Cardiology
- Services
- Cardiology
Cardic Care
Advanced Healthcare Clinics is dedicated to providing world-class cardiac care to our patients. Our team of board-certified providers assist in identifying diseases of the heart, veins and arteries.
We are committed to delivering quality, compassionate care that meets your individual needs. We offer a comprehensive range of cardiovascular services and continue investing in advanced technologies and training that enable our staff to provide you with the best cardiac care possible.
Our Services
- Cardiovascular health education
- State-of-the-art diagnostic technologies
- Innovative treatment options
- A highly-trained team of technicians
- Electronic medical records
- Customized rehabilitation
- Lifestyle modification counseling
- Treatment of rhythm disorders
- Same-day appointments
Cardic Links
- Cardiology Links
- American College of Cardiology
- American Heart Association
- American Society of Nuclear Cardiology
- CardioSmart American College of Cardiology
- Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography
General Links
- SecondsCount.org
- My Life Check-American Heart Association Personal Heart Score
- National Geographic-The Interactive Heart
- WebMD.com
- National Institutes of Health
Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat that can occur in a healthy heart or can indicate a problem. The primary function of the heart is to supply blood to the rest of the body. Each heartbeat is controlled by electrical impulses traveling through the heart. The regular beating of the heart moves blood throughout the body. In the normal heart, these electrical impulses occur at regular intervals.
Normally, the heart beats 60-100 times a minute. This is called “sinus rhythm”. Depending upon the needs of the body, it may beat faster (sinus tachycardia) during exercise or slower (sinus bradycardia) such as during sleep. When the heart beats irregularly, this can result in a rhythm disorder, or “cardiac arrhythmia.
Arrhythmias are common abnormalities of the heartbeat. There are many types of arrhythmias. Generally speaking, those that originate from the top chambers of the heart (atria) are called “supraventricular arrhythmias” while those that come from the lower chambers of the heart (“ventricles”) arc called ventricular arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias can sometimes be frightening when they occur, but in many uses, they are not life threatening and can be effectively treated with medications. Discussion with a physician is advised.
Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a medical condition in which a weakened heart is not pumping as well as it should be. A few common causes of CHF are high blood pressure, heart attacks, and heart valve abnormalities. As a result of CHF, the flow of blood fails to move normally and fluid begins to collect in the tissues. Fluid may collect in areas such as the legs, feet, and lungs. Fluid found in legs and feet results in swelling. The collection of fluid in the lungs can make you feel short of breath. This often can be seen by a chest x-ray or the nurse and doctor can hear the fluid by listening to the lungs with a stethoscope.
What You Can Expect While in the Hospital
• The nurse and doctor will listen to your heart and lungs.
• You may be weighed daily.
• Diet will be low salt.
• Rest and modified exercise.
• You may be started on new medications.
• One of the medications you will be started on may cause you to go to the bathroom frequently to get rid of the excess water.
Things To Do and Watch For at Home
• Weigh yourself daily at the same time every morning with the same amount of clothing. If you gain 2 to 3 pounds in a 24-hour period, you need to contact your physician.
• Watch for swelling in legs, arms, feet, hands, and face. If your sleeping habits change due to breathing difficulties, contact your physician.
• Diet – watch excess salt intake. Read labels for sodium (salt) content, and reduce as much as possible.
• Medications – organize your pills and take them on time. This is very important. Do not discontinue pills without your physician’s knowledge. Keep a list of your daily medications for your physician’s reference.
• Allow for more adequate rest and sleep. Follow the exercise recommendation from your physician. If you tire easily and become more short of breath during exercise, stop and call your physician.
• Be sure to maintain follow-up appointments.
Congenital Heart Defects
A congenital heart defect is a deformity of the heart that is present at birth. An abnormal hole between heart chambers or a narrowed valve are examples of congenital heart defects. When a defect is severe enough, it is harder for the heart to pump blood. With time, the heart may weaken, and symptoms (such as shortness of breath and fainting spells) may develop. In some cases, cardiac catheterization may be needed to confirm a heart defect and/or to assess how severe the problem is.
Coronary Heart Disease
The inside walls of your arteries are normally smooth and flexible, which allows blood to flow through them easily. Over the years, fatty deposits may build up on the inside of an artery’s wall. As these fatty deposits, called plaque, continue to build up, they narrow the artery and can reduce or even block the flow of blood. When plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, the result is coronary heart disease. Blood flow in the coronary arteries may be reduced enough to cause angina or heart attack.
Angina is pain or discomfort in the chest, arm, or jaw that occurs when not enough blood flows to the heart muscle. It typically occurs during physical exertion or emotional stress, when the heart works harder and needs more oxygen. A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when a coronary artery becomes totally blocked, usually by a blood clot. This cuts off the blood supply to an area of the heart muscle and causes that part of the heart muscle to die. Following a heart attack, the damaged heart may not pump as well as a normal heart. This may lead to heart failure. In heart failure, fluid tends to build up in the lungs and other parts of the body. Common symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, swelling of the feet and legs, and fatigue. Heart failure can be caused by any medical condition that injures the heart or makes the heart work too hard for a long time. Common causes include a past heart attack, high blood pressure, heart muscle disease, and heart valve disease. If your doctor suspects that you have coronary heart disease or heart failure, he or she may recommend that you have cardiac catheterization.
Heart Valve Disease
Heart valve disease occurs when a heart valve does not open or close properly. In valvular stenosis, the heart valve is narrowed. It may be thickened and/or stiff and does not open all the way. The heart has to work harder to push blood through a smaller opening. In valvular regurgitation (or insufficiency), the heart valve is leaky. It may be loose, shortened, or torn. As a result, the valve does not close tightly enough, and blood leaks backward. The heart has to work harder to pump some of the same blood through the valve again. Stenosis and regurgitation tend to get worse with time. They may cause the heart muscle to weaken, which can result in heart failure. Catheterization may be needed to confirm heart valve disease and to accurately measure how severely the valve is narrowed or leaking.
Heart Muscle Disease
Heart muscle disease, or cardiomyopathy, refers to diseases that primarily affect the heart muscle. In its most common form, called dilated cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle weakens and the heart chambers enlarge. Cardiomyopathy can be caused by a variety of conditions, such as infection or alcohol abuse, or it can occur for an unknown reason.
High Blood Pressure
The heart is a muscle that pumps blood through the arteries with each beat and keeps blood flowing throughout the body. Each heartbeat has two parts – contraction (systole) and relaxation (diastole).
