We offer on-site Echocardiograms, Stress Testing,  Dobutamine Stress Echos and Holter Monitoring,  Electrocardiograms, Pacemaker Clinic and Analysis and Nuclear Cardiac studies.

Echocardiograms

An echocardiogram, also called an echo, is a safe, non-invasive procedure used to diagnose cardiovascular disease. It uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to see all four chambers of the heart, the heart muscle, the heart valves, the great blood vessels entering and leaving the heart, as well as the sack around the heart. Echocardiography allows doctors to visualize the anatomy, structure, and function of the heart.

• The test is performed by placing a probe called a transducer on the chest at different locations to image different parts of the heart. Doppler is used to evaluate the flow of blood through the chambers of the heart.

• The images made during the echocardiogram are interpreted by a cardiologist, who will send a report to your doctor.

• There is no prep for an echocardiogram.

• Allow 30 minutes for your appointment.

Stress Testing  (with Color Doppler or Treadmill Stress)

A stress echocardiogram is a procedure that uses a stress test and an echocardiogram (ultrasound) to evaluate heart function. A physician typically orders a stress-echo to determine if a patient has coronary artery disease.

An echocardiogram is performed at rest focusing on the heart's wall motion. Another echocardiogram will be performed immediately following exercise and the two will be compared side by side. The heart muscle will not squeeze properly if it does not get sufficient blood supply due to narrowing of coronary arteries. An echocardiogram can detect this and other abnormalities with a high degree of accuracy, thereby giving the physician a better assessment of the patient's heart condition.

• Electrodes will be placed on your chest to enable continuous monitoring of your EKG during the procedure.     Your blood pressure will also be taken at different intervals throughout the test.     

• A resting echocardiogram will be performed.    

• Once the cardiologist is present you will be asked to walk on the treadmill. The speed and incline will increase gradually every two to three minutes until an adequate heart rate is achieved or you are too tired to continue.    

• Within the first two minutes after exercise another echocardiogram will be performed.     

• You will continue to be monitored until your heart rate and blood pressure return to normal.     

• The cardiologist will monitor your electrocardiogram for changes that might indicate coronary artery disease and observe your blood pressure for abnormal responses during exercise. They will compare the before and after echocardiogram for changes is how your heart muscle squeezes.    

• The cardiologist performing your test will send a report to your doctor with his findings.     

• The test will take approximately one hour, including preparation time and monitoring afterward. The doctor probably will give you preliminary results before you leave. You may then resume your normal activities (unless you are told differently).

Prep:  

• Have nothing to eat or drink for 3 hours before your test.  

• If you take Congard, Inderal, Tenormin, Visken, Sectral, Lopressor, Trandate, Topral or Tenoretic, you may be asked to hold one dose prior to your test. Take all other medications unless told otherwise by your physician. Diabetics should hold their sugar medications if unable to eat.

• Wear loose fitting slacks or shorts and athletic shoes.   

• Do not apply lotions, oils or powder to your skin the day of your test.

• Avoid coffee, tea, soft drinks, smoking and alcohol the day of your test

Dobutamine Stress Echos (with Color Doppler)

A Dobutamine stress-echocardiogram is a procedure that uses chemically induced stress and an echocardiogram (ultrasound) to evaluate heart function. Patients who are unable to walk on a treadmill are given a medication called Dobutamine to simulate the effect of exercise on the heart. It may also be used for patients unable to exercise adequately. A physician typically orders a stress-echo to determine if a patient has coronary artery disease.

• Electrodes will be placed on your chest to enable continuous monitoring of your EKG during the procedure.    
•  A nurse will start an IV in your arm.    
• Your blood pressure will also be taken at different intervals throughout the test.     
• An O2 Sat monitor will be placed on your finger to watch the oxygen levels in your blood.     
• A resting echocardiogram will be performed.    
• Once the cardiologist is present the nurse will begin giving the Dobutamine. Every two to three minutes the dosage will be increased until an adequate heart rate is achieved.     
• Echo images will be obtained at intervals throughout the Dobutamine infusion.     
• Once the Dobutamine is discontinued your heart rate should return to normal within a few minutes. The cardiologist may prescribe another medication to help slow your heart rate back to normal.    
• You will continue to be monitored until your heart rate and blood pressure return to normal.    
• The cardiologist will monitor your electrocardiogram for changes that might indicate coronary artery disease and observe your blood pressure for abnormal responses during exercise.     
• They will compare the echo images looking for changes in how your heart muscle squeezes.    
• The cardiologist performing your test will send a report to your doctor with his findings.    
• The test will take approximately one hour, including preparation time and monitoring afterward. The doctor probably will give you preliminary results before you leave. You may then resume your normal activities (unless you are told differently).

Prep:  

• Have nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours before your test.  

• If you take Congard, Inderal, Tenormin, Visken, Sectral, Lopressor, Trandate, Topral or Tenoretic, you may be asked to hold one dose prior to your test. Take all other medications unless told otherwise by your physician. Diabetics should hold their sugar medications if unable to eat.

• Wear loose fitting slacks or shorts and athletic shoes.   

• Do not apply lotions, oils or powder to your skin the day of your test.

• Avoid coffee, tea, soft drinks, smoking and alcohol the day of your test

Holter Monitoring

A Holter monitor is a small device used to record heartbeats. It is used to detect abnormalities in the hearts rhythm. The holter will digitally record every heartbeat during the 24 hours it is worn.  You will be able to do all of your normal daily activities except bath or shower. You will also be asked to keep a diary of your activities.   No prep is necessary, but do not use any lotions or oils on your skin the day of your test.  Be prepared to return your monitor to the clinic in 24 hours.

Dual Isotope Nuclear Treadmill      Dobutamine Nuclear Stress      Adensosine Nuclear Stress

24 Hours Before Your Test:

• Do not drink coffee, tea of any kind, colas or soft drinks (including those labeled caffeine free).
• Do not eat chocolate/candy cakes pies, cocoa, white chocolate, etc.
• Do not take aspirin products containing caffeine (persanine dipyridamola) or Theophyllina type medications
• If you are taking Aggrenox, you must stop this medication 3 dyas before this procedure.
• Do not use any tobacco products.

The Day of Your Test:

• Have nothing to eat or drink before your test.
• Do not take water pills (diuretics) until after your test.
• If you take Corgard, Inderal, Tenormin, Visken, Toprol, Tenoretic, Sectral, Lopressor, or Trandate, you may be asked to hold one dose prior to your test.  Take all other medications unless told otherwise by your physician.
• Diabetics should hold their sugar medications if unable to eat.
• Wear loose fitting slacks or shorts and athletic shoes. Avoid wearing dresses, under-wire bras, jumpsuits, or clothing with metalic buttons.
• Do not apply lotions, powder or oils to your skin.
• Allow 2-4 hours to complete this procedure. 
• Only patients will be allowed in the exam area.
• The Radioisotopes for this procedure are a special order.  Please give at least 24 hours notice if you are unable to keep your appointment.

THERE IS A POSSIBILITY IF YOU ARE SIGNIFICANTLY OVERWEIGHT THAT YOUR TEST WILL REQUIRE A VISIT THE FOLLOWING DAY. 

For scheduling and questions, please call 770-297-4985.