On your first visit to One Heart Care, your cardiologist will review your medical history and carry out a physical examination. Most patients will receive an ECG followed by a consultation to assess if further tests are necessary.
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Electrocardiogram (ECG)
A simple, painless test that monitors and records cardiac activity and rhythm of the heartbeat using the heart’s electrical signals. 
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We do ask that you refrain from wearing perfumes, colognes or scented lotions on the day of your appointment. There are no pretest dietary restrictions and you should continue to take any prescribed medications as normal, unless otherwise advised by your doctor. Test Process The entire test will take about 10 to 15 minutes. An electrocardiogram is a safe and painless test done while you are lying face-up on an examination table. In preparation, a technician will place receptors on your chest, arms, and legs. Depending, the technician may have to shave areas of your skin (male patients) to help the electrodes stick. Patients are provided with a gown for privacy. Following an ECG, you may develop redness where the electrodes were attached. This mild redness often goes away quickly and without treatment. Patients are typically able to return to work or other activities immediately following an ECG. Holter Monitoring (Ambulatory ECG Monitoring)
A Holter monitor is a small, wearable device that keeps track of your heart rhythm. Similar to an ECG (electrocardiogram). However, a standard ECG only records the heartbeat for a few seconds while a Holter Monitor will record longer to diagnose arrhythmias. Your doctor may want you to wear a Holter monitor for one up to 14 days. During that time, the device records all of your heartbeats. Your doctor uses information captured on the Holter monitor to figure out if you have a heart rhythm problem. You'll be asked to keep a diary of all your daily symptoms while you're wearing the monitor so that symptoms can be correlated with what is captured on the monitor. 
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A Holter Monitor is a small, portable device that is worn while you do your normal daily activities in order to monitor the heart over a longer period of time. You will be asked to sign a responsibility form to ensure that you will return the device on time and in working condition. Prior to being equipped with the Holter, we suggest taking a shower as you will not be able to shower during the period in which you are wearing the device (typically 24, 48 or 72 hours). We do ask that you refrain from wearing perfumes, colognes or scented lotions on the day of your appointment. There are no pretest dietary restrictions and you should continue to take any prescribed medications as normal, unless otherwise advised by your doctor. Test Process Holter monitoring is a painless procedure. In preparation, a technician will place electrodes on your chest, arms, and legs. Depending, the technologist may have to shave areas of your skin (male patients) to help the electrodes stick. The technician will instruct you on how to record symptoms as they occur in a Patient’s Diary, which will be provided for you and requested by your technician when you return the device. A Holter monitor is a delicate and expensive medical device. As such, you will be asked to sign a responsibility form to ensure that you will return the device on time and in working condition. Following an ECG, you may develop redness where the electrodes were attached. This mild redness often goes away quickly and without treatment. Patients are typically able to return to work or other activities immediately following an ECG. Please arrive 10 minutes before your test to register at the reception desk. Exercise Stress Testing (GXT)
An important tool in the evaluation and management of patients with known or suspected coronary heart disease. While stress testing can be performed in a variety of ways, the most commonly used are electrocardiography and exercise combined with imaging. 
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Please wear comfortable clothes and running shoes as there will be physical activity during the test. We also ask that you refrain from wearing perfumes, colognes or scented lotions on the day of your appointment. There are no pretest dietary restrictions and you should continue to take any prescribed medications as normal, unless otherwise advised by your doctor. Test Process Exercise Stress Testing usually lasts around 30 to 40 minutes. The test begins with a cardiology technologist placing electrodes on your chest and abdomen area. The technologist may be required to shave these areas (male patients) to allow for a better electrical connection. Patients will also be provided with a gown. You will be instructed to walk on a treadmill for as long as you can as this increases the effectiveness of the test. ECG images will be taken throughout the test. An exercise stress test is generally a very safe procedure, although it may trigger symptoms or arrhythmias. You will be advised to immediately notify the technologist if you experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath or light-headedness. Medical staff and emergency equipment are available at all times. Following the test, patients may experience some mild skin irritation from the electrodes. This usually goes away quickly and without treatment. Patients are typically able to return to work or other activities immediately following an exercise stress test. Please arrive 10 minutes before your test to register at the reception desk. Cardiac Consultation
An opportunity for you to be evaluated by a specialist of cardiology, who has the expertise and training to help evaluate your condition and identify any potential concerns. The cardiologist will ask questions about medical history, physical activity and other information that will help provide an assessment. Should it be determined that further tests are warranted, your cardiologist will requests tests. 
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Bring arrive with ALL OF YOUR PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS for the cardiologist to review. We do ask that you refrain from wearing perfumes, colognes or scented lotions on the day of your appointment. There are no pretest dietary restrictions and you should continue to take any prescribed medications as normal, unless otherwise advised by your doctor. Arrive 10 minutes before your appointment to register at the reception desk. Consultation Process Request for Consultation All requests for cardiac consultations must be made by a referring physician, who make the request on your behalf. The specialist’s team will provide you an appointment time based on availability and urgency of request. Prior to your arrival, the specialist will receive all required medical information on your cardiac status and indications in order to provide a thorough assessment. Follow-Up Appointment Based on the cardiac consultation and subsequent test results, the cardiologist may request additional test(s) or request that you come in for a follow-up appointment. The cardiologist will provide a detailed explanation of the results, as well as the prognosis and treatment plan if required. Cardiac Re-Assessment A cardiac re-assessment may be requested based on the determination and results of tests. Your cardiologist will review your progress and make any changes to your treatment plan as required. |
Nuclear Stress Test
A non-invasive imaging test performed to find out whether any areas of the heart muscle are not receiving enough blood flow during exercise. 