Just as there are two parts of a heartbeat, there are also two parts of blood pressure measurement – systolic and diastolic pressures. Systolic blood pressure is the maximum pressure within the arteries and occurs when the heart contracts. Diastolic blood pressure is the lowest pressure within the vessels and occurs when the heart relaxes.
For Example:
122/78
122 = Systolic
78 = Diastolic
Blood pressure that is uncontrolled or “high” causes damage that is usually gradual and unnoticed. Serious health problems can occur in several organs because of high blood pressure.
• Brain – Arteries that carry the blood to the brain can be damaged causing hemorrhage leading to stroke.
• Heart – The heart must work harder to pump blood when pressure is elevated. This can cause the heart to enlarge, weakening the muscle so that eventually it does not pump as well (i.e. heart failure).
• Kidney – The small arteries carrying blood to the kidneys may be damaged, reducing the flow of blood to them. With reduced flow, the kidneys are less able to do their job of filtering wastes.
You must take your medicines as prescribed by your doctor. If the side effects bother you, talk to the doctor. Never stop taking your medication without your doctor’s knowledge.
Myocardial Infarction
You have been admitted to the hospital because you are having a heart attack. The medical name for this is “myocardial infarction” or MI. A heart attack occurs when areas of your heart muscle do not receive blood for a period of time. The heart muscle receives blood through coronary arteries. These arteries can become blocked by fatty deposits, blood clots, or spasm. As a result of poor blood flow, the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen and becomes damaged. Your doctor will perform tests to see how much damage has been done. After a few weeks, scar tissue will develop and in some patient’s new small blood vessels will begin to form. The small vessels are referred to as “collateral circulation”. It may be several months before the collateral circulation reaches the areas around the damaged heart muscle. While regaining your strength remember to be patient!
What to expect while in CCU:
• Your heart will be monitored at all times. Your heart monitor may alarm or make “beeps”. Do not be worried by this.
• Your nurse will check your vital signs often; these include heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature.
• Your doctor will order lab tests, x-rays, and EKGs at various times during your stay. These are normal tests done on anyone who has had a heart attack.
• Your doctor may decide to place special IVs or tubes in the veins leading to your heart. These tubes provide information on how your heart is working.
• You will have an IV access line where intravenous (IV) medications will be administered.
After having a heart attack you may be placed on new medications. These medications are used to increase the blood flow to the heart muscle, decrease the body’s need for oxygen, and provide a more regular heart rhythm. If you have a blood clot in one of your coronary arteries, you may be given a special “thrombolytic medication” to try to dissolve the clot. Medicines taken in the past may be changed.
Medications
Fibric Acid Derivatives
Fibric Acid Derivatives are drugs under the brand names Lopid (gemfibrozil) or Atromid-S (clofibrate) that enhance the body’s ability to break down triglyceride rich lipid particles, and, as a result, effectively reduce triglyceride levels.
Uses
In patients with very high triglyceride levels, the reduction of triglycerides by these drugs can decrease the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, a very dangerous condition. In patients at risk for heart disease, these drugs have been shown to reduce the rate of development of heart attacks and coronary deaths.
Effects on Blood Lipids
• Triglycerides are reduced 25 to 50 percent
• HDL Cholesterol is increased 10 to 20 percent
• Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol are usually reduced 10 to 15 percent
Adverse Reactions
• Stomach discomfort and nausea
• Skin rash
• Abnormal liver enzyme tests
• Muscle pains
• Diarrhea
• Makes the bile thicker and increases risk of gall bladder problems
• Can potentiate the blood-thinning effect of warfarin (Coumadin)
Dosage
Consult your CCT physician about the appropriate times of day and quantities of this drug. It is generally recommended to be taken slightly before or with meals.
HMG-COA Reductase Inhibitors
These medications, packaged under the names Crestor, Mevacor, Pravachol, Zocor, Lipitor or Lescol, block the production of cholesterol within cells, causing the cells to increase specific receptors on their surface that will take up LDL cholesterol particles from the blood. This effect is especially prominent in the liver, which is the organ that largely controls cholesterol in the body. As the number of LDL receptors increases, the levels of total and LDL cholesterol in the blood will go down.
Effects on Blood Lipids
• Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol are reduced 15 to 40 percent
• Triglyceride levels may decline 10 to 15 percent
• HDL cholesterol levels increase 5 to 10 percent
Taken with other medication, such as cholestyramine resin, has led to the reversal of coronary artery blockage in a substantial number of patients.
Adverse Reactions
• Temporary elevation of liver enzyme blood test has occurred in a small percentage of patients
• Elevations of liver enzyme blood tests that are significant, doctor will discontinue treatment
• Stomach discomfort
• Muscle pains, unusual cramps or weakness
• Skin rash
Drug Interaction
Consult with your CCT physician about taking HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors if you are taking cyclosporine, gemfibrozil, niacin, erythromycin or any other prescription medication, particularly those prescribed for cholesterol/lipid lowering purposes.
Dosage
Times and amounts vary by patient; consult your physician or pharmacist. Typically, the drug is taken in the evening with food for better absorption.
Niacin
Also known as Vitamin B3, niacin is available in many generic and brand name formulations for use in lipid lowering applications.
Uses
Doses of niacin (1000 milligrams) significantly above the recommended daily requirement of 20 milligrams a day will decrease the liver’s production of lipoprotein particles and can enhance the breakdown of these particles. A large study has shown that niacin may increase life expectancy in patients with coronary heart disease. Reversal of coronary artery disease has been achieved with the combination of niacin and bile acid binding resins.
Effects on Blood Lipids
• Triglycerides are reduced zero to 20 percent
• HDL cholesterol is increased 10 to 25 percent
• Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol are reduced up to15 to 25 percent
Adverse Reactions
• Flushing and itching (temporary, can be controlled with dosage adjustment)
• Mild dryness of the skin
• Nausea
• Indigestion
• Diarrhea
• Liver enzyme elevations
• Stomach ulcers
• Gout
• Arthritis
• Increased blood sugar
• Skin rash
• Certain heart rhythm disturbances
• Liver inflammation
• Rapid drop in blood pressure
• Schedule regular blood tests so your physician can monitor you for any side effects.
Dosage
Niacin should always be taken with some food in the stomach, and the same brand should be continually used to prevent flushing or diminished effect. Do not use niacinamide or nicotinamide as substitutes, as they have no lipid-lowering effects.
Do not use time-released niacin.
Work with your physician to schedule the proper dosing schedule of niacin, which is typically taken several times a day for lipid-lowering purposes. Your CCT doctor will provide a specific schedule to you. This schedule will also tell you when you are to return for lab work.
Nitroglycerin Sublingual Or Spray
Nitroglycerin sublingual (under the tongue) or spray is a commonly prescribed medication that relaxes blood vessels, widens coronary arteries and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.
