- Cardiac Echocardiogram (Transthoracic Echocardiogram)
Transthoracic echocardiogram (ECHO) - A technician moves an ultrasound transducer over your chest that bounces sound waves (echoes) off your heart. The motions of the echoes are recorded on film to create a picture of the heart. The recording shows how your heart looks and works. A follow up appointment will be made for your physician to discuss the test results with you.
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Stress Testing (Stress Echocardiogram)
Stress Echocardiogram (Echo)- A technician moves an ultrasound transducer over your chest that bounces sound waves off your heart. The sound waves provide an image of your heart which can be viewed by your physician. This is performed before and after exercise to see the effects on your heart. You will be monitored continuously during the test for heart rate and blood pressure. Exercise can be performed either on a treadmill or stationary bicycle. The physician will compare the two images. A follow up appointment will be made for your physician to discuss the test results with you.
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Stress Dobutamine (Stress testing for patient unable to bear weight and walk on a treadmill)
Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram (Echo)- A technician moves an ultrasound transducer over your chest that bounces sound waves off your heart. The sound waves provide an image of your heart which can be viewed by your physician. If you are unable to exercise the drug Dobutamine is used. This medication increases your heart rate as if you were exercising. This test will require an intravenous (IV) line for the medication to be given. Your heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored before, during and after the test. A follow up appointment will be made for your physician to discuss the test results with you.
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Transesophageal Echocardiogram
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) - An echocardiogram uses sound waves to project an image of your heart. A transesophageal echocardiogram uses those sound waves but is done from the inside of the esophagus (the tube that leads from your mouth to the stomach). This route provides a clearer image and is used by physicians to examine structures that are hard to see. During the procedure you will be attached to a cardiac monitor. The echocardiogram technician will assist the doctor in obtaining pictures of your heart. You will be given medication by the anesthetist to help you relax and be free from pain during the procedure. This is usually an outpatient procedure and you will need a responsible adult to drive you home from the hospital.
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Carotid Ultrasound
Carotid Ultrasound- A technician uses a transducer over the arteries in your neck. Sound waves are sent out that bounce back providing a picture of the carotid artery. This can be used to check for blockages and blood flow through the artery. A follow up appointment will be made for your physician to discuss the results with you.
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Holter Monitor/30 Day Event Monitor
Holter Monitoring - A portable cardiac monitor is worn for a specified amount of time (usually 24 hours, but can be worn longer) to record your heart beating. Electrodes will be placed on your chest by a technician. The electrodes will be attached to the wires of the monitor, which is about the size of a camera. You will be asked to keep a diary of unusual events and symptoms you experience while wearing the monitor. A follow up appointment will be made for your physician to discuss the test results with you.
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Nuclear Stress Testing
Nuclear Stress Test- This test allows your caregiver to see how your heart performs during exercise by using medication and nuclear imaging. You will be asked to exercise using a treadmill or stationary bicycle while being continuously monitored. After the exercise period, you will have a scan taken that shows areas of narrow, blocked vessels or damaged areas of heart muscle. A follow up appointment will be made for your physician to discuss the results with you.
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Pulmonary Function Testing
Pulmonary Function Test (PFT's)- This test allows your caregiver to check the amount of air you breath in and out and if there are any obstructions. You will be placed in a specialized testing center where you will be asked to perform various breathing exercises. A qualified technician will be with you at all times. A follow up appointment will be made for your physician to discuss the results with you.
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Department of Labor Black Lung Testing
Black Lung Testing- Pulmonary Function Testing is performed. The results are graphed and sent to your physician for Black Lung.
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Tilt Table Testing
Tilt Table Testing- Your doctor may recommend a Tilt Table Test to help find what is causing you to faint or pass out. This test can be performed in the hospital or doctor's office. To perform the test an intravenous (IV) line will be placed to administer IV fluids. You will be attached to a cardiac monitor and will have your blood pressure taken approximately every five minutes. A nurse will be with you at all times. You will be placed on a table that tilts you upward to approximately 70 degrees to try and recreate fainting/passing out symptoms. The test itself usually takes about an hour.
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Cardioversion
Cardioversion- This procedure is used to restore your heart to a normal rhythm. This is usually an outpatient procedure. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home from the hospital. During the procedure you will be attached to a cardiac monitor and a defibrillator. The anesthetist will monitor your vital signs during the procedure. You will be given medication to help you relax and be free from pain during the procedure. The doctor will deliver an electric shock to you using the defibrillator. The electric shock is given at a certain time during the heartbeat to help your heartbeat return to normal. When the procedure is over you will be monitored in the recovery area and given instructions for going home.
