Your family is growing, and so is the number of physicians at NorthPointe Clinic to care for you. Nadine Thomas, M.D., Cardiologist at NorthPointe and Beloit Health System, is trained in invasive cardiology and specializes in clinical cardiology. This includes chemical and non-chemical stress tests, echocardiography and cardiac rehabilitation, with a special interest in women’s health.
Dr. Thomas, along with Dr. Leo Egbujiobi and Dr. Maria Taveras, provide comprehensive cardiology care for the Stateline area in Beloit Health System’s Heart and Vascular Center. From diagnostics to angioplasties to bypass surgery, this highly-skilled team will care for your heart with the most advanced and personal care available.
How do I know if I have Heart Disease?
Often heart disease does not have any symptoms. However, there are some signs to look for, such as discomfort in the chest, jaw or arm (can be a symptom of a heart attack), shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, abnormal heartbeats or fatigue.
“Everyone should know the risk factors of heart disease,” says Thomas. “Heredity is a risk, but important risks include smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, physically inactivity or diabetes. Some of these factors are controllable, so a lifestyle change may significantly lower your risk.”
A stress test can be used to test for heart disease. These are performed by a physician to determine the amount of stress your heart can manage before developing either an abnormal rhythm or evidence of ischemia (not enough blood flow to the heart muscle.)
What is an Exercise Stress Test?
The exercise stress test (or stress ECG or treadmill electrocardiogram) is a test used to see how your heart responds to exertion. It involved walking on a treadmill at increasing levels of difficulty while your heart rate and blood pressure are monitored.
Why Do I Need a Stress Test?
“We can determine if there is an adequate blood flow to your heart during increased activity and the likelihood of having coronary heart disease, evaluate the effectiveness of your heart medications, identify abnormal heart rhythms and more,” says Thomas. “If we determine you would benefit from further evaluation, we will recommend additional testing. Advancements in diagnosing and caring for heart disease provide you with smart options to have a healthy heart for the rest of your life.”
NorthPointe Clinic, part of the NorthPointe Health and Wellness Campus, is located at 5605 E. Rockton Road in Roscoe, Ill., near the southwest corners of Willowbrook and Rockton roads. For more information or to make an appointment, please call (815) 525-4500.
Dr. Nadine Thomas
NorthPointe Clinic
5605 E. Rockton Road
Roscoe, IL
(815) 525-4500
Meet Dr. Nadine Thomas, Cardiologist