Uses
It is used to relieve angina (chest pain), relieve smooth muscle pain that is not heart-related and may be used to prevent pain before strenuous exercise. To be taken when there is discomfort in the jaw, neck, shoulders, arm/hand; when there is chest pain/pressure; or for cold sweats, nausea or shortness of breath.
Treatment
Before treating with nitroglycerin, sit or lie down at the first indication of chest pain. Often, the pain will disappear with rest. If after five minutes the pain persists:
Tablets
• Place one nitroglycerin tablet under tongue
• Wait three to five minutes
• Repeat taking if pain/pressure is not completely relieved, taking one tablet every three to five minutes for a total of three tablets
• If not completely relieved of pain, seek help. Continue taking the tablets every three to five minutes until help arrives, until you get to an emergency room or until you can contact your doctor
• Relax 15 to 20 minutes after taking nitroglycerin to prevent dizziness or faintness
Spray
• Do not shake container
• Holding the container upright and close to the mouth, press the spray mechanism with your forefinger to release the spray onto or under your tongue; close your mouth immediately. Do not inhale or swallow the spray
• Follow the same directions for after taking the tablet form
Adverse Reactions
Headache, dizziness, lowered blood pressure, fast heart rate and/or hot, flush feeling. Generally, these reactions last only a few minutes.
Storage
• Keep in brown glass bottle
• Refill prescription every three to six months
• Do not store in the same bottle with other medications
• Do not keep cotton in bottle; it absorbs nitroglycerin
• Freshness decreases with time, heat, air and moisture
Stop Smoking
Tips On Quitting
• You have to want to stop more than you want to smoke.
• Identity times you like to smoke.
• Identify things that trigger smoking.
• Develop your healthy lifestyle plan.
• Find alternative rewards and ways of coping with the craving.
• Seek support. For example; subliminal tapes.
• Accept the fact that it is going to be difficult.
• You have to do it for yourself.
• Make a contract with yourself to quit.
• Be aware of your desire to eat more.
• Ask people not to smoke in your house.
• Don’t linger at the table once you are finished eating, get up.
• Keep lots of healthy food available. For example fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Start an exercise program. For example: go for a 20-30 minute walk every day.
• Remove the ashtrays from your car.
• Always keep gum on hand.
• Pick the nonsmoking sections in restaurants.
• Blow bubbles.
• Warn your family and friends that you may be irritable.
• Go shopping
• Think positive-Forming new habits or patterns take time and be patient with yourself. Do something special for yourself but be sure it is also good for you.
Medical Services
Cardiac Catheterization
Why Is Catheterization Important?
Cardiac catheterization provides more accurate and detailed information about how well your heart is working than other diagnostic tests. It helps doctors diagnose your problem accurately, and it lets them choose the best treatment for you.
________________________________________
What Is Cardiac Catheterization?
During cardiac catheterization, doctors insert a long, thin, flexible tube, called a catheter, into the body. The catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and is guided toward the heart. The procedure allows doctors to study how well your heart pumps blood and to examine the coronary arteries (the vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle) and the heart valves. Other terms used to describe cardiac catheterization include coronary angiography, angiogram, cardiac cath, and heart cath.
________________________________________
Why Do Cardiac Catheterization
This test provides the most accurate and detailed information about how your heart is working.
In general, cardiac catheterization is done for one or more of the following reasons:
• evaluate or confirm coronary heart disease (for example, in patients with chest pain and/or an abnormal stress test
• determine whether treatment (with balloon angioplasty or bypass surgery) can help a patient diagnosed with coronary heart disease
• see how well blood flows through the coronary arteries after angioplasty or bypass surgery
• determine if there is significant heart valve disease that might require surgery
• determine whether there is a congenital heart defect and evaluate how severe it is
________________________________________
Preparing For Catheterization
Unless you are already in the hospital, you will most likely be asked to arrive in the morning on the day of your catheterization. You may have several routine tests, such as an ECG, x-rays, and blood tests. (These tests may be done a few days before the procedure.) The doctor will review your medical history and examine you. (You may see the doctor at the office several days before the procedure.) The doctor or nurse will talk with you about the procedure and its purpose, benefits, and risks. This is a good time to ask questions and, most important, to share any concerns you may have. You will then be asked to sign a consent form. A nurse will shave and cleanse the area where the catheters will be inserted. This is usually at the groin (the fold between the thigh and abdomen). In some cases, it may be at the wrist or arm. Shaving and cleansing make it easier to insert the catheters and help to prevent infection. An intravenous (IV) line will be inserted into a vein in your arm. This line allows drugs to be injected directly into the vein, if they are needed. To help you relax, you will be given a sedative. If you wear dentures, hearing aids, or glasses, you will most likely be allowed to keep them on.
________________________________________
Before Your Catheterization
Generally, you will be asked not to eat or drink anything for 6 to 8 hours before the procedure. This helps prevent nausea. You may have small sips of water to take your medications. Check with your doctor several days before the procedure. You may be asked to stop some medications (such as aspirin or anticoagulants) for a few days before your catheterization. Make arrangements with a friend or family member to drive you to and from the hospital. You will not be permitted to drive home after the procedure, since you may be sedated. Pack a small bag in case your doctor decides to keep you in the hospital overnight. You may want to include a robe, slippers, pajamas or nightgown, and toiletries. Bring a list of the names and dosages of all the medications you are taking. Tell the doctor or nurse if you have had any allergic reactions to medications or x-ray dye (contrast), iodine or seafood, or if you have a history of bleeding problems. For your comfort, empty your bladder as much as possible before the procedure begins. There will also be a bedpan or a urinal, should you need it during the procedure.
________________________________________
During Cardiac Catheterization
Cardiac catheterization is performed in a specially equipped x-ray room called a cardiac catheterization laboratory, or simply, cath lab. You will be taken to the cath lab in a wheelchair or on a movable bed. Then you will be helped onto an x-ray table. The table has a large x-ray camera above it and television screens close by. There also are heart monitors and other instruments. The cath lab team generally includes a cardiologist, an assistant, nurses, and technologists. Once you are positioned on the x-ray table, you will be connected to several monitors and then covered with sterile sheets. The staff will be wearing sterile gowns, gloves, and possibly masks.
