Our Services
What is an ECG?
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a test that checks for problems with the electrical activity of your heart. An ECG machine translates the heart’s electrical activity into line tracings on paper for a physician to review and interpret.
Time: approximately 15 minutes
Why do I need an ECG?
Your doctor might request an ECG to:
- Check the heart’s electrical activity.
- Determine the cause of unexplained chest pain such as: heart attack, inflammation of the heart or angina.
- Find the cause of your symptoms such as: chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting or rapid irregular heartbeats (palpitations).
- Determine if the walls of the heart chambers are too thick (hypertrophied).
- Determine if you have had a heart attack in the past.
- Help predict if there are any blockages in your arteries.
- Monitor changes in your heart rhythm.
How do I prepare?
You can eat normally and take your medications, at their usual times, before the test. We recommend patients:
- Avoid caffeine 4 hours before the test including: tea, coffee, decaffeinated products, chocolate, soda pop or medications containing caffeine.
- Avoid smoking right before the test.
- Do not apply any lotions, creams or powders to the chest area prior to the appointment.
- Wear comfortable clothing. You will be asked to remove upper clothing and any jewelry then change into a hospital gown before the test.
What is a Blood Pressure Monitor?
24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) uses a digital machine to take blood pressure readings, at regular intervals, throughout the day. The machine is small enough to be worn on a belt on your waist while the cuff stays on your upper arm.
Time: worn for a full 24 hours
Why do I need a 24-hr blood pressure monitor?
Your doctor might request a blood pressure monitor to:
- Check if your blood pressure (BP) is normal, high or low throughout the day.
- Get a more accurate look at your BP readings. Readings done in the doctors office are often higher due to ‘white-coat syndrome’ (an anxiety-induced blood pressure spike).
- Assess the effectiveness of your current blood pressure medications.
How do I prepare?
You can eat normally and take your medications, at their usual times, before the test. We recommend patients:
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Bathe or shower in the days (or hours) before your test. You cannot bathe, shower or swim during the 24 testing period.
What is a Holter Monitor
A Holter Monitor is a small wearable device that records the electrical activity of your heart, over a set period of time, to detect any abnormal heart rhythms.
Appointment: approximately 15 - 30 minutes
Time Worn: from 24 hours up to 7 days (varies)
Why do I need a holter monitor?
Your doctor might request a holter monitor to:
- Check for signs of irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- Evaluate your heart rhythm over a set period of time
- Determine the cause of unexplained fainting
- Evaluate a heart condition that increases the risk of arrhythmias
How do I prepare?
You can eat normally and take your medications, at their usual times, before the test. We recommend patients:
- Wear a loose, comfortable two-piece outfit
- Do not apply any lotions, creams or powders to the chest area prior to the appointment
What is a Echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram, commonly referred to as an "echo" is a diagnostic test using sound waves (ultrasound) to create pictures of your heart and nearby blood vessels.
Time: approximately 30 - 60 minutes
Why do I need a Echocardiogram?
Your doctor might request a echo test to:
- Identify heart disease
- Check for problems with the heart valves or chambers
- Assess your hearts condition after a cardiac related event such as a heart attack or heart failure
How do I prepare?
You can eat normally and take your medications, at their usual times, before the test. We recommend patients:
- Wear a comfortable two-piece outfit
- Do not apply any lotions or powders to the chest area prior to the appointment
- Avoid caffeine 4 hours before the test including: tea, coffee and decaffeinated products (soda, chocolate, medications containing caffeine)
- Avoid smoking right before the test
What is a Stress Echocardiogram?
A stress echocardiogram, also known as a stress echo, uses sound waves to take pictures of your heart before and after exercise on a treadmill.
Time: approximately 1 hour
Why do I need a Stress Echo?
Your doctor might request a echo test to:
- See how well your heart tolerates activity
- Evaluate how your heart and valves function
- Diagnosis or monitor coronary artery disease
- Determine how effective your cardiac treatment plan is
- Identify or monitor blockages or reduced blood flow
- Monitor the success of a heart surgery and determine how much exercise you can safely tolerate during rehabilitation
How do I prepare?
Please ensure you do the following prior to your appointment:
- Avoid caffeine on the morning of your test (including tea, soft drinks decaffeinated products, etc)
- Eat a light meal only
- Do not drink alcohol
- Do not smoke
- Do not apply lotion or cream to the chest area
- Wear a comfortable two-piece outfit and running shoes.
Should I take my medications before a Stress Echo?
Take all of your regular medications at their usual times. Do not stop taking any medication unless directed by your doctor.
For Patients using Insulin (Stress Echo ONLY): If you are diabetic and use insulin, take half of your normal insulin dose on the day of your test. The exercise may lower your blood sugar levels. If you have any concerns or questions, please call the clinic or consult your family physician.