Category: Services

The Healthy Weigh Now®* is a specially designed weight loss program created by our Board-certified Cardiologists to help clients lose weight and improve cardiovascular health. It is a low carbohydrate, low fat, gluten-free program that helps clients lose 2-5 pounds of fat per week without being hungry or having to exercise. Clients receive one-on-one coaching from trained professionals. Upon reaching their goal weight, clients are guided by our coaches through a specific transition period into a dedicated maintenance phase. This helps clients maintain their healthy weight for good!

The Science behind the program

When we eat carbohydrates (such as bread, rice, pasta, and potatoes), our body converts them into glucose (sugar). We absorb the glucose into the bloodstream. This in turn causes the pancreas to release insulin to regulate our blood sugar level. However, insulin also causes our bodies to store calories in the form of fat. The more carbohydrates we eat, the more fat we store.

Our low carbohydrate diet allows clients to enter a mild ketotic state in which fat is burned quickly while maintaining muscle mass.

Benefits

In addition to weight loss, clients experience lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, better controlled diabetes, and at times complete resolution of these conditions. This results in improved cardiovascular health (lower risk of Heart attack, Stroke, and Peripheral artery disease)!

Lose the weight & Gain the health!

Call: 703-707-8383

Visit us on the web at: www.TheHealthyWeighNow.com

 

Products & Services Disclaimer

*[Cardiac Care Associates] is an independently owned and operated care center that may[promote, sell, or provide] [weight loss services]. Privia Medical Group is not responsible for these products or  services. Privia’s Authorization & Consent to Treat, Financial Policy and HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices are not applicable to these services or products.

Lower Extremity Venous Ultrasound

Lower extremity venous ultrasound is a safe and painless way of visualizing the veins of the legs. It can detect the presence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and/or venous insufficiency (venous reflux disease). It uses a small hand-held device called a transducer to transmit and receive sound waves. Special equipment changes the sound waves into images that are seen on a monitor. This is the same technology used to image babies in utero (sonogram). During the study, the technologist may ask you to tighten your abdominal muscles while certain images are recorded. This is to assess for leakage in the valves that typically prevent back flow of blood into the legs.

Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)

The Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) is a non-invasive test to assess for peripheral artery disease (PAD), narrowing of the blood vessels supplying the legs.  It is done by comparing blood pressures at the ankles and arms while a patient lays in the supine position.  A low ABI signifies the presence of PAD.  It may also be used to assess the adequacy of treatment such as medical therapy, angioplasty, and bypass graft surgery.

Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) – Varicose Vein Treatment

Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) is a minimally invasive ultrasound-guided technique to treat varicose veins with laser energy. It is a clinically proven alternative to the more traditional and painful techniques of surgical ligation and vein stripping. It involves no general anesthesia, minimal risk, and a shorter recovery time.

The EVLT procedure uses the latest generation of VenaCure EVLT® catheter, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In this procedure, a small laser fiber is inserted directly inside the faulty vein under local anesthesia. The laser delivers a precise dose of energy into the vein wall, resulting in vein collapse. This process, also called “vein ablation,” closes off the dysfunctional superficial vein and diverts blood flow to nearby functional veins. The resulting improved circulation reduces the symptoms of varicose veins and improves their cosmetic appearance.

The procedure is performed in the office and generally takes less than one hour. It offers immediate relief with minimal-to-no scarring. Patients resume normal activities immediately and typically experience little discomfort. The success rate of the procedure is approximately 98%, which is better than the aforementioned alternatives.

While all procedures carry some degree of risk, the potential complications of the EVLT procedure are low. The main risk is deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which occurs in <2% of patients. Patients are screened for this potential complication immediately after the procedure and during a 1 week post procedure ultrasound study. Side effects of the procedure include mild bruising and tenderness that usually disappear within a few weeks. Some patients report a pulling sensation in the treated leg, which resolves with time and confirms that the vein was successfully treated. Any discomfort is generally managed with over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and Ibuprofen.

When used to treat medical conditions such as swelling and poor circulation, the EVLT procedure is typically reimbursed by most insurance companies. With more than 70,000 procedures performed and greater than 60 published clinical articles documenting its efficacy over the past five years, EVLT has emerged as a safe, effective, and minimally-invasive means of treating varicose veins.