________________________________________
What Happens During The Procedure
The site where the catheters will be inserted is usually in the groin. Sometimes it is in the wrist or arm. The site is cleansed thoroughly. A local anesthetic is injected into the skin with a tiny needle to numb the area. This may cause a stinging sensation. A small incision is made in the skin, and a needle is used to puncture the blood vessel (usually an artery). A guidewire (a soft and flexible wire) is threaded into the artery. A short plastic tube, called a sheath, is then slipped over the guidewire and into the artery. The guidewire is then removed. Once the sheath is in place, doctors can insert and remove several different catheters without having to use a needle each time. The catheter is inserted into the artery and guided toward the heart, while the staff watches its progress on a television screen. The catheter may be removed and replaced several times. This is done to reach each of the heart chambers or coronary arteries. Once the catheter is inside the heart, the doctors can measure the pressures in the left ventricle (the main pumping chamber) and take pictures of the coronary arteries and left ventricle. If you are also having a right-heart catheterization, a special catheter is inserted into a vein and is guided to the right side of the heart. This is usually done to measure the pressures inside the right heart chambers and in the lungs, especially in people who have a weakened heart.
________________________________________
What You Can Expect
You will be given medication to help you relax and make you drowsy. You may be awake, or you may sleep through part or all of the procedure. The staff will be monitoring you at all times. You may be asked to take a deep breath and hold it, to keep the pictures from blurring. You may also be asked to cough forcefully several times, to help move the dye through the heart. The procedure generally is not painful, although you may feel some pressure as the catheters are inserted. You will not feel the catheters as they move through the blood vessels and into your heart. For many, the most difficult part of the procedure is having to lie still for a long time on a hard table. As x-ray contrast is injected into the heart, you may feel a warm sensation (“hot flash”) through your body, lasting for 20 to 30 seconds. You may also feel nausea, chest discomfort, or a mild headache. A complete cardiac catheterization procedure usually takes from one to two hours. If you feel pain or discomfort at any time during the procedure, let the staff know.
________________________________________
What Does Catheterization Show?
Cardiac catheterization allows doctors to measure the pressures inside the heart, study how well the heart is pumping blood, and take pictures of the coronary arteries and the heart chambers.
Cardioversion
Cardioversion is a procedure designed to restore normal heart rhythm. Elective non-emergent cardioversion is performed by your physician and nursing staff in your room. Heart irregularities, such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, may be converted to a normal heart rhythm (normal sinus rhythm).
Before The Procedure
• You will be asked to sign a consent form after your doctor has explained the procedure and the risks to you.
• Please do not eat or drink after midnight before the procedure.
• Staff will enter your room with an equipment cart and monitor.
• You will be connected to the monitor with pads placed on your chest and back.
• An intravenous catheter (IV catheter) will be placed in your hand or arm. The medicine given during the procedure will be given through this catheter.
During The Procedure
• Oxygen will be given to you by facemask.
• After connecting you to a heart monitor, some medication will be given through your IV catheter. You may feel some burning in your arm and may briefly fall asleep. You may not remember the procedure.
• An electrical impulse is administered through the two pads placed on your chest and back. This impulse may restore your heart to a normal sinus rhythm.
After The Procedure
• Some short-term drowsiness may occur and you may notice some redness on your chest.
• The nursing staff monitors your vital signs until you are fully awake.
• You will be instructed when to take your medicines, eat, and get out of bed.
• Depending upon your overall condition you may go home later the same day.
Carotid Scan
A sonogram is a test that sends high-pitched sound waves through your skin, and the echoes form a picture on a TV monitor. This test measures blood flow through your arteries. It is useful for locating blockages. This test is non-invasive (there is no penetration of the skin by needles, etc.).
Before The Procedure
There are no special preparations for this test. You will be taken to the Vascular Lab in a wheelchair or by stretcher.
During The Procedure
If you go by wheelchair, you will then lie on a bed in an exam room for the test. There will be a short wait while the Vascular lab technician reviews your chart. A water-based gel is used to keep contact with the skin. The sound waves then produce a visual and sound image on a monitor.
While the technician does the test, he/she may be making a video tape for your physician to watch. The technician will be talking into the machine telling your physician what the test shows about your vascular system. You may hear your heartbeat and/or a whooshing sound as your blood flows.
After The Procedure
After a brief wait, you will be taken back to your room by wheelchair or stretcher. Your physician will explain the results of the tests after he/she views the video.
Coronary Angiogram
The arteries around your heart that supply blood to the heart muscle are called coronary arteries. Sometimes these arteries are narrowed or blocked. A cardiac catheterization is a test that is done to look at these arteries and to look inside your heart. You will be taken to the Cardiac Cath Lab. A small catheter will be inserted into your heart through an artery or a vein. Dye will be injected to allow the doctor to see the blood flow in your heart and coronary arteries, and X-rays pictures will be taken.
Before The Procedure
A few basic ideas of what to expect before, during and after the procedure may decrease some anxiety of your hospitalization.
• You will be asked to sign consent forms after your doctor has explained the procedure, and its risks.
• Most patients are told not to eat or drink anything after midnight. Please ask your nurse.
• One or both of your groins will be shaved.
• You will need to empty your bladder and wear only a hospital gown.
• Tell the doctor or nurse if you are allergic to shellfish, iodine, x-ray dye or any medications.
• You may be given some medications to help you relax; you will not be put to sleep, but you may become very drowsy.
• You will be taken to the Cardiac Cath Lab.
During The Procedure
• You will be lying on a hard table, surrounded by x-ray equipment. There will be patches on your chest that will have wires connected, which go to a machine that monitors your heart.
• The equipment is sensitive to heat; the room is kept cool – around 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
• A local anesthetic (numbing medication) will be applied to the groin area.
• The doctor will insert a small tube under the skin and into the vessel, much like an IV is started.
• An x-ray dye is injected which may cause a “hot feeling”. You may be asked to follow simple commands to help your doctor with the procedure such as “cough”, or “take a deep breath and hold it”.
• Inform your doctor how you are feeling, or if you have chest discomfort, nausea, shortness of breath.
• The length of the procedure depends on a number of factors. An hour is typical. If it takes longer, that does not necessarily mean there is a problem.
• Your heart rate and blood pressure will be watched closely.
After The Procedure
• You may have one or two IV lines left in your groin for several hours or overnight. You must stay in bed and not bend the leg to prevent bleeding.
• When the IV’s are removed, a C-clamp (a mechanical device) will be used to apply pressure to your groin for at least one hour.
• It will be several hours before you can get out of bed to prevent any bleeding at the insertion site.
• Please feel free to ask questions about this procedure, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible about your cardiac catheterization.
Dobutamine Echocardiogram
Dobutamine echocardiogram measures your heart’s tolerance to work and the heart wall movement when it is working very hard. This is a stress test of the heart using the medicine dobutamine to make it beat faster and harder. An echocardiogram is performed during the test. Your heart rate is measured by an electrocardiogram (ECG), and your blood pressure is taken while you are being given the medicine.
