Rapid ECG Diagnostics
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.
You will be asked to lie down, a trained nurse will clean several areas on your arms, legs, and chest, and then attach small patches called electrodes to the areas. It may be necessary to shave or clip some hair so the patches stick to the skin. The number of patches used may vary.
The patches are connected by wires to a machine that turns the heart's electrical signals into wavy lines, which are often printed on paper. The test results are reviewed by the doctor.
Preparation instructions
You will be asked to lie down, a trained nurse will clean several areas on your arms, legs, and chest, and then attach small patches called electrodes to the areas. It may be necessary to shave or clip some hair so the patches stick to the skin. The number of patches used may vary.
The patches are connected by wires to a machine that turns the heart's electrical signals into wavy lines, which are often printed on paper. The test results are reviewed by the doctor.
Preparation instructions
- Make sure the nurse knows about all the medications you are taking, as some can interfere with test results.
- Exercising or drinking cold water immediately before an ECG may cause false results.
Cardiac (Exercise) Stress Tests
Cardiac stress test (or Cardiac diagnostic test) is a test used in medicine and cardiology to measure the heart's ability to respond to externalstress in a controlled clinical environment.
Preparation instructions
1. If your test is scheduled before 12 noon, do not eat or drink anything past midnight. If your test is scheduled after 12 noon, you may have an early light breakfast (before 8 am).
2. Ask your doctor which medicines you should take on the morning of the test. Take them with a small amount of water.
3. Do not drink coffee, tea, and soda or eat chocolate for 12 hours before the test.
4. The test takes a total of 3-4 hours. Bring a snack such as a bagel or donut.
5. Wear comfortable clothing and sneakers or walking shoes.
Preparation instructions
1. If your test is scheduled before 12 noon, do not eat or drink anything past midnight. If your test is scheduled after 12 noon, you may have an early light breakfast (before 8 am).
2. Ask your doctor which medicines you should take on the morning of the test. Take them with a small amount of water.
3. Do not drink coffee, tea, and soda or eat chocolate for 12 hours before the test.
4. The test takes a total of 3-4 hours. Bring a snack such as a bagel or donut.
5. Wear comfortable clothing and sneakers or walking shoes.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create a moving picture of the heart. The picture is much more detailed than a plain x-ray image and involves no radiation exposure.
No special preparations are necessary for a standard transthoracic echocardiogram. You will be ask you not to eat for a few hours beforehand if you're having a transesophageal or stress echocardiogram.
No special preparations are necessary for a standard transthoracic echocardiogram. You will be ask you not to eat for a few hours beforehand if you're having a transesophageal or stress echocardiogram.
Ambulatory Cardiac Monitoring
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 length of recording time and ability to send the recordings over the phone.
Your doctor uses ambulatory monitors to:
Your doctor uses ambulatory monitors to:
- assess your heart rhythm over time
- correlate your symptoms with your heart rhythm
- diagnose abnormal heart rhythms: what kind they are, how long they last, and what may cause them
- guide treatment for abnormal heart rhythms
- Avoid oily or greasy skin creams and lotions where the monitor is applied. They interfere with the electrode-skin contact.
- Wear a shirt that can be easily removed to place the electrodes on the chest.