Lower Extremity Arterial Ultrasound

Lower extremity arterial ultrasound is a safe and painless way of visualizing the arteries of the legs. It can detect the presence and location of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), narrowing of the arteries supplying the legs. It uses a small hand-held device called a transducer to transmit and receive sound waves. Special equipment changes the sound waves into images that are seen on a monitor. This is the same technology used to image babies in utero (sonogram).

Holter Monitor

Holter monitoring is used to record your heartbeat away from our office and allows your doctor to evaluate how it responds to normal activity. When you receive a Holter Monitor, small, painless electrodes (conducting patches) are placed on your chest and attached to a small recording monitor. The monitor can be placed in a pocket or small pouch worn around your neck. The monitor is battery operated.

While you wear the monitor, it records your heart’s electrical activity. You need to keep the device on at least 24 hours and complete a diary of your activities while wearing the monitor. After 24 hours, you return the monitor to our office. Your records will be studied to determine if there have been any irregular heart rhythms.

It is very important that you accurately record your symptoms and activities so that the doctor can match them with your Holter monitor findings.

There is no special preparation, except do not apply lotion to your chest before. Tell our staff if you are allergic to tape or other adhesives.

This is a painless test. However, some people may need to have their chest shaved so the electrodes can stick.
Tips while wearing the monitor:

• Do not get the monitor wet. This includes no shower or bath.
• Follow your normal routine, including exercise, work, etc.
• Keep a detailed diary of all activities during the monitoring time, making sure to note any symptoms you may feel
• and when you take your medications.

Event Monitor

Cardiac event monitoring is used to record a patient’s heart rhythm when he or she is experiencing symptoms. It is activated by the patient when he or she is experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath, fainting spells or chest pain to help diagnosis what is causing the symptoms. For instance, heartbeats that are too fast or too slow may cause light-headedness or fainting. Since an irregular heart beat might not last long enough to show up on an electrocardiogram, cardiac event monitoring can help pinpoint the cause when the heartbeat irregularity occurs.

Event monitoring involves wearing a very small, portable, EKG recorder over a period of time that can vary from weeks to a month. Two small adhesive electrodes are attached to a patient’s chest and attached to a small device which can be kept in a pocket or on a belt. These electrodes may be removed for showering.

When a patient is having an event, he or she just pushes a button to record what is happening with the heart. The recorded data can be sent over the phone to your doctors for analysis.

During the time the monitor is worn, patients are encouraged to go about their usual activities, but will be asked to record the dates and times for activities such as walking, resting, and eating, when medication is taken, and when symptoms occur.

A cardiologist will review the recordings and inform the patient about the results at the next visit or sooner, if needed.

Aorta Ultrasound

This test helps your physician determine if there are blockages, narrowing or aneurysm (an enlargement or a “bulge”) in your aorta, which is a large artery in your abdomen. Ultrasound is used to obtain images of the aorta and the blood flow within. The test is noninvasive and should cause no significant discomfort.

You should not eat or drink anything except non-carbonated water for 8 to 12 hours prior to the test. You may take your usual medications on the day of the test, unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

For this test you will be asked to lie quietly on an examination table while the technologist moves an instrument called a transducer over your abdomen. To obtain clear images of your blood vessels the technologist may apply moderate pressure to your abdomen. During the Doppler portion of the exam you will be able to hear your blood flow and your heartbeat. The resulting images are recorded and stored in your record. The test takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

For this test you will be asked to lie quietly on an examination table while the technologist moves an instrument called a transducer over your abdomen. To obtain clear images of your blood vessels the technologist may apply moderate pressure to your abdomen. During the Doppler portion of the exam you will be able to hear your blood flow and your heartbeat. The test takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Your cardiologist will review your test for any abnormalities.

Carotid Doppler

Carotid ultrasound is a safe, painless procedure that uses sound waves to examine the structure and function of the carotid arteries in the neck.

You have two carotid arteries, one on each side of the neck, which deliver blood from the heart to the brain. Carotid ultrasound can reveal whether an artery has any blockage and how well blood flows through the artery.

Carotid ultrasound is usually used to screen for blockages that indicate an increased risk of stroke. Results from a carotid ultrasound can help your doctor determine what kind of treatment you may need to lower your risk.

The primary purpose of a carotid ultrasound is to screen for a narrowing of the carotid arteries that indicates an increased risk of stroke. Narrowing is usually caused by plaques — a buildup of fats, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances that circulate in the bloodstream. Early detection of narrowing of the carotid arteries enables your doctor to begin treatments that improve blood flow to the brain and decrease your risk of stroke.