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Patients should be off beta-blockers and calcium-channel blockers on the recommendation of the referring physician only. For patients who have severe asthma and who are on chronic bronchodilators, Persantine stress studies are contraindicated. Patients undergoing Persantine stressing do not require exercise clothing. Patients should have a light meal 1-2 hours before the test. Avoid certain foods such as caffeine-containing beverages at least 24 hours before the test. No coffee, tea, chocolate, hot chocolate, not even decaffeinated drinks, soda pop, Tylenols 1, 2, 3, and asthma medications). Bring a list of medications with you including dosage and frequency. Take all medications as usual unless otherwise directed by your doctor. It is vital that the physician knows exactly what medications you are taking and if you have diabetes, a defibrillator or pacemaker. Make sure that you have no lotions applied on your chest area and no smoking 1 hour prior to testing. Please bring a snack with you to eat after receiving your radio-pharmaceutical injection for the test. This will help to optimize the quality of your images. Make sure you wear comfortable clothing and running shoes suitable for physical activity (excluding Persantine patients). Patients are typically able to drive home by themselves. Test Process The Nuclear Cardiology examination consists of two parts which last approximately 3-6 hours in total duration. The Resting MUGA (ventricular function) study consists of one part and lasts about 1-1/2 hours. 2D Colour Doppler Echocardiography (Echo)
An echocardiogram uses ultrasound waves to produce images of your heart. This common test allows your doctor to see your heart beating and pumping blood. Your doctor may suggest an echo for problems with the valves or chambers of your heart. A Contrast Echocardiogram is a specific type of echocardiogram which uses a special ultrasound enhancing agent that is injected into one of the veins in your arm to help show structures in the heart better. It allows the inside of the heart to be seen more clearly on the ultrasound pictures. 
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Other than wearing loose-fitting clothing, there are no special restrictions or preparation prior to a 2D Doppler echocardiogram. Although the gel is water soluble and should not stain, it can be messy and could get on your clothing, so please be aware and dress appropriately. We do ask that you refrain from wearing perfumes, colognes or scented lotions on the day of your appointment. There are no pretest dietary restrictions and you should continue to take any prescribed medications as normal, unless otherwise advised by your doctor. Additional note for Contrast Echo: There is an extremely small risk (less than 1 in 10,000) of developing an allergic reaction to the agent used. Uncommon but possible side effects can include dizziness, weakness,fatigue, palpitations, headaches, and nausea. Let the technologist know if you have any previous allergic reaction to echo contrast (called perflutren), blood, blood products, albumin, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you have had any recent procedures. Test Process The test will take about 45 minutes. You will be asked to remove your shirt and put on a gown to keep you comfortable and maintain privacy. While lying on an examination table, a technician will apply a colorless gel to your chest and then a transducer will be moved back and forth across different areas to obtain multiple views of your heart. You may be asked to move from your back and to the side. Instructions may also be given for you to breathe slowly or to hold your breath. This helps in obtaining higher quality pictures. With Doppler echocardiograms, as the transducer moves over your heart, you will hear a “whooshing” sound, much like that of a washing machine. This sound relates to the movement of blood within your heart chambers. The images are constantly viewed on the monitor and recorded for a permanent record of the examination. This is reviewed by the physician prior to completion of the final report. Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor
A portable blood pressure recording device that provides doctors information about your blood pressure over a 24-hour period. An ABPM is used to detect high blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension) in an individual. 
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Ambulatory blood pressure monitors are delicate and expensive medical devices. As such, you will be asked to sign a responsibility form to ensure that you will return the device on time and in working condition. We do ask that you refrain from wearing perfumes, colognes or scented lotions on the day of your appointment. There are no pretest dietary restrictions and you should continue to take any prescribed medications as normal, unless otherwise advised by your doctor. Test Process An ABP monitor consists of an arm cuff and a monitor which are connected to each other by a rubber tube. Before passing the monitor over to you, a cardiac technician will program the device and take the first reading in office to ensure that all settings are correct. The arm cuff will be wrapped snugly around your bicep, and the monitor secured to a waist belt or a shoulder strap. Over a 24-hour period, the arm cuff will inflate as follows: Every 30 minutes from the first reading until 11:00pm Every hour from 11:00 pm to 7:00am Every 30 minutes from 7am until you return to the clinic. Please do not remove the ABP monitor yourself. Your technician will turn off the device and remove it on site. Ventricular Function Studies
A ventricular function study evaluates blood flow in the heart and the pumping function of the heart at rest. This exam is used to accurately determine the ejection fraction from the left ventricle. 
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Take your medication as per usual. It requires no preparation and last about one hour. |
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1000 Middlegate Road, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
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