In certain cases, regular echocardiograms do not provide adequate image quality for accurate interpretation. In these select instances, our clinic is able to inject a special (non-iodinated) contrast agent into an IV in your arm in order to improve image quality and our ability to interpret the study correctly.
The echocardiogram contrast agent does NOT affect the kidneys and is different than that used during CT and MRI scans. Bubble echocardiogram studies use agitated saline (salt and water solutions) to identify “holes” or connections in the heart, which may not be otherwise identified, without saline use. Saline is safe for all patients.
An in-depth discussion with our Cardiologists about your heart health. This meeting will allow us to better understand your current health status including your past medical history, medications, prior medical diagnostics and general well being. It will give us an opportunity to consolidate your cardiac testing and formulate a Cardiology management plan unique to each and every patient.
ECG is a device used to record on graph paper the electrical activity of the heart. The picture is drawn by a computer from the information supplied by the electrodes.
Your doctor uses the ECG to:
Ambulatory monitors are small, portable electrocardiograph machines that are able to record the heart’s rhythm. Each type of monitor has unique features related to the length of recording time and ability to send the recordings over the phone. Although our new advanced monitors are waterproof, we recommend that you DO NOT shower during the testing period to optimize the test quality. A monitor can be worn for as short as 24 hours to as long as 2 weeks at a time, usually they are worn for 48-72 hours.
Your doctor uses ambulatory monitors to:
The exercise stress test involves exercising on a treadmill while you are closely monitored. The appointment will take about 60 minutes. The actual exercise time is usually between 7 and 12 minutes.
Why is this test performed?
The test is used to:
Should I take my medications the day of the test?
Since many over-the-counter medications contain caffeine (such as diet pills, NoDoz®, Excedrin® and Anacin®), DO NOT take any over-the-counter medication that contains caffeine for 24 hours before the test. Ask your physician, pharmacist or nurse if you have questions about other medications that may contain caffeine.
DO NOT take the following heart medications on the day of your test unless your physician tells you otherwise or if it is needed to treat chest discomfort the day of the test:
Your physician may also ask you to stop taking other heart medications on the day of your test. If you have any questions about your medications, ask your physician.
If you use an inhaler for your breathing, please bring it to the test.
NOTE: Do not discontinue any medication without first talking with your physician.
What should I wear on the day of the test?
Please wear or bring comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking. Please do not bring valuables. You will be given a locker to store your belongings during the test.
An ambulatory blood pressure monitor is a portable blood pressure recording device. It is used to record blood pressure readings at specified times during a 24-hour period. The monitor consists of an arm cuff attached by a flexible rubber tube to a light-weight monitor. The monitor sits in a pouch held by a waist belt or shoulder strap. This test is usually ordered if a diagnosis of high blood pressure (hypertension) is suspected.
A one-time blood pressure measurement in a doctor’s office or clinic setting is often not enough to confirm whether or not your blood pressure is too high or even, in some cases, too low. If your doctor suspects that you have hypertension or other blood pressure problems, he or she may refer you for ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.
An ambulatory blood pressure monitor is a non-invasive device that includes a special blood pressure cuff attached to a small monitor that you wear for 24 hours. At regular intervals, usually every 20 minutes during the day and less often at night, your blood pressure is measured and recorded while you are going about your everyday activities.
Once the 24-hour period is over, the cuff and monitor are returned and the recordings are analyzed by a specialist and a report is sent to your doctor.
This test is not covered by OHIP. There is a fee of $75 payable by cash or cheque at the time of the appointment.
An echocardiogram (echo) is a graphic outline of the heart’s movement. During an echo test, ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves) from a hand-held wand placed on your chest provides pictures of the heart’s valves and chambers and helps the sonographer evaluate the pumping action of the heart. Echo is often combined with Doppler ultrasound and color Doppler to evaluate blood flow across the heart’s valves.
Why is an echocardiogram performed?
A special type of stress test where you are evaluated using an Echocardiogram (ultrasound of your heart) while exercising on a treadmill. The appointment will take about 60 minutes. The actual exercise time is usually between 7 and 12 minutes.
Why is this test performed?
The test is used to:
Should I take my medications the day of the test?
Since many over-the-counter medications contain caffeine (such as diet pills, NoDoz®, Excedrin® and Anacin®), DO NOT take any over-the-counter medication that contains caffeine for 24 hours before the test. Ask your physician, pharmacist or nurse if you have questions about other medications that may contain caffeine.
DO NOT take the following heart medications on the day of your test unless your physician tells you otherwise or if it is needed to treat chest discomfort the day of the test:
Your physician may also ask you to stop taking other heart medications on the day of your test. If you have any questions about your medications, ask your physician.
If you use an inhaler for your breathing, please bring it to the test.
NOTE: Do not discontinue any medication without first talking with your physician.
What should I wear on the day of the test?
Please wear or bring comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking. Please do not bring valuables.
You will be given a locker to store your belongings during the test.