The Cardiovascular Lab Team includes (from left): Melissa Coffey, R.N., RDCS: Carrie Gasser, RNMT; Carol Moss, RNMT; Cathy Fletcher, RN; Vickie Pyrdum, R.N., RDCS; and Pam Heaton, support personnel.
The Cardiovascular Services Department performs diagnostic procedures including:
- Dobutamine & Treadmill Stress Echocardiogram (CDSE & CESE)
- Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
- Nuclear Medicine Treadmill Stress Test (E-Mibi)
- Pharmacologic Thallium Stress Test (A-mibi or D-Mibi)
- Echocardiogram (ECHO)
- Treadmill Stress Test (ETT)
AN EXPERIENCED TEAM
"We're extremely fortunate in the staff we have here," says Vickie Pyrdum, director of the cardiovascular department. The deparment's six staff members are certified and registered in their specialties. Pyrdum and Melissa Coffey are registered nurses (R.N.) and registered diagnostic cardiac sonographers (RDCS). Carol Moss and Carrie Gasser are registered nuclear medicine technologists (RNMT). Cathy Fletcher, R.N., is certified to operate the new Holter monitoring system (for electrocardiogram testing) and performs stress tests. Pam Heaton, support personnel, plays a major role in keeping the lab running smoothly.
COMPREHENSIVE CARE
The Cardiovascular Lab is a full-service, non-invasive facility capable of diagnosing heart conditions through ultrasound, nuclear medicine, Holter monitoring and stress testing. The new Holter system enhances the diagnostic capabilities of the HMC lab. "With this system, patients wear a monitor at home for 24 hours," says Pyrdum. "We hear patients say their symptoms only happen when they're at home and in their daily routine. With the Holter system, we can see what's actually happening." The monitor will be able to detect arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and other heart problems.
"It's important for us to deliver the services our patients need right here at home," says Pyrdum.
Located in the Heritage Medical Center, the Cardiovascular Lab is staffed for testing from 6:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you should have any questions, we can be reached at: (931) 685-8350.