your chest, but can also be done with medications.

If you suffer from an abnormal heart rhythm or very slow heart rate, a pacemaker may fix it. 

A pacemaker is a small battery-operated device inserted beneath the skin near your heart. It controls your abnormal rhythm by sending electrical signals to the heart to stimulate contracting or pumping of the heart muscle.

A loop recorder is small, long-term heart monitoring device that is implanted under the skin of your chest to help identify the causes of syncope (fainting). 

Your doctor will set low and high values for your heart rate, and the device will automatically record if your heart rate drops or rises below or above those values. 

If you experience symptoms such as skipped beats, lightheadedness, or dizziness, you can manually trigger a recording by pushing a button on the activator.

During this test, a TEE probe is placed into your mouth and down your esophagus to produce images of the heart structures and valves. 

It is more detailed than a standard echocardiogram and gives the doctor clearer, more unobstructed images of your heart structure.

The doctors at Advanced Cardiovascular Consultants have hospital affiliations with:

• University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center
• University Hospitals Geneva Medical Center
• Lake Health: Tripoint Medical Center
• Lake Health: West Medical Center
• Hillcrest Hospital, A Cleveland Clinic Hospital