Before The Test
• You will be asked to sign a consent form after your doctor has explained the procedure and its risks to you.
• You may be asked to refrain from eating or drinking (except water) for three hours before the test. Some foods may affect the test results. You should refrain from tobacco usage (cigarettes, chewing tobacco) for three hours before this test.
• If you are being tested as an outpatient, please bring a list of your medications or the prescription bottles with you. If you are unsure whether to take your medications, please consult your doctor.
• Please avoid using body lotion or body powder on your chest the day of the test. Lotions and powders interrupt the signals the monitor is picking up from your heart.
During The Test
• You will need to undress from the waist up; women will be given a hospital gown or a blanket with which to cover.
• A staff member will place electrodes on your chest to monitor your heart rate. The skin may need to be lightly scraped and chest hair shaved on men to obtain clear test results.
• Blood pressure cuffs will be used during this test. If your doctor has asked you to avoid using a blood pressure cuff on one or both arms, please inform the staff about this when you are getting prepared for the test.
• A small intravenous catheter (IV catheter) will be placed in your hand or arm.
The medicine given during the test will be given through this catheter. If you are an Inpatient and already have a catheter in your hand or arm, the staff nurse may first try to use this IV site.
• You will first receive a resting echocardiogram. A trained technician will place a small instrument called a probe on the outside of your chest to obtain an image of your heart and its blood flow.
• You will be asked to lie on your left side for the echo portion of the test. The technologist may ask you to change positions periodically.
• You may hear a loud “whooshing” sound during the test. This sound occurs when the technologist is recording your blood flow.
• Once this information is collected, the nurse or staff member will give you dobutamine, a medicine that quickens your heartbeat and increases your blood pressure. Lie quietly while this medicine is being given; however, if you have any discomfort or pain or shortness of breath, please let the staff know immediately. Sometimes this medicine can cause nausea. If you begin to feel bad, please tell the staff. Other medicines may be given to help you with symptoms or to assist doctors in obtaining additional information.
• Once the medicine is given, the technologist will perform another echo ultrasound procedure with you lying on your side. This study usually takes only 15 – 20 minutes; once the medicine is stopped, your heart rate and blood pressure should gradually slow down. Your heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored during this time.
Immediately After the Test
• When the technologist has collected all the necessary data, the electrodes will be removed and you may get dressed.
• Depending on your doctor’s request, the catheter may be removed by a nurse or technologist from the arm or hand. Light pressure will be applied to the site to decrease any bleeding. If you are on medications that keep your blood from clotting, please tell the nurse so that pressure can be held a little longer.
• You will probably feel tired after the test. You should avoid heavy exercise or physical work for the reminder of the day. If you have any symptoms or discomfort after you have left the Heart Center, you should contact your doctor immediately.
• Your test results will be sent to your doctor, who will explain them to you.
Echocardiogram & Electrocardiogram
chocardiogram
Similar to the sonograms used during pregnancy, an echocardiogram uses a transducer that is gently moved across the chest. The transducer emits sound waves that are converted into moving images of the heart. These images are displayed on a screen and can be recorded. This test allows our doctors to learn how the heart functions at rest. It provides valuable information about the structure, size, and how well your heart is pumping.
Before The Test
• You should allow one hour, which includes preparation and the imaging portion.
• Wear comfortable attire, as you will be lying on an exam table, while the sonographer obtains your images.
• There are no dietary restrictions for this test.
• Bring your medications in their original containers with you to the test, so we may obtain an accurate list.
During The Test
• You will be asked to lie on an examination table. To improve the quality of the pictures, a colorless gel is applied to the area of the chest where the transducer will be placed.
• We will apply electrodes (small sticky patches) to your chest, so we can record the electrical activity of your heart. This is called an EKG.
• The sonographer moves the transducer to various places over the left side of your chest. Pictures of your heart at rest are recorded.
Immediately After the Test
• A written report will be sent to your referring physician.
• Information gained from this test helps your doctor make an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan that is best for you.
Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram or ECG is a graphic record of the electrical impulses of the heart. These impulses are conducted to the external surface of the body where they are detected by electrodes. It is important to realize that the ECG does not depict the actual physical state of the heart, or its function, but rather the electrical activity. These impulses (or your heart rate) are normally discharged 60 to 100 times per minute.
Before The Test
• There are no dietary restrictions prior to this test.
• Please bring all of your current medications with you, or provide us with an accurate list. Include dosage and number of times you take medication in a day. Certain cardiac medications can slow the heart rate, and it will be helpful to know if you are on any of this medication. In contrast, certain cold and sinus medicine can increase your heart rate, and this information will be valuable to your physician.
• Do not wear a one-piece jumpsuit, as you will be asked to undress from the waist up. Women will be provided a half gown, or cape to wear.
During The Test
• A trained medical assistant (or nurse) will place several electrodes (small sticky patches) on your chest. Men may need to have areas of their chest shaved, to ensure that the electrodes stay in place.
• The electrodes are connected by wires to an ECG machine.
After The Test
• Immediately after the test, the physician can give you a complete interpretation.
• If the test is abnormal or inconclusive, you doctor may order additional tests.
Electrophysiology Study
The purpose of an Electrophysiology Study is to review the electrical system of the heart so the physician will know best how to treat you. The heart has an electrical system that controls how your heart beats. When this electrical system is working properly, the heart usually beats between 60 and 100 times per minute. The electrical impulse travels a pathway from the top of the heart to the bottom of the heart. Sometimes, the electrical system is not following a normal pathway, and the heart may beat too rapidly or too slowly. When this happens, the heart may not be able to pump adequate amounts of blood to your body.
Before The Test
• You may be asked to stop taking any medicines that affect your heart
• Your heart will be monitored prior to the procedure.
• You will be asked to sign consent forms after your doctor has answered all of your questions.
• Most patients are not allowed to eat or drink after midnight prior to the procedure. Ask your nurse.
• You will be asked to empty your bladder prior to the procedure and to wear only a hospital gown.
• You may be given some medicine to help you relax before the procedure.
• You will be taken to the cardiac cath lab by wheelchair or stretcher.
During The Test
• You will be lying on a padded flat table. Your heart will be monitored, and x-ray equipment will be around you. The equipment is sensitive to heat so therefore, the room is kept cold.
• A numbing medicine (local anesthetic) will be injected into your groin area and a small catheter (tube) will be inserted into the vein in your groin.
• Small wires will be guided into your heart through the catheters in the groin. X-ray equipment will be used to tell if the wires are in the correct position in your heart.
