Sleep medicine is a relatively new medical specialty that is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. It is a rapidly growing and advancing field of medicine, with the scholarly component for certification evolving and becoming more concrete. Sleep labs have popped up all over the country to help people get better sleep. The technicians and physicians at these sleep labs measure every aspect of a patient’s sleep and record it to use when determining a diagnosis and proper ... [Read More]
SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation
Types of Cardiac Testing
If you ever experience chest pain and breathlessness, it’s highly likely that your doctor will recommend cardiac testing to check your heart’s condition. Based on the results of these tests, your doctor will advise the best treatment plan for your condition. The following are some of the main types of cardiac tests and what you can expect from each one: Angiogram This type of cardiac test involves the insertion of a small tube into an artery. The catheter is then threaded through to the ... [Read More]
What Is a Nuclear Stress Test?
When your doctor senses something may be wrong, you can expect any number of diagnostic tests. One diagnostic test you may not be familiar with is the nuclear stress test. A nuclear stress test is a type of image-guided diagnostic test that determines the status of your heart and blood flow. Aided by a radioactive dye, a nuclear stress test can measure blood flow while at rest and after exertion. Ultimately, the test will reveal areas for concern regarding blood flow to your heart. A nuclear ... [Read More]
Dangers of Blood Clots
Blood clots get a bad rap; that’s because clotting is necessary to stop bleeding. In fact, those who take blood thinners or whose clotting factors are compromised run the risk of developing painful and unsightly bruises or bleeding extensively after even the smallest nick or injury. However, blood clots can also be extremely dangerous, especially when they are the result of blood pooling in your body when it doesn’t need it to. When this happens, you run the risk of the clot traveling to a vital ... [Read More]
Diagnostics in Internal Medicine
Identifying what is causing your symptoms or concerns is a crucial component of treatment because, without a proper diagnosis, your doctor would not be able to identify and correctly treat any medical conditions you may have. Internists use a variety of diagnostic tools not only to diagnose and treat injuries and diseases but also to monitor your condition to see how you are responding to treatment. At SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation, we are proud to offer a variety of ... [Read More]