Radiology
Diagnostic X-Ray
Even though the field of imaging has grown significantly over the years, X-rays are still the most commonly used modality within the field of radiology. X-rays let physicians see straight through human tissue to visualize the bones and cavities within.
Each day, Saddleback Medical Group Radiology services many patients because they value the care they receive and our convenient location (we are right at your doctor’s office!). Saddleback Medical Group physicians refer their patients to us because of our dedication to quality and service. We understand that illness or injury makes this an especially stressful time. The attentive, professional staff here at Saddleback Medical Group Radiology are committed to making your radiologic experience a pleasant one by providing prompt, high quality imaging in comfortable, modern facilities. We look forward to seeing you!
To learn more about your X-Ray procedure, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.
Carotid Ultrasound
A Carotid ultrasound is a painless, noninvasive procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the insides of the two major arteries in your neck. These "carotid" arteries, supply your brain with blood.
Carotid ultrasound shows whether "plaque" has narrowed your carotid arteries. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. It builds up on the insides of your arteries as you age.
Too much plaque in a carotid artery can cause a stroke. The plaque can slow down or block the flow of blood through an artery, or a clot can break off and get stuck in the artery, blocking blood flow to the brain. This causes a stroke to occur.
A standard carotid ultrasound shows the structure of your carotid artery. Your carotid ultrasound test may include a Doppler. This is a special ultrasound that shows the movement of blood through your blood vessels. Your doctor often will need results from both ultrasound tests to fully assess if there is a problem with blood flow through your carotid arteries.
To learn more about how ultrasounds are performed, view our Frequently Asked Questions.
Stress Echocardiograms
Patients with coronary artery blockages may have minimal or no symptoms during rest. However, symptoms and signs of heart disease may be unmasked by exposing the heart to the stress of exercise.
During exercise, healthy coronary arteries dilate (develop a more open channel) than an artery with a blockage. This unequal dilation causes more blood to be delivered to heart muscle supplied by the normal artery.
In contrast, narrowed arteries end up supplying reduced flow to it's area of distribution. This reduced flow causes the involved muscle to "starve" during exercise. The "starvation" may produce symptoms (like chest discomfort or inappropriate shortness of breath), EKG abnormalities and reduced movement of the heart muscle. The latter can be recognized by examining the movement of the walls of the left ventricle (the major pumping chamber of the heart) by Echocardiography.
You will be in safe and comforting hands during your stress echocardiogram at Saddleback Medical Group. To help you prepare for your procedure, please view our Frequently Asked Questions.
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