• The doctor will use the wires to attempt to determine what is wrong with the electrical system in your heart.
• Inform your doctor how you are feeling during the procedure.
Immediately After The Test
• The catheter in your groin may be removed before you return to your room, or it may remain in place for a short time. When this catheter is removed, a bandage will be applied and the site will be checked. You will be ordered to stay on bed rest for several hours after the procedure.
• The doctor will talk to you about the results of the study and any necessary treatment plan.
Exercise Echocardiogram (Stress Echo)
An exercise echocardiogram (also known as a stress echo) is a test that combines an ultrasound study of the heart with an exercise test. The test allows the doctor to learn how the heart functions when it has to work harder. This test is useful in diagnosing heart problems, such as coronary artery disease (blockages in the coronary arteries).
Before The Test
• You should allow an hour to an hour and a half for this test.
• Wear or bring comfortable attire and walking/running shoes.
• Refrain from eating at least two hours before the test. This will prevent the possibility of nausea, which may accompany vigorous exercise after eating.
• Make your last meal light and without tea, coffee or alcohol.
• If you are currently taking any heart medication, check with your CCT doctor. He or she may ask you to stop certain medications a day or two before the test. This may help obtain more accurate tests results.
• Before the test, you will be given an explanation of the test and you will be asked to sign a consent form. Feel free to ask any questions about the procedure.
• Several areas on your chest and shoulders will be cleansed with alcohol and an abrasive pad will be used to prepare the skin for the electrodes (small sticky patches). Men may need to have areas of their chest shaved, to ensure that the electrodes stay in place.
During The Test
• The test is divided into three parts. First, a resting echocardiogram is performed. Next, you will walk on a treadmill, and then another echocardiogram is performed while your heart is still beating rapidly after exercise.
• Resting echocardiogram – You will be asked to lie on an exam table. To improve the quality of the pictures, a colorless gel is applied to the area of the chest where the transducer will be placed. Pictures of your heart are recorded on videotape.
• Exercise test – You will walk slowly in place on a treadmill, on which the speed is increased to a faster pace and is then tilted to produce the effect of going up a small hill. The doctor will stop the test when you reach your peak heart rate, when you get too tired, or have significant symptoms.
• After exercise echocardiogram – You will be asked to very rapidly return to the examining table, and lie once again on your left side. The sonographer will then record a second set of images while your heart is still beating rapidly. The CCT doctor can then compare the two sets of images. This will be before and after exercise side by side to see how your heart responds to the stress of exercise.
After The Test
• The doctor conducting the test can give you results before you leave. A complete interpretation will be sent to your referring physician.
• If the test is abnormal or inconclusive, then additional tests may be ordered.
• The information gained from the stress echo helps your doctor make an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan that is best for you.
Exercise Stress Test
This test, typically involving the patient walking on a treadmill while attached to an electrocardiogram, measures a patient’s ability to exercise and the electrical waves of the heart during exercise. This test can help detect heart problems that may not be apparent at rest.
Before The Test
• You should allow one hour, which includes preparation for the test, the exercise portion, and the recovery period.
• Wear or bring comfortable attire and walking/running shoes.
• Refrain from eating at least two hours before the test. This will prevent the possibility of nausea, which may accompany vigorous exercise after eating.
• Make your last meal light and without tea, coffee or alcohol.
• If you are currently taking any heart meditation, check with you Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas doctor. He or she may ask you to stop certain medications a day or two before the test. This can help-get more accurate test results.
• Before the test, you will be given an explanation of the test and you will be asked to sign a consent form. Feel free to ask any questions about the procedure.
• Several areas on your chest and shoulders will be cleansed with alcohol and an abrasive pad will be used to prepare the skin for the electrodes (small sticky patch). Men may need to have areas of their chest shaved, to ensure that the electrodes stay in place.
After The Test
• After the exercise portion of the test is over, you will still be monitored for another 5 to 10 minutes while you recover. The medical assistant or nurse will remove the electrodes and cleanse the electrode sites.
• The doctor conducting the test can give you results before you leave. A complete interpretation will be sent to your referring physician.
• If the test is abnormal or inconclusive, then additional tests may be ordered.
• The information gained from the exercise test helps your doctor make an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan that is best for you.
Exercise Thallium
A thallium scan is a test that uses a radioactive substance (known as a tracer) to produce images of the heart muscle. When combined with an exercise test, the thallium scan helps determine if areas of the heart do not receive enough blood.
Purpose
The exercise thallium test is especially useful in diagnosing coronary artery disease, the presence of blockages in the coronary arteries. These arteries supply oxygen to the heart muscle. Tracers, other than thallium, can be used for this type of scan. Your Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas doctor will decide if your situation warrants a different type of tracer.
Before The Test
IF YOU ARE NURSING OR IF YOU THINK YOU MAY BE PREGNANT, INFORM THE BSW Cardiology Consultants of Texas DOCTOR OR NUCLEAR TECH BEFORE THE EXAMINATION.
• You will receive an instruction sheet that pertains to the specific type of tracer your physician plans to use. If you have any questions, please ask your doctor or the nuclear technician.
• You may be asked to fast (not eat or drink anything) for three to four hours or longer prior to your exam. If you cannot fast, or are diabetic, ask your BSW Cardiology Consultants of Texas doctor or nurse for special instructions.
• You will be instructed not to have food or drink prior to the test that contains caffeine. For example, coffee, tea, colas (even “caffeine-free”), and chocolate foods all contain different amounts of caffeine.
• Be sure to notify our office nurse or nuclear tech of all the medicines you are taking. Some medicines may affect the test results.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is suitable for exercise. You should also wear comfortable walking shoes or tennis shoes.
• Before the test, you will be given an explanation of the test and you will be asked to sign a consent form. Feel free to ask any questions about the procedure.
During The Test
• The test has two parts: the exercise imaging portion and the rest imaging portion.
• Several electrodes (small sticky patches) will be placed on your chest to obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG). This will record your heart’s electrical activity.
• An intravenous (IV) line will be started in a vein in your arm. This will allow injection of the radioactive tracer during exercise.
• Depending on the type of exam that is ordered, you will be exercising several minutes on a treadmill. If you cannot walk on a treadmill, then a prescribed medication will be injected over several minute periods. In either case, the purpose is to increase the workload being placed on your heart.
• You will be instructed to report any symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Try to exercise for as long as you are able to, as this will increase the accuracy of the test.
• Tell the nuclear technician when you are almost to the point when you can no longer exercise. At this point, the tracer will be injected into the intravenous line. You will be asked to continue to exercise for another minute or so after the injection.
• Imaging portion: You will then lie flat on a special table under a scanning camera. Several pictures of the heart will be taken at various angles. You should remain still while the pictures are being taken. This part can take up to 20 minutes.
• After this initial set of pictures, you will be asked to return in 2 to 4 hours to have additional pictures taken without repeating the exercise. These images are compared to the images obtained during the first part of the test. The technician will give you specific instructions regarding when to return, and what food you can eat.
After The Test
• No sedation is given during this test; therefore, you will be able to drive home directly after the test.
• The BSW Cardiology Consultants of Texas doctor conducting the test may be able to give you preliminary results before you leave. However, a complete interpretation usually takes several days.
• In addition to being called, a copy of your test results is sent to your referring physician.
• This test generally provides more information than an exercise stress test. This will help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan that is best for you.
Holter Monitoring
Holter monitoring is a continuous recording of your ECG, usually for 24 hours, while you go about your usual daily activities. It is especially useful in diagnosing abnormal heart rhythms. The Holter monitor itself is a small, portable cassette recorder, worn on a strap over the shoulder. Several electrodes (small sticky patches) are placed on your chest and connected by wires to the recorder.
Purpose
• To detect abnormal heart rhythms that may now occur during a standard ECG test.
• To assess recurring symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, and palpitations.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of treatments, such as medications and pacemakers, that help control abnormal heart rhythms.
Before The Test
• Wear a loose fitting blouse or shirt, with the buttons in the front.
• Do not use lotions or bath oil on your skin. This will prevent the electrodes from sticking on your skin for 24 hours.
• There are no dietary restrictions.
• Ask your physician if you are to take your medication as ordered.
During The Test
• Several areas on your chest will be cleansed with alcohol and an abrasive pad, to ensure good electrode contact. Men may need to have areas of their chest shaved.
• Please inform the medical assistant or nurse if you are allergic to cloth or paper tape. This will be used to help secure the electrodes on your skin.
• The electrodes are connected by wires to the recorder. The nurse or medical assistant will check the system to make sure it is working properly.
• You can do anything you would normally do, except take a bath or shower while the monitor is on. Do not get the electrodes, wires, or recorder wet.
• The nurse will show you a button on the recorder to press if you have a symptom that you want the physician to especially note. When you press this button, it marks the tracing for the doctor. This will help the doctor correlate your symptoms with your ECG tracing.
• Try to sleep on your back, with the recorder positioned at your side so that the electrodes are not pulled off.
• You will keep a diary (or log) in which you enter your activities, any symptoms you experience, and the time at which the symptoms occurred. The diary is very important, because it enables the doctor to correlate your activities and symptoms with the ECG tracing. DO NOT FORGET TO BRING THE DIARY BACK WHEN YOU RETURN THE RECORDER.
After The Test
• Once you return the monitor, the cassette is analyzed by a computer, and scanned by a technician. The report is printed for the CCT doctor to review.
• The information gained will help your Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas doctor make an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan for you. A full report will be sent to your referring physician.
Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty
The arteries of your heart that supply blood to the heart muscle are called coronary arteries. PTCA sometimes called “angioplasty” or “the balloon procedure” is used to restore adequate blood flow to coronary arteries that are narrowed or blocked. The narrowing may be due to plaque build-up or thrombus (blood clot).
Before The Procedure
• You will be asked to sign a consent form after your doctor has explained the procedure and its risk to you.
• One or both groins will be shaved which is the site of entry for the procedure.
• Tell your doctor or nurse if you are allergic to iodine, x-ray dye or other medications or shellfish.
• Most patients are told not to eat or drink anything after midnight. Please ask your nurse.
• You will need to empty your bladder and wear only a hospital gown.
• You may be given some medication to help you relax. You will not be put to sleep; you will be awake, but drowsy.
During The Procedure
• You will be lying on a hard table, surrounded by x-ray equipment.
• A local anesthetic (numbing medicine) will be applied to the groin area.
• The doctor will insert a small tube (catheter) under the skin and into an artery in your groin. This tube will remain in your groin until the doctor removes it at a later time. A smaller catheter with a tiny balloon will be guided through this existing catheter in the artery and advanced into the affected coronary artery.
• An x-ray dye is injected to allow the doctor to view the affected arteries. It may cause a “hot” feeling.
• To help the doctor with the procedure, you may be asked to follow simple directions such as “take a deep breath and hold it”.
• To attempt to widen the inside of the affected artery, the balloon will be inflated and deflated several times.
• You may feel chest discomfort or your original symptoms when the balloon is inflated. Be sure to tell your doctor.
After The Procedure
• You may spend the night in an Intensive Care Unit (CCU) or in the Interventional Cardiology Care Unit (ICCU). Your nurse will be checking your heart rate, your blood pressure, groin, and the pulses in your feet.
• You will have one or two IV lines left in your groin for several hours or overnight. You must stay in bed and not bend the affected leg.
• A device may be placed on your finger to indirectly measure your oxygen level.
• When the IV’s are removed from the groin, a “c-clamp” (a device used to hold pressure to prevent bleeding) will be used to apply pressure.
• It will be several hours before you can get out of bed. Ask your nurse.
• Later, you will be transferred to a regular room.
Permanent Pacemaker Insertion
A permanent pacemaker is a battery-operated device that is placed under the skin, usually in the left upper chest. Small wires connect the pacemaker to the heart. The device is approximately the size of a half-dollar and about 1/2 inch in thickness. The pacemaker is able to sense your heart’s rate and the time between beats. If your heartbeat is not regular or is too slow, the pacemaker sends a small amount of electricity to the heart to speed up the heart or make it beat more regularly. The insertion, which usually takes about 2 hours, is performed in a special room in the Heart Center.
Before The Test
• You will be asked to sign a consent form after your doctor has explained the procedure and the risks to you.
• Most patients are not allowed to eat or drink anything after midnight prior to the surgery. Please ask your nurse.
• You may be asked to remove dentures, glasses, and jewelry, and to wear a hospital gown.
• You will need to empty your bladder before you go for the procedure.
• Tell your doctor or nurse if you are allergic to iodine, x-ray dye, or other medications.
• You may be given some medicine to help you relax. You will not be put to sleep; you will be awake, but drowsy.
During The Test
• You will be lying on a hard table surrounded by x-ray equipment and will be connected to a heart monitor.
• A numbing medicine will be given.
• The permanent pacemaker will be inserted just under the skin through a small incision.
• Your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing will be monitored.
Immediately After The Test
• You will probably be returned to your same room.
• Your heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored.
• You will be able to eat and/or drink as soon as you are awake.
• Before you go home, you will be given information regarding your device and follow-up care from the nurses in the pacemaker lab.
Resting Ankle Pressures
Systolic pressures measured at the ankle should be equal to or greater than the pressures measured at the arm. The ankle-arm pressure index (API) is normally 1.0 or greater. The API declines as levels of disease increase.
Before The Procedure
There are no special preparations for this test. You will be taken to the Vascular lab in a wheelchair or stretcher. If a family member would like to go with you, they must be prepared to walk a great distance quickly.
During The Procedure
If you go by wheelchair, you will be asked to lie on a bed in an exam room for the test. There will be a short wait while the technician reviews your chart. Blood pressures will be taken on your arms and ankles. The changes in pressures will help your physician locate any suspected blockages. The technician will chart out the pressures on a map of the vascular system, and place it in your chart for your physician to review.
After The Procedure
After a brief wait, you will be taken back to your room by wheelchair or stretcher. Your physician will explain the results of the test after he/she reviews the charted pressures.
Segmental Limb Pressures
Systolic pressures are measured in sequence at different points along the legs, and compared to the pressure in the arms. By comparing the pressures, the physician can detect suspected blockages.
Before The Procedure
There are no special preparations for this test. You will be taken to the Vascular lab in a wheelchair or by stretcher. If a family member would like to go with you, they must be prepared to walk a great distance quickly.
During The Procedure
If you go by wheelchair, you will be asked to lie on a bed in an exam room for the test. There will be a short wait while the technician reviews your chart. Pressures will be taken on your arms. Pressures will also be taken up and down your legs. The technician will chart out these pressures on a map of the vascular system, and put it in your chart for your physician to review.
After The Procedure
After a brief wait, you will be taken back to your room by wheelchair or stretcher. Your physician will explain the results of the test after he reviews the charted pressures.
Signal Average Electrocardiogram
A signal average ECG, or “Late Potential Detector” is a microprocessor based electrocardiogram (ECG). This type of ECG provides the cardiologist with knowledge about the potential to have a life threatening heart rhythm. It gives the Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas doctor different information than a 12 lead ECG.
Purpose
This is a good screening test for detecting patients prone to sustained ventricular tachycardia (a potential life threatening heartbeat). If the test does show the potential to have this rhythm, then a more aggressive cardiac evaluation is warranted. The test itself only takes about 5 minutes.
Before The Test
• There are no dietary restrictions.
• Wear a loose fitting blouse or shirt, with the buttons in the front. Do not wear a one-piece jumpsuit.
• Do not use lotions or bath oil on your skin. This will prevent the electrodes (sticky patches) from sticking to your skin.
During The Test
• A trained medical assistant (or nurse) will place six electrodes (small sticky patches) on your chest and one electrode on your back. The areas on your chest and back will be cleansed with alcohol and an abrasive pad will be used to ensure good electrode contact. Men may need to have areas of their chest shaved.
• The electrodes are connected by wires to the signal average ECG machine.
• You will be lying on your back on an exam table. Once the test has started, you will be asked to lie very still on the table, while the machine is collecting data for the 3 channel ECG.
• The machine will then produce a 3 channel ECG for the BSW Cardiology Consultants of Texas doctor to interpret.
After The Test
• Immediately after the test, the physician can give you a complete interpretation. The presence of a “late potential” has been associated with the potential to have an abnormal heart rhythm.
• If the test is abnormal, your doctor may order additional tests.
Tilt Table
Tilt Table test is for people who have unexplained fainting spells, called syncope. The test enables the doctor to identify how changes in your position from lying to standing affect your blood pressure and heart rhythm. During the test, there will be constant monitoring of your blood pressure and heart rate. Your heart rate will be measured by an electrocardiogram (EKG).
Before The Procedure
• You will be asked to sign a consent form after your doctor has explained the procedure and its risks to you.
• Please do not eat or drink after midnight before the procedure.
• You will be taken to the Electrophysiology lab by wheelchair or stretcher.
• You will be awake when you are brought into the lab and during the procedure.
• Electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart during the procedure. The skin may need to be lightly scraped and chest hair shaved on men to obtain clear test results.
• Safety belts will be placed across your chest and legs to secure your position on the table during the procedure.
• A small intravenous catheter (IV catheter) will be placed in your hand or arm. The medicine given during the test will be given through this catheter.
• You will need to undress from the waist up; hospital gowns will be available to wear.
During The Procedure
• The table on which you are lying will be tilted upward so that your head is higher than your body to stimulate normal gravity effects on the body.
• Throughout the test, your blood pressure and heart are carefully monitored.
• You are encouraged to let your doctor know how you are feeling during the test.
• During the test you may receive Isuprel. This medicine stimulates your normal stress response, which may bring on the symptoms you have had in the past. Isuprel may cause nausea. If you begin to feel bad, please tell the staff.
• The procedure will take approximately 90 minutes.
After The Procedure
• You will return to your room and may go home after the procedure.
• The doctor will discuss the results of the test with you and your referring physician.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. It uses sound waves that are bounced off the heart, reflected back and converted to images on the screen. A trained cardiologist will pass a flexible tube through the mouth and into the esophagus to obtain more information about your heart. This gives clearer pictures of the values, structures and size of the heart as opposed to an echocardiogram done from outside the chest wall.
Purpose
The images reflect the structure of the heart and the function and movement of the valves and heart chambers.
Before The Test
• If done as an outpatient we advise you to have someone drive you to the hospital and take you home. You may receive sedation.
• Do not eat for several hours before the test (your Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas doctor will instruct you as to the exact amount of time).
• If you accidently do eat, please notify the lab, as your test may need to be rescheduled.
Day Of The Test
• You will be asked to sign a special permit after the test has been explained to you.
• Electrodes will be attached to your chest to monitor your heart.
• The oxygen in your blood will be monitored using a monitoring device attached to a finger.
• An intravenous (IV) line will be started so that medications can be given to you.
• You will be asked to lie on your left side.
• A “numbing medicine” will be sprayed into the back of your throat.
• Medications to induce drowsiness will be given through an IV line.
• Once sedated, a tube will be passed down the patient’s throat into the esophagus.
• Images are then taken of the heart.
• The test lasts approximately 15 minutes.
Immediately After The Test
• Patient begins to wake up shortly after scope is removed.
• Liquids are given once throat is no longer numb (your BSW Cardiology Consultants of Texas doctor will instruct you as to the exact amount of time).
• Patient is observed until the doctor okays your return to hospital room or leaving the hospital.
Reactions
• Most patients notice a mild sore throat after the procedure.
• A cardiologist will review the study and inform you or your doctor of the results.
