All testing services require physician referral and high-risk and/or abnormal studies will be communicated directly to the referring physician.
Cardiac Consultation
When your family physician requests a Cardiac Consultation, our Cardiovascular specialist gets in touch with you to discuss the diagnosis and management of your heart condition.
Note
Please bring all your medications with you on your consult day.
Echocardiography
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of your heart that checks how your heart’s chambers and valves are pumping blood through your heart. It can see if you ever suffered or are presently having an artery blockage which has reduced the function of your heart.
Note
It takes 45 minutes. No preparation is needed for this test.
Pediatric Echocardiography
A pediatric echocardiogram at our center is performed on children (9-17 years old).
Note
It usually takes 45 minutes but may vary depending on how cooperative the child is. No preparation is needed for this test.
Contrast Echocardiography
Contrast echocardiography involves the injection of either saline or synthetic micro-bubbles (perflutren) into a systemic vein before scanning.
The former is used to diagnose an intracardiac shunt/abnormal blood flow pathways, and the latter to achieve a better endocardial border definition to diagnose artery blockage and evaluate EF.
Note
Inform the sonographer in case of allergy or pregnancy.
Holter Monitoring
A Holter monitor is a small, wearable device that keeps track of your heart rate and rhythm for the duration that you are wearing it. It records all of your heartbeats which are then uploaded to our software and read by our Cardiologist.
Note
Hook-up takes 15 to 20 minutes and you cannot shower while wearing the monitor.
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
An electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) is a simple test that can be used to check the rate and the rhythm of your heart.
Note
It takes 15 minutes and needs no preparation.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM)
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) is a small device that is wrapped around your arm. This monitor measures and records your blood pressure at regular intervals over a period of 24 hours. The readings are then uploaded to our software and read by our Cardiologist. An ABPM is an excellent device to diagnose a White Coat Syndrome.
Note
Hook-up takes 15 to 20 minutes and you cannot shower while wearing the monitor.
Stress Echo/Stress Test
A cardiac stress test measures your heart’s response to external stress. Readings are taken as you walk or run on a treadmill.
Note
Please wear running shoes, comfortable, loose clothing, and do not consume caffeine (including coffee or tea) prior to test (2 hours).