Exercise Treadmill Test

What is an Exercise Treadmill Test?

It is an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) conducted while walking on a treadmill to measure the heart’s response to the stress of physical activity. Your blood pressure and heart rhythm are monitored during the test as well. The results aid in the detection of the disease which causes heart attacks, determination of cardiovascular fitness, and the safety of an exercise program. The test can show if there’s a lack of blood supply through the arteries that go to your heart.

Before your exercise treadmill test

Don’t eat, drink, smoke, or have any caffeine for 3 hours before your test. Make sure you wear a two-piece outfit and walking shoes, you may need to undress from the waist up and put on a gown.

Treadmill Instructions

What happens during the test?

You are hooked up to equipment to monitor your heart. You walk slowly in place on the treadmill. The treadmill will tilt so you feel like you are going up a small hill. It changes speeds to make you walk faster in order to increase your heart rate. The test is over when you reach your maximum heart rate or you feel you need to complete the test.

After slowing down for a few minutes, you will sit down and your heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored.

Report any symptoms

Be sure to tell the doctor if you feel any of the following during the test:

• Chest, arm, or jaw discomfort
• Severe shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Leg cramps or soreness

After your test

As soon as the test is over, you may eat and return to your normal routine.

Echocardiogram

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram, sometimes called an “echo,” is an imaging test that uses the echoes of sound waves that are bounced off your heart to create a moving picture of your moving heart, its muscles and valves. It shows how well your heart is working, as well as how large your heart is.

A small hand-held device called a transducer is used to transmit and receive the sound waves and echoes that take the pictures of your heart. Special equipment changes the echoes into images of your heart that are seen on a monitor. These images help the doctor evaluate your heart.

An echo is very safe and painless. In fact, echocardiograms are very similar to the imaging technique called sonograms or ultrasounds used with pregnant women to monitor the developing fetus while still in the womb.

Before your Echo

It is best to avoid eating within two hours prior to the test. Make sure you wear a two-piece outfit, you may need to undress from the waist up and put on a gown. Although the test itself takes less than 45 minutes, you should allow extra time to check in.

For this test, which is a non-stress echocardiogram, you may take your normal medications before the test.

During your Echo

Small electrodes are placed on your chest to monitor your heartbeat. A transducer coated with warm gel is moved firmly over your chest. This device creates the sound waves that make the images of your heart. At times, you may be asked to exhale and hold your breath for a few seconds. Air in your lungs can affect the images. The images of your heart are recorded on a CD so your doctor can review them.

Nuclear Perfusion Stress Testing

What is Nuclear Perfusion Stress Testing?

A nuclear perfusion stress test checks to see how blood flows through your heart muscle. A tracer is injected through an IV and a camera scans the tracer in the blood as it flows through the heart muscle before and after you exercise on a treadmill. This is called an Exercise Nuclear Perfusion Stress test. If you are unable to exercise on a treadmill, a drug is used to substitute for exercise. This is called a Pharmacological Nuclear Perfusion Stress test.

Nuclear Stress Test Instructions
Lexiscan Nuclear Medicine Instructions

During your nuclear stress test

You will first have scanning pictures taken while you rest.

To increase your heart rate will get your heart you will exercise on a treadmill for several minutes or if you are unable to exercise on a treadmill you will be given a medication.

When the exercise is over, you will have a second set of pictures taken.

After your test

Ask when you may eat and if you should take any medicine you were told to skip. Report any symptoms you feel like chest pain, shortness of breath and dizziness. The tracer leaves your body within hours.

If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact our nuclear center.

Important Notices

48 HOURS NOTICE is required for all cancellations; otherwise you will be charged a cancellation fee and the cost of the isotopes ordered specifically for your test. In the event you fail to follow instructions, your test may be cancelled and fees applied.

Written orders/prescription for this test is required prior to performing all testing. If your insurance requires a referral, please obtain one from your primary care physician. All may be faxed to 571.323.3980 (Reston office) or 703.641.0383 (Fairfax office).

Test Locations

Cardiac Care Associates PC 1830 Town Center Dr. Suite 405 Reston, VA 20190 Phone: (703) 481-9191

Cardiac Care Associates PC 3023 Hamaker Ct. Suite 100 Fairfax, VA 22031 Phone: (703) 641-9161

Cardiac Care Associates, PC 224 D Cornwall St Suite 306 Leesburg, VA 20176 Phone: (571) 